Bengals’ top pick Chase has three drops in game
LANDOVER, Md. — The Cincinnati Bengals starters saw the most action head coach Zac Taylor has given his first-team offense and defense so far this preseason, but after taking the lead late in the third quarter, the Bengals were unable to score another touchdown, and they lost 17-13 to the Washington Football Team.
The Bengals’ pass rush was the high- light of Friday night’s game while the offense was unable to really get going. Here’s what else we learned: Ja’marr Chase continues to drop passes
Ever since the Bengals selected Ja’marr Chase with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, expectations have been high. Chase was the best wide receiver in college football in 2019, and given his familiarity with quarterback Joe Burrow, his former LSU teammate, it’s hard to believe the slow start he’s had.
Chase dropped three passes, all of them on third down. It’s worth noting most of Chase’s practice reps come when Burrow is under center, and it was Brandon Allen who was throwing him the ball at Fedex Field.
“We expect our receivers to catch the ball … it’s as simple as that,” Taylor said following the game. “I don’t attribute it to any rhythm, the ball is coming at you, catch it.”
Burrow hasn’t dressed for a preseason game yet and Taylor has yet to announce if he will let his franchise quarterback see any game snaps before the Bengals’ home-opener.
Bengals’ offseason investment on defensive line looks to be paying off
After finishing last in the NFL in sacks and No. 27 against the run last season, the Bengals signed defensive end Trey Hendrickson and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi to complement Sam Hubbard and DJ Reader, who were both on the roster in 2020. Hubbard and Reader combined for four quarterback hits and a sack in the first quarter. Ogunjobi made a key play to stop the Washington Football Team’s fourthand-1 from the 23-yard line. Hendrickson applied consistent pressure in the limited snaps he saw.
“I think we understand the potential we have in the group, and we understand we have to bring it each and every day,” Ogunjobi said.