-
Ben Child
CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Bengals vast receiver Ja’Marr Chase took a web page out of a reporter’s pocket book on Tuesday.
In the course of an interview, he began asking questions to seek out a solution that has eluded the Bengals for a number of years. When requested about whether or not enjoying within the preseason may assist Cincinnati resolve its gradual begins, Chase eyed the semi-circle of media members surrounding his locker and began rattling off a sequence of questions with a easy premise – what had been the data for the Bengals within the first two weeks of the season and the way a lot did Cincinnati follow within the preseason?
In coach Zac Taylor’s six seasons, the Bengals have sparingly used starters in preseason video games. Throughout that span, Cincinnati has a 1-11 file, the worst within the NFL. After working reporters by means of the slew of 0-2 begins to a number of seasons, Chase wrapped up his questions and arrived at a conclusion.
“Seems like we have to play within the preseason, huh?” Chase quipped after the crew’s first voluntary OTA.
Cincinnati’s starters have hardly ever seen the sector within the crew’s exhibition contests previous Week 1. Final 12 months, offensive starters solely performed the opening sequence of the crew’s preseason opener in opposition to Tampa Bay. The one different incidence was within the 2021 preseason finale, a three-play sequence that featured a Chase dropped cross on a display cross that nearly felt forgotten.
“It wasn’t an amazing display,” Chase recalled, drawing a couple of laughs. “I keep in mind what occurred now.”
However the best way Cincinnati has began every of the final six seasons has drawn something however smiles. Final season, the Bengals went 0-3 to start out the 12 months, together with a Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots, which completed the season with a 4-13 file that resulted in coach Jerod Mayo’s firing after one 12 months.
However that defeat additionally sums up among the points which have plagued the Bengals firstly of every season. For starters, quarterback Joe Burrow has handled a critical damage in yearly besides his rookie season in 2020, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Final season additionally featured Chase’s first intensive on-field motion after a contract dispute that prompted him to skip all the crew’s coaching camp exercises.
“I may say I wasn’t mentally able to be on the sector,” Chase mentioned on Tuesday. “I used to be in my very own head. You realize what I am saying? I needed to play, however I used to be in my very own head.”
As with every season, the Bengals finally made amends for his or her gradual begin. However even with a 9-8 total file, these early losses had been a significant purpose why Cincinnati missed the playoffs for the second straight 12 months, regardless of profession years from a number of prime gamers.
Final week, Taylor recommended the best way the crew will deal with preseason video games will change in 2025.
“The one factor I do be ok with is enjoying our guys within the preseason,” Taylor mentioned. “That is all the time topic to vary, relying on well being and the way issues go along with our crew throughout coaching camp, however that is one factor that we have overtly talked about with our gamers, and I feel will assist us as we do it.”
That will not be the one totally different dynamic this 12 months. Chase now not has to fret about his contract standing after the crew signed him to a four-year deal price $161 million. The typical annual wage is the very best for a non-quarterback in league historical past.
Bengals vast receiver Tee Higgins additionally obtained a contract extension this offseason. As an alternative of enjoying on the franchise tag for a second straight 12 months, Higgins earned a four-year deal price $115 million.
“Hopefully that is the beginning of (beginning quick),” Chase mentioned.
As with yearly, Chase could have lofty private targets for the upcoming season. However the major focus is getting the Bengals again to the highest of the AFC North.
“My largest factor this 12 months, going ahead, is making the playoffs, man,” Chase mentioned. “We obtained to get to the playoffs. That is my first step, however (the) crew objective is to win the division.”