Over the course of a full NFL season, there are going to be ups and downs and for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, the Week 2 matchup with the Kansas City chiefs was a major low. While his mediocre stat line of four receptions for just 35 yards was well below his average, Chase was primarily used as a diversion heading as Kansas City focused on double teaming Cincinnati’s biggest offensive threat. Unfortunately, this just highlights what has already been a tough few months for the superstar receiver.
Body Language of Cincinnati Bengals Superstar Tells the Full Story
Even after the substandard statistics during the heartbreaking 26-25 loss to Kansas City, the unfortunate highlight of Chase’s night came on a short gain where cornerback Trent McDuffie made a questionable form tackle on Chase. Chase rapidly stood up and chased after the official as he believed it was a hip drop tackle that had recently been banned by the NFL after a series of star players were injured last season. After the outburst, Chase was given an unsportsmanlike penalty flag that took the team out of field goal range.
No new contract and a 15 yard unsportsmanlike flag
Tough week for Ja’Marr Chase
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 15, 2024
On top of the flag, Chase would have to be separated by the official by quarterback Joe Burrow who actually threw Chase out of frustration after the penalty.
Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase get heated 😳 pic.twitter.com/ex5Hy3lktN
— Paulos (@LoswitheMos) September 15, 2024
After the play, Chase would get into it on the sideline with head coach Zac Taylor after he threw his helmet in frustration.
Zac Taylor having a chat with Ja’Marr Chase pic.twitter.com/AVuDOZnCYT
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 15, 2024
On top of that, Chase after the game simply has a somber tone to him and flat out refused to acknowledge the incident on the field.
Here’s two minutes with Ja’Marr Chase following an emotional loss in Kansas City. #Bengals @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/2dA5iCOJs9
— Regan Holgate (@HolgateRegan) September 16, 2024
After Chase was pretty much stoic for the past few seasons, it has become apparent that his contract dispute with the front office has critically wounded his psyche. While part of it could just be the fact that Chase felt like he was manipulated by the organization, he has also been vilified by the fanbase as a ‘whiner’ which has definitely put him in a negative mindset.
Both this week and last week, Chase has had to bury his head during interviews to avoid blaming other people on the team. It is obvious that he knows it would be the wrong this to do but the superstar LSU product is clearly approaching the end of his rope in Cincinnati. If this organization and fanbase doesn’t show him some appreciation soon, he may grow disgruntled to the extent where he demands a trade.
Fans are quick to assume Chase is to blame but it is important to recognize that a multitude of players as recent as this spring with fellow wideout Tee Higgins have suffered this kind of treatment from the front office. At some point, both the fanbase and the roster will need to answer the question: if this front office can’t even keep their best player happy, what hope do they have of building a roster capable of a Super Bowl victory?
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