The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a precarious situation as star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were absent from the team’s first Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Tuesday. Both players are seeking new contracts ahead of the new NFL season, and their absence has sparked concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Impact on Joe Burrow and Cincinnati Bengals Offense
Green Bay Packers Super Bowl champion James Jones did not mince words when discussing the potential fallout from Chase and Higgins missing OTAs. On Fox Sports’ “Speak,” Jones highlighted the critical nature of having both star receivers on the field.
“Man, this is a big deal… We’re talking both of your star receivers on the team, which means you don’t get no offense if these two dudes are not at the X and the Z. You have no offense,” Jones emphasized.
The absence of Chase and Higgins could have a significant impact on quarterback Joe Burrow and the overall effectiveness of the Bengals’ offense. With two of his primary targets missing, Burrow might find himself in a challenging position as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Cincinnati Bengals Contract Conundrum
James Jones further elaborated on the financial difficulties the Bengals might face in retaining both receivers. He noted that the team would likely need to prioritize signing Ja’Marr Chase first, with a contract that surpasses Tyreek Hill’s four-year, $120 million deal. The recent extension of Nico Collins with the Houston Texans, worth $72.75 million, adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations.
“I don’t know how you get both [contracts for Chase and Higgins] of them done. One of them is going to be lining up at the Z unhappy. One of them is going to be lining up at the X unhappy,” Jones remarked. The potential dissatisfaction of either receiver could further complicate the team’s dynamics and impact their on-field performance.
Ripple Effect on Joe Burrow
Jones also expressed concern about how the absence of Chase and Higgins could affect Joe Burrow directly. Without his top two targets, Burrow might be forced to hold onto the ball longer, increasing his risk of getting hit and potentially leading to more injuries.
“It’s not good for Joe Burrow. Do you know what this means for Joe Burrow? ‘Damn, my time ain’t there with the receivers. If these two dudes are not in the football game, do you know what that means? I got to hold this ball a little bit longer, might get hit a little bit more,’… It is not good,” Jones explained.
The additional pressure on Burrow could hinder the Bengals’ offensive rhythm and overall success as they head into a season with high expectations.
Zac Taylor’s Perspective
Despite the concerns raised by James Jones and others, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor remains unfazed by the absence of Chase and Higgins from OTAs. Taylor emphasized the voluntary nature of these workouts and expressed confidence in the players’ commitment and readiness.
“[They] are still working hard elsewhere, and they’ll be back at the right times,” Taylor said via ESPN. “And the beauty is we know those guys, we know what they’re about and that they’ll be ready and focused when it’s time to come back.”
Taylor’s reassurance highlights the trust and understanding within the team, suggesting that the absence of Chase and Higgins might not be as detrimental as some fear.
Cincinnati Bengals’ Mandatory Minicamp
As the Bengals gear up for a season with Super Bowl aspirations, the presence of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will be crucial. The team’s mandatory minicamp, scheduled from June 11 to 13, will be a critical juncture in determining the readiness and cohesion of the offense.
With a healthy Joe Burrow at the helm, the Bengals hope to reach new heights, and having their star receivers in top form will be essential. The upcoming minicamp will provide a clearer picture of the team’s dynamics and the potential impact of the contract negotiations on their performance.
In conclusion, while the absence of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins from OTAs has raised concerns, the Bengals’ leadership remains optimistic. The next few weeks will be crucial in resolving contract issues and ensuring that the team is fully prepared for the challenges of the upcoming NFL season. As fans and analysts watch closely, the Bengals’ journey toward the Super Bowl will be a storyline to follow with great interest.
Source: sportskeeda
