Ja’Marr Chase Advocates for Faster Starts: Should Bengals’ Starters Sit Out Preseason?

The Bengals have had a tough time starting strong in recent seasons. Recently, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase shared his thoughts during a press conference about why this might be happening.

“Maybe we need to play the preseason, huh?” he joked with reporters. He acknowledged the team’s early struggles but added that he prefers not to play in those games if he had a choice.

Last year was particularly challenging for Chase. A contract dispute kept him out of a lot of training camp. When he finally took the field for the season opener against the Patriots, he wasn’t fully prepared. “I was in my own head,” Chase admitted, saying that his contract situation affected his mindset.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor commented on the importance of preseason games. “Playing our guys in the preseason could help,” he said, hinting that it had been a topic of discussion with the team. He underscored that resolving contract issues for himself and other players—like receiver Tee Higgins in the past—could also be beneficial.

Looking ahead, the Bengals have a chance to start strong this season with their early games against the Browns and Jaguars. If they can capitalize on these opportunities, it may set a positive tone for their road games against Minnesota and Denver in Week 3.

Interestingly, many fans have also been vocal about the Bengals’ slow starts, expressing their frustration on social media. Some have pointed to the need for better team cohesion and consistent practice to boost performance.

In terms of statistics, a recent survey showed that 65% of NFL fans believe preseason games are valuable for team preparation and player fitness. This highlights a growing sentiment among fans about the importance of preseason play, even if some players feel differently.

Overall, the Bengals face a critical juncture this season. By addressing their slow starts and ensuring that players are ready, they may find a way to turn things around.

For more insights on team preparations, check out this report from ESPN.



Source link