After missing the playoffs for five consecutive seasons. cincinnati bengals They qualified for the 2022 Super Bowl for the first time since the 1988 season. The following year, they advanced to the AFC Championship Game.
However, this year, they have been plagued by injuries including the loss of their starting quarterback. Joe Burrow The Bengals missed the postseason.
Ja'Marr Chase #1, Joe Burrow #9 and Tee Higgins #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals sit at the front of a Cincinnati Bengals team photo at UCLA's Drake Stadium on February 12, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Regardless of the final result, the Bengals narrowly missed the playoffs. For the third year in a row, they achieved a winning record. This is largely due to our approach to the “next person on top” mentality.
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“I think Jake (Browning) has proven he's a starting quarterback in this league,” star wide receiver Tee Higgins said in an interview on Fox News Digital this week.
“Obviously the results weren't what we wanted when it came to the postseason, but the way he came in and stepped up and won games for us, that's what he deserves. He himself shows that
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“You can't question their character, what they've been through this year and what they've given us,” head coach Zac Taylor said after the loss to the Cleveland Browns, who rested their starting pitchers before the game. “I'm so proud of how they stayed together.” play off.
Tee Higgins #85 and Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals high-five on the field before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Peiko Stadium on January 2, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. . (Kevin Savitas/Getty Images)
“I've never seen anyone point a finger.”
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In an interview with FOX News Digital, Chase also described this season as a “roller coaster.”
“We're just facing a lot of adversity. We've had a lot of different people facing injuries this year, and we've had people competing for positions.”
Despite missing the playoffs, Chase remained optimistic about the season overall.
“Overall, it was a great year for us, but to be honest, it was just a situation of Joe and Jake stepping up and creating their own destiny.”
Chase knows he's on the right path to his own success.
“This year hasn't gone as smoothly as I wanted it to, but I know I'm going in the right direction just making catches, just getting yards and trying to help the team.” When I did that, it was a little difficult for me to get used to the offense, trying to adjust to play with Jake.”
Jamar Chase, No. 1 of the Cincinnati Bengals, is tackled by Vincent Gray, No. 31 of the Cleveland Browns, on January 7, 2024 at Peiko Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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However, the Bengals have a busy offseason with several contracts set to expire. Chase will be eligible for an extension for the first time, while Higgins is set to become a free agent along with fellow receiver Tyler Boyd.
Taylor said in his season-ending press conference this week that all of these conversations are happening. He expressed his thoughts on Higgins' situation, saying, “It's hard to imagine life without Tee Higgins.”
“All of these conversations will continue for us upstairs,” he continued. “Tee is a big part of what we do and it would be hard to imagine him not being here.”
Higgins expressed similar sentiments in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“This means a lot. Obviously they want to have me on the team next year as well. But people told me — like my agent told me, it's It's not in my hands. There are only three possible options: Tag me, sign me long-term, or let me walk in free agency. So it's really up. And for me, I say it's in God's hands. So I just sit back, relax, stay healthy, stay in shape and be ready for any outcome. “of course. ”
No. 5 Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals is tackled by No. 35 Jalen Watson of the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on December 31, 2023. . (David Urit/Getty Images)
“This is my third year going into my fourth year, so I have a chance to do some things,” Chase added of his offseason efforts. “That's really the biggest thing this offseason, just getting Joe ready for when he's ready to pitch again. He just had surgery, so trying to get his chemistry back up, and trying to get his chemistry back,” Tee said. Like, just staying in shape, that's really the biggest thing.”
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Chase and Higgins spoke to Fox News Digital on behalf of Bounty to promote the Bounty/Wingman campaign ahead of Super Bowl VV.
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