Defending Ochocinco AND “Ochouno”?

Wide receivers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco are fixed on becoming teammates next season.

During a party in Miami, Terrell announced, with Chad by his side, that he would change his name to “Ochouno” if he were to play for the Bengals in 2010. Judging by the countless handshakes Ochocinco gave T.O. after the announcement, I think the current Bengals receiver liked the idea.

In the very early morning hours last Friday, Chad tweeted, “@terrellowens bruh pack yo bags and head to Cincy damit, see you in training camp, one goal in mind #superbowl.” [sic]

Nothing would be more entertaining than sitting back and watching Chad and Terrell’s shenanigans for an entire season. However, the thought of these two joining forces on an AFC North division rival team is not so amusing.

With Lardarius Webb potentially starting next season on the PUP list, Fabian Washington (restricted free agent) coming off a season-ending knee injury, and Samari Rolle’s status unknown, there is much uncertainty at the cornerback position.

The 5-11 Domoninque Foxworth and 5-10 Chris Carr are healthy, but matching up against Ochocinco (6-1) and Ochouno (6-3) would be no bueno.

What are the chances of the two “Ocho’s” actually playing together in Cincinnati? ESPN’s James Walker said the answer is unclear.

“There are plenty of factors such as age, chemistry concerns and money that tells me T.O. wouldn’t work in Cincinnati,” Walker said.

“But I also have a strange, gut feeling that the Bengals would be an ideal landing spot for Owens. Cincinnati obviously has an immediate need, and the Ochocinco factor (the two are very good friends) may actually be an advantage in keeping Owens in line. I need more time to think this one through. The answer isn’t clearly ‘yes’ or clearly ‘no’ for me at this point.”

Check out The Sporting Blog’s YouTube video in which T.O. makes his “Ochouno”X  announcement at Chad’s mansion party.

Stallworth May Not Be Durable Enough for the Ravens

Here’s an interesting tidbit from a former Ravens scout.

With receiver Donte’ Stallworth, 28, reinstated in the NFL, speculation is flying about where the eight-year veteran will land.

Daniel Jeremiah, a former Ravens scout from 2003 to 2006, tweeted that he doesn’t see Baltimore picking up Stallworth. But, Jeremiah’s opinion is not based on the receiver’s recent troubles with the law (Stallworth pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter after he struck and killed a pedestrian).

Instead, Jeremiah implies that the Ravens are looking for more durable receivers than they currently have.

“[Baltimore is] frustrated with Clayton/Williams durability and Stallwroth [sic] is always hurt,”  Jeremiah wrote on his twitter account.

Stallworth’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus told the Boston Globe that his client has a team workout scheduled for today. That team is the Detroit Lions, according to Pro Football Talk.

Rosenhaus said he expects Stallworth to sign with a team “in the next couple weeks at the latest.”

ESPN’s James Walker agrees with Jeremiah in that the Ravens won’t take a chance on Stallworth, “Baltimore needs receivers who are guaranteed to make an immediate impact next season.”

Ravens Work Out WR Webb

If the Ravens are not interested in Stallworth, who are they interested in?

The team worked out former Kansas City Chiefs receiver Jeff Webb, 28, last week, according National Football Post.

The unrestricted free agent has played in 31 games with three starts in his three NFL seasons. Last year, he did not play in the league.

Sharpe Believes He Will Eventually Enter HOF

After former Ravens and Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe was snubbed by the Hall of Fame for the second time this weekend, he told 1510 The Score in Denver that he thinks his time for induction will eventually come.

“I think it will,” Sharpe said. “Here’s the thing. My only problem is this: You’re either a Hall of Famer or you’re not. It’s as simple as that.”

When Sharpe retired in 2002, his 815 catches for 10,060 yards were both NFL records for tight ends, but Sharpe noted that the longer it takes to be inducted, the more those numbers will pale in comparison to modern tight ends because the league is trending toward a passing-centric game.

“I know one thing, they don’t value the tight end position,” Sharpe added. “I think that’s the biggest thing – they don’t really value that position.”

Quick Hits

• The AFC North rival Cleveland Browns could be a sleeper in obtaining disgruntled five-time Pro Bowler Julius Peppers. ESPN’s Chris Mortenson points to Browns President Mike Holmgren’s history of free agent landings in Green Bay and the fact that Cleveland has the cash.
• Ravens tight end Quinn Sypniewski underwent a minor surgical procedure on his left knee, according to National Football Post.
• Former Ravens cornerback David Pittman signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to National Football Post.