Ja'Marr Chase Sounds Off After Bengals' Slow Start: 'We Gotta Take More Shots Downfield'

CINCINNATI — The Bengals' offense has struggled this season. They've scored 20 points in two games and star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase only has 10 receptions (17 targets) for 70 yards.

The 23-year-old receiver was honest when asked about Joe Burrow's calf injury on Monday.

Chase also shared his thoughts on what this offense needs to do to get him more involved.

“Some go routes in there, just some downfield shots,” Chase said. “Maybe we’ll move me around some more, and we’ll just see some adjustments. Who knows? I’m getting a lot of bubble screens, so definitely gotta take some more shots, like I just said.”

Chase's longest catch of the season is 13 yards. To put that in perspective, he averaged 18 yards-per-reception during his entire rookie campaign. That number dropped to 12 yards per catch last year.

The Bengals were hoping to create more explosive plays this season, but that hasn't happened in the first two games.

Even with the uncertainty surrounding Burrow's calf injury, Chase made it clear that he wants a chance to make big plays downfield.

“We really haven’t taken that many shots downfield. If you look at the last two games, you don’t really see that many shots downfield," Chase said. "We gotta take more shots downfield. That’s why we have deep-threat guys. Take a chance. He (Burrow) could be a pocket passer and still be explosive. That’s just him extending a play and making a play."

If the Bengals' offense is going to get going, they need to find a way to get Chase the ball in space. That could be deep downfield like he said or in a place where he can run after the catch.

Chase is their best and most explosive offensive weapon. Establishing him early against the Rams could do a lot for this offense, regardless of Burrow's injury.

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