From Newsweek · Andrew Gould · · 1m 20s
Ja'Marr Chase just found out kickoff is at 1
Cincinnati's star receiver learned his Week 1 start time from reporters, and he is not thrilled about the alarm clock.
In brief
Cincinnati's star receiver learned his Week 1 start time from reporters, and he is not thrilled about the alarm clock. Chase ignores the schedule until game week, and the numbers say the early kickoffs barely dent him anyway. Originally reported by Newsweek.
News to him
The Bengals open at home against Tampa Bay at 1 p.m. ET. Chase told reporters Thursday he had no idea about the start time until they brought it up.
“Well, I'm finding out the game's at 1 o'clock.”
He hates early kickoffs
An afternoon start means a earlier morning, and Chase made clear that is not how he likes to play football.
“I do not like playing 1 o'clock games, so that means I got to wake up earlier than usual.”
Setting an alarm
Chase said he does not normally use a wake-up call. For Week 1 at Paycor Stadium, he plans to start.
“I don't have a wake-up call, but I'm about to make one now.”
He doesn't read schedules
The NFL released the calendar back in May. The 26-year-old said looking that far ahead is not part of his job.
“My job is to work, not the schedule. I'll worry about it when it gets here.”
The numbers disagree
Chase averages 85.4 yards in 50 career 1 p.m. games, better than his 76.7 in late afternoon slots. He is still best at night: 1,647 yards and 13 scores in 16 games.
Eight in a row, then Madrid
All of Cincinnati's first eight games kick at 1 p.m. ET, followed by a trip to Madrid. Primetime finally arrives in Weeks 10 and 11 against Pittsburgh and Washington.
What to remember
Chase ignores the schedule until game week, and the numbers say the early kickoffs barely dent him anyway.
