Ja'Marr Chase wants you to know he's a lot like 7-11: He's always open.
The Bengals have gotten off to an un-Bengal-like start on offense through the first four games of the 2023 season, with the unit hitting a new low on Sunday vs. the Titans. The Joe Burrow-led attack could only muster three points against the Titans, dropping to 1-3 to start the season.
The slow offensive start for the Bengals has maybe pushed Cincinnati a bit closer to midnight on the football doomsday clock, and the frustration may be starting to show a bit.
"I'm open — I'm always f—in' open," Chase said following the Bengals' loss to the Titans. … "I can't do nothing but I'm already doing. If I'm open, I'm open. What can I do? If I'm open, I'm open. Know what I'm saying?"
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The rest of what Chase said at his locker was fairly pragmatic and fair, including taking responsibility for the receiving corps not making enough plays on Sunday.
But not all of it falls on the receiving: The Bengals ranked fifth in the NFL in passing attempts entering Sunday's matchup but put up just 525 receiving yards through three games, good for 26th in the NFL. They had just two passing touchdowns entering the matchup, as well.
Chase entered Sunday's game looking for his first receiving touchdown on the season, adding just 211 yards through the first three games, as well. He picked up just 73 yards receiving on Sunday, but is still searching for his first TD on the season.
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That's very unlike Burrow-led offenses, but there may be reason behind it: Burrow suffered a calf injury early in training camp that led to his availability being questioned entering Week 1, but the QB has played through the injury, despite not looking quite like himself at times.
Head coach Zac Taylor has taken responsibility for the offense, saying Sunday that neither the players nor the coaches were good enough in the drubbing.
"This is not acceptable," Taylor said in his postgame presser.
Well, it looks like at least Ja'Marr Chase agrees.