# 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.
- Title: Bengals OC admits Ja'Marr Chase mistake in Week 1 · Newsweek
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: cincinnati bengals, ja'marr chase, dan pitcher, joe burrow, nfl, week 1, offensive coordinator, tampa bay buccaneers, houston texans, target share, Bengals, admits
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/nfl/bengals-oc-admits-jamarr-chase-mistake-in-week-1-12451344
- Author: Matt Audilet
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cincinnati bengals, ja'marr chase, dan pitcher, joe burrow, nfl, week 1, offensive coordinator, tampa bay buccaneers, houston texans, target share
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Even in victory, the Bengals underutilized Ja'Marr Chase and plan to increase his involvement going forward.