Just like that, the Cincinnati Bengals are 0-1 after losing arguably the easiest game of a challenging 2024 season schedule. While the New England Patriots are certainly not a cakewalk, the Cincinnati franchise once again showed off its reputation for slow starts after this loss takes the team’s record to 1-5 in Week 1 games under head coach Zac Taylor. While losing in week 1 isn’t the end of the world, this is certainly a reality check for a team that was entering the season with a ton of confidence.
Cincinnati Bengals Star Frustrated By Poor Performance
Of all of the players who were visibly frustrated during the slugfest at their home stadium, no one may have been as frustrated as former All-Pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. In his first taste of action this season after bitter negotiations over his looming contract extension have held him out of the entire preseason, Chase was visibly frustrated with his limited usage throughout the first half. In the second half, the team forced Chase the ball a little bit more and the LSU product finished the game with six receptions for 62 receiving yards.
Star Playmaker Obviously Furious After the Game
The ineptitude of the offense was a major reason for the surprising loss and after the game, Chase was visibly frustrated as he was talking to reporters. Even though he kept asserting that the team needs to have a short-term memory and focus on next week, his body language and mannerisms suggest that Chase may be upset with the way his contract situation impacted his performance to start the season. At one point, a reporter asked Chase if he was upset regarding his minuscule total of six targets and he told the reporter to “ask the coaches about it”.
Tough Competition Deserves Credit for Excellent Performance
Chase can’t be totally blamed as he was blanketed by a rising star in cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez was a first-round pick last season and after an excellent rookie year, there is already discussion regarding an All-Pro nod at the end of the season. The talented young corner seemed to take it as a challenge to defend one of the best receivers in the game and during his post-game press conference, he was heard saying that Chase wasn’t going to get his contract off of him.
It will be interesting to see how Cincinnati handles Chase’s contract given the disastrous conclusion to week 1. Even though the front office tends to avoid contract discussions once the regular season starts, it is possible that extending Chase may take priority over tradition since this team is in desperate need of refocusing. After what should have been an easy win in week 1, Cincinnati will travel to Kansas City to take on their bitter conference rival in an early season showdown.
