Heading into a highly anticipated AFC clash with the Kansas City Chiefs, Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase made it clear where he stands. Despite the Chiefs‘ recent Super Bowl victories, Chase believes the Bengals are the top team in the AFC and aren’t backing down from any challenge.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Chase expressed his confidence in the Bengals‘ ability to take down the defending champions. “Everybody knows that, bro. It’s not ‘if.’ We are the team to beat in the AFC. And we know it. And we gotta play like it, too,” Chase boldly stated.
The rivalry between the Bengals and the Chiefs has intensified over the past two seasons, as both teams have battled for a spot in the Super Bowl. While the Chiefs ultimately came out on top, Chase remains unfazed by their recent success and is fully focused on proving that Cincinnati is still a legitimate contender.
Staying confident amid injuries and speculation
Despite the Bengals‘ season-opening loss to the New England Patriots, Chase isn’t wavering in his belief that his team has what it takes to win the AFC. He addressed outside criticism and speculation surrounding the team, including the ongoing conversation about key injuries.
But we’re not worried about it. At the end of the day, it’s about the team and what we’re doing on the field. The outside people are not on the field, telling us what to do. I’ll let them stay outside and make their own comments.
Cincinnati has been dealing with a few critical injuries, including concerns around wide receiver Tee Higgins, who missed Week 1 due to a hamstring injury. In response to rumors that he may have exaggerated his condition, Higgins was quick to shoot down the speculation, telling ESPN, “It doesn’t make sense to me.”
Additionally, quarterback Joe Burrow’s health briefly became a topic of conversation after a viral video sparked concerns about his wrist. However, those rumors haven’t derailed the Bengals‘ preparation for their upcoming matchup.
Ja’Marr Chase feels pain at the thought of saying Patrick Mahomes name
A rivalry that’s heating up
The Bengals-Chiefs rivalry has grown fierce in recent years, with both teams emerging as AFC powerhouses. Heading into Week 2, Chase acknowledged the mutual disdain between the two teams: “The energy’s there [on] both sides. I’m sure they know we don’t like them. They know they don’t like us.”
With both teams eyeing another deep postseason run, this matchup is sure to be intense. The Bengals are eager to prove they belong at the top of the conference, and Chase is ready to lead the charge.
