Overview
- Chase was held to two catches for 12 yards in the Week 1 opener while the Bengals still won, tying his second-lowest career receiving output.
- Coaches publicly acknowledged the issue, with offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher saying the team "didn’t throw him the ball enough" and promising a deliberate shift in playcalling.
- Chase responded by stressing professionalism, saying he "held my attitude accountable," that he remained motivated, and that he expects to bounce back in Week 2.
- Coaches and reporters pointed to Tampa Bay taking away key throwing lanes and heavier coverage on Chase, while teammates Tee Higgins and Mike Gesicki produced larger roles in the opener.
- The pattern mirrors last season’s slow opener followed by a major Week 2 game for Chase, and the Bengals say forcing defenses to choose between Chase and Higgins will shape their plan against Houston.