The Cincinnati Bengals escaped with another comeback victory, but Ja'Marr Chase wasn't interested in explaining why his team keeps failing behind early. After Sunday's 43-36 overtime win against the Tennessee Titans, the star receiver directed questions about Cincinnati's slow starts straight to head coach Zac Taylor.
The Bengals trailed 13-0 after the first quarter before mounting another rally. It was a familiar situation after Chase's fiery halftime message helped spark a comeback against Baltimore the previous week.
Asked what Cincinnati needed to address to avoid another sluggish opening, Chase offered a short response.
“I don't know. Ask Zac. It's not my job. Ask Zac,” Chase said in a postgame exchange shared by David Wysong.
Despite his reluctance to diagnose the problem, Chase delivered when Cincinnati needed him. He finished with 11 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown, recording his first 100-yard receiving game of the season.
Joe Burrow also produced huge numbers, throwing for 462 yards and five touchdowns despite three interceptions. Tee Higgins added 155 receiving yards and two scores.
The Bengals needed every bit of that production against a Tennessee team that entered with just one victory. Burrow eventually sealed the win with a nine-yard touchdown run in overtime.
Article Continues BelowTaylor has already weighed in on Chase's emotional leadership following the previous comeback.
Cincinnati improved to 5-2, but consecutive slow starts remain a concern. Chase may not have offered a solution, yet his response made clear who he believes should answer the question.
With tougher opponents ahead, Cincinnati cannot keep relying on late-game heroics. Finding a way to start faster remains a pressing priority.