By Michael Whitmer, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- For the first time since the season started, Patriots receiver Chad Ochocinco sat down to answer questions, giving a few minutes each to the Globe and two other members of the media.

Ochocinco, who has come under scrutiny this year for his lack of production after spending 10 solid seasons in Cincinnati, caught his first touchdown pass as a Patriot in Sunday's victory against the Broncos. Ochocinco's only catch of the game went for 33 yards.

"It felt real good, yeah," Ochocinco said. "It felt good to get the monkey off my back."

For the season, Ochocinco has 14 catches for 261 yards. He's on pace to have the lowest statistical season since his rookie year of 2001, when he caught 28 passes for 329 yards for the Bengals.

Asked if it's been a trying season, Ochocinco said, "No, not at all. It’s a team game, it’s not an individual game. Everything is based off individual numbers and everybody wants to look at the stats, but it is what it is. We’re 11-3 and I’m happy."

When asked if it's been difficult to hear the criticism that's come his way this year, Ochocinco said, "No, because I create the criticism. I’m the one creating all the noise."

Much more to come from our short sit-down with Ochocinco in tomorrow's Globe.