Returning to practice without a contract extension, playing after just recovering from food poisoning, getting flagged for using abusive language towards a referee. The first two games of the season for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase were not fun. And when you go to work without having fun, it feels like just a job. Chase said as much Thursday afternoon.
"Yeah, yeah, first two games yeah it did."
The 24-year old known best for a charismatic smile and his joyfully doing the "Griddy" after touchdowns didn't have much joy until he found the end zone once again.
Then the fun returned.
Chase popped off against the Washington Commanders on "Monday Night Football" and hauled in not one, but two long touchdown passes from quarterback Joe Burrow. Chase entered the gam with just 97 yards and zero scores on the season. He finished the night with 118 yards and two of Burrow's three touchdowns.
General rust took part in Week 1's struggles. Being doubled all game long by the Chiefs led to a pedestrian Week 2. But when Chase crossed the goal line for the game's first touchdown in Week 3, all felt right again.
"I just want to make a play for the guys man," Chase said. "It felt like a relief moment for me, you know what I'm saying?"
The truth of the matter is what many on the outside speculated. Sitting out of practices in hopes to get a long-term deal done had its impact on Chase, and it carried over into the start of the season. Getting back to his playmaking ways Monday night was his way of moving past all of it.
"All this BS that was going on this offseason and prior to season, I'm just happy that it's over with and finally playing ball and having fun with the guys," Chase said. "That's what matters most to me."
Staying healthy and dominant should also matter a great deal, and Chase's listing on Wednesday's estimated injury report stirred up more speculation about a possible injured shoulder. He cleared the air Thursday with two words.
“I’m great,” Chase said after the team listed him as a full participant on Thursday.
He definitely was great against Washington. Chase was the catalyst towards one of Burrow's best games in recent memory and the Bengals still couldn't get the win. It's looking like the offense will need to dominate every week until the defense sorts itself out.
It's a possibility now that Chase is back feeling like himself again.
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