The Cincinnati Bengals are known as slow starters, but that has cost them the last two seasons, failing to make the playoffs. However, the Bengals want to avoid coming from behind to reach the postseason.
Ja'Marr Chase wants to make sure Cincinnati starts fast this season, and he believes one reason he’ll be at his best from Week 1 is because, unlike last year, he’s not dealing with any contract extension talks.
On Tuesday, Chase spoke with Kay Adams on “Up & Adams," and he revealed how this training camp has been different than last year's as the 25-year-old prepares for another NFL season.
"Well, I can't speak for everybody," Chase said. "It was a little more difficult for me, in my situation — what I had going on. Now, it just feels like we're back to football. It's like none of that's on our mind, you know what I'm saying? It's just all football: first season, preseason game, first opponent, execute."
Ja'Marr Chase on how getting his contract extension done has helped him "play looser and faster" 💯@heykayadams | @Real10jayy__ | @Bengals #WhoDey pic.twitter.com/XvKBrS2L8A
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) August 5, 2025
Furthermore, Chase revealed what the Bengals should expect from him now that he doesn't have the contract situation hanging over him.
"Really, just play looser and faster," Chase added. "That’s really the biggest thing. You’re free-minded playing, and that’s really how you want to play."
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Despite having a slow start and having his contract situation on his mind, Chase did have an amazing 2024 NFL season. The Bengals' wide receiver recorded 127 receptions, 1,708 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns, so if the player's mind is clear, he should replicate or even outperform this production this season.
If the offense starts strong and the defense steps up in key moments, the Bengals could finally avoid another slow start, instead of scrambling late in the season just to stay in the playoff hunt like they did last year. Cincinnati is the only AFC team to stop the Kansas City Chiefs from going to the Super Bowl since 2020, so if they get to the postseason, they shouldn't fear Patrick Mahomes and Co.