Dolphins WR Chad Johnson predicts 'monster' season, was 'controlled' in 2011

Johnson expects a 'monster' season in Miami. (US Presswire)

Earlier this offseason, Chad Ochocinco became a Dolphin. Earlier this week, Chad Ochocinco became Chad Johnson. Again. And it appears the changes have allowed Johnson is back doing what he does best: running his mouth and saying ridiculous things.

Like, for instance, proclaiming to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald that he's set to have a "monster" season.

"This season is going to be a monster year. I don't care who's playing quarterback. I'm going to have a great year," Johnson said. The first day I get to camp, everybody's mouth can drop [the bleep] open. My game is at the point where it doesn't matter who starts at quarterback. Oprah can play quarterback and we'll be all right."

Johnson will need a monster year, though, if he wants to get paid: his deal is reportedly non-guaranteed and incentive-laden.

Most folks probably believe this brash sort of chatter from Johnson is going to end up resulting in him looking foolish if and when he can't back it up. But Johnson believes running his mouth "forces him to perform" and lamented his "controlled" personality with the Patriots in 2011.

"My personality was controlled last year. You didn't hear me at all last year. Zero. Zilch. When my mouth is running, it forces me to perform. It's never been vindictive. I never got anybody in trouble," Johnson said. "One of the things I like about being here, that's so refreshing, and is such a weight off my back, is I can be me, whatever that entails. When I can be me, I am loose. Everything just flows for me. Whether it's the style of play, the way I learn."

Johnson's being allowed to be him. It's quite likely that, during the short term, that will be greatly appreciated by the Dolphins ... and HBO.

But all that's going to matter -- we hope anyway -- when it comes to whether or not Miami keeps Johnson for the actual portion of the season that counts is whether or not Johnson can perform on the football field. At that point, any talking becomes pointless.