From Newsweek · Matt Audilet · · 1m 10s
Bengals OC admits Ja'Marr Chase mistake in Week 1
Cincinnati's offensive coordinator says the team didn't get their star receiver involved enough in their season-opening win.
In brief
Cincinnati's offensive coordinator says the team didn't get their star receiver involved enough in their season-opening win. Even in victory, the Bengals underutilized Ja'Marr Chase and plan to increase his involvement going forward. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Bengals beat Buccaneers in Week 1
Cincinnati defeated Tampa Bay 33-27 at Paycor Stadium in a closely contested matchup to start the 2026 season.
Chase had almost no impact
Ja'Marr Chase caught just two passes for 12 yards on four targets from Joe Burrow, an unusually quiet outing for the elite receiver.
Gesicki led the receiving corps
Tight end Mike Gesicki was Cincinnati's leading receiver with five catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.
OC admits targeting mistake
Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher acknowledged after the game that the Bengals didn't get Chase involved enough in their offensive game plan.
“We didn't throw him the ball enough. Ja'Marr's great.”
Chase expects more targets
Given Chase's elite talent and importance to Cincinnati's offense, he's likely to see significantly increased involvement in Week 2 against Houston.
Texans game kicks off Sunday
Cincinnati faces Houston on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET in Week 2, where Chase is expected to play a more prominent role in the offense.
At a glance
Even in victory, the Bengals underutilized Ja'Marr Chase and plan to increase his involvement going forward.
