The Bengals, losers of another hard-laced game to the Pittsburgh Steelers 44-38 on Sunday, are reeling. Things have simply not gone right for this season’s preseason darlings, with their defense setting the pace. During a press conference Monday, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was bluntly honest regarding his thoughts about his team’s problems on defense- a brutally honest take that’s sparked plenty of conversation.
“That’s Kind of Our Expectation Now”
When asked if the Bengals’ recent defensive woes have made the offense feel like it must score on every drive to be competitive, Chase didn’t mince words.
“That’s kind of our expectation now,” Chase said. “Gotta find a way. They need to find a way. We gotta find a way.”
His comment reflects the frustration bubbling within the team. Cincinnati’s defense has given up at least 24 points in every game since Week 7, and the Bengals are just 1-4 in that span. It’s hard to win in the NFL when your defense consistently allows opposing offenses to march down the field.
Joe Burrow’s MVP-Level Season Wasted?
What makes the Bengals’ struggles even more disheartening is quarterback Joe Burrow’s incredible season. Through 12 games, Burrow leads the league with 3,337 yards and 30 touchdowns, typically putting a team in playoff contention.
But despite Burrow’s heroics, the Bengals sit at 4-8, their playoff hopes effectively dashed. The disconnect between the offense’s success and the defense’s inability to hold opponents in check has left Cincinnati fans wondering what might have been.
Bigger Issues Brewing?
Comments like this from Chase perhaps represent some greater frustrations within the team. As long as the Bengals offense can do its part in trying to keep games in their balance, the frustration stemming from a lack of complementary support on the other side is clearly wearing on its players.
Ja'Marr Chase after the #Bengals 44-38 loss.
Q: "Did you feel like you had to score every drive?"
A: "That's our expectations now."Good question from @Ben_Baby as well. @Fox19 pic.twitter.com/pBkw3XxGNa
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) December 1, 2024
It’s not about the stats, although they are glaring. The Bengals’ defense is allowing an average of 29.4 points per game over their last five matchups, ranking among the league’s worst in that span. Missed tackles, blown coverages, and a lack of pass rush have all been glaring issues.
That raises bigger questions about their future, including whether Cincinnati needs to make big changes in defensive personnel and coaches come offseason. Will growing frustrations inside the locker room finally start to divide the Bengals further?
What’s Ahead For Cincinnati?
With the team at 4-8, the Bengals don’t have a whole lot to play for but pride and development. The rest of this season will be about the evaluation process to see who stays and goes this offseason. The defense needs to start showing something to prevent a full rebuild in the offseason.
The approach is to remain competitive for Ja’Marr Chase and the offense, even while frustrations rise. Chase’s honesty is refreshing but also a barometer of what the Bengals are going through. If the defense doesn’t “find a way,” as Chase put it, the team will need to do so in the months ahead.
The Bengals’ season may be a wash, but their decisions now could shape their future. One thing is certain: the talent is there, but finding a way to make it all work remains the challenge.
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