Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase on Team's Struggles: "Putting up numbers and losing is not good"

Alex Parker

u/alex

Bengals' Struggles in Close Games Highlight Need for Improvement

Why it matters: The Cincinnati Bengals' inability to finish games and secure victories has become a recurring theme this season, impacting their overall record and playoff aspirations.

The Bengals have suffered six one-possession defeats out of their seven losses, equaling the Jacksonville Jaguars for the worst winning percentage (.143) in such games in the league.

By the numbers:

  • In their recent game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Bengals staged an impressive comeback after trailing 27-6.
  • However, missed field goals and a late touchdown by the Chargers ultimately sealed their fate.
  • Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had a standout performance with two touchdowns and 75 receiving yards in the game.
  • Chase has consistently performed well in Bengals losses, averaging 114.4 receiving yards per game and tallying 10 total touchdowns.

Yes, but: Despite individual efforts like Chase's, the team's struggles to secure victories overshadow individual performances.

  • Quarterback Joe Burrow's stellar performance with 356 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions couldn't compensate for the team's shortcomings.

What to watch: The Bengals' ability to close out games will be crucial in determining their success moving forward.

  • Consistency in executing key plays and making critical decisions during high-pressure situations is essential for their progress.

The bottom line: The Bengals must address their issues in finishing games to elevate their chances of securing victories and improving their overall record.

  • Head coach Zac Taylor expressed frustration with the team's close losses, emphasizing the need for improvement.

Our thought bubble: It is clear that the Bengals have the talent and potential to compete but have fallen short when it matters most.

  • The team must collectively focus on closing out games and capitalizing on opportunities to turn close defeats into wins.

What's next: The Bengals have an opportunity to learn from their experiences and make the necessary adjustments as they continue to develop.

  • They will look to apply these lessons in their upcoming games and strive for a more favorable outcome.