Ja’Marr Chase, the Cincinnati Bengals’ standout wide receiver, addressed his thoughts on the team’s slow starts during a media session on Tuesday. He thinks that the preseason can be a big part of the solution to reverse this trend. Needless to say, the Bengals are juiced for this season.
Chase perched on the bench by his locker and stared at a semicircle of reporters. He was enthusiastic in addressing their concerns on how this young team was doing. This conversation prompted him to think about the relationship between what happens in the preseason and the success of the regular season. He articulated his belief that playing in the preseason is essential for the team to hit the ground running when the games count.
Chase noted, “Sounds like we need to play in the preseason, huh?” This remark highlighted just how cognizant he’d become about the need for more early-game preparedness. He clearly remembered a certain physically taxing 2021 preseason closeout game. On a critical three-play sequence, one terrible dropped pass highlighted exactly what can happen when you aren’t ready to go.
He went on to clarify his personal goals for the new season. “My biggest thing this year, going forward, is making the playoffs, man,” he stated. Chase’s aspirations reflect both a desire for individual success and a commitment to improving the team’s performance.
In his reflections, Chase acknowledged past challenges, admitting, “I could say I wasn’t mentally ready to be on the field.” This is a sign of his maturation as an athlete and, more importantly, a sign that he’s working on being more prepared in the years to come.
Looking ahead, he expressed hope for better starts in 2025, saying, “Hopefully that’s the start of [starting fast in 2025].” His emphasis on process and long-term development speaks to a strategical approach as he looks toward making his mark on the Bengals’ success.
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