One of the NFL's best receivers didn't mince words when discussing the Kansas City Chiefs' deficient defense.
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When asked what stands out to him about the Chiefs secondary during a media availability session, Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase said, "If I'm being honest, nothing. They just know how to play us, they know the leverages... they throw little double-doubles at us to stop the two best players on our side, and that's all they do."
Chase continued, saying, "It's not like they have a [Dolphins lockdown quarterback] Jalen Ramsey on their squad."
Ja’Marr Chase had quite the edge after practice today addressing reporters. Said Chiefs don’t have anyone that stands out on defense. “It’s not really like have a Jalen Ramsey on their squad.” pic.twitter.com/1kurBwcOLF
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) December 28, 2023
Considering that Chase's Bengals team and the Chiefs are squaring off this weekend, one would imagine that these words will serve as motivation for not only the Chiefs secondary, but their entire team.
Then again, Chase — who is questionable to play this weekend, as he's still mending from a shoulder injury that he suffered on Dec. 16 — has earned the right to talk trash Kansas City. In Week 17 of the 2021 season, Chase set a franchise record with 266 receiving yards in a 34-31 victory over the Chiefs. He has also tallied 12 catches for 129 yards and one touchdown in the two playoff games between the Bengals and Chiefs while Chase has been with Cincinnati.
For what it's worth, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor doesn't share the same sentiment about Kansas City as his star receiver. Taylor was asked about Chase's comments Friday morning, and said, "Those aren't things I would say. I think it's one of the best defenses in the league."
Zac Taylor on Ja'Marr Chase's comments about the KC defense yesterday:
"Ja’Marr is a confident guy" that "comes in and works hard."
But ...
"Those aren’t things I would say. I think it’s one of the best defenses in the league."— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) December 29, 2023
Taylor then went on to praise his AFC rival, noting, "They're very talented, they're well-coached. They pose a lot of issues. They are a really good football team. That's how I think about it."
Clearly Taylor doesn't want to add any fuel to the Chiefs' fire, as this weekend's matchup already has massive playoff implications for both teams. The 8-7 Bengals are currently on the outside looking in of the AFC playoff picture, and will likely need to win their last two games in order to have a shot at making the postseason.
Considering nobody on the Chiefs secondary has responded publicly to Chase's comments, it seems they're keen to do their talking on the field this weekend. Hopefully Chase will be playing.
