Ja’Marr Chase and Zac Taylor Clash on Sideline During Bengals’ Struggles Against Broncos
Cincinnati Bengals star receiver Ja’Marr Chase had a tense exchange with head coach Zac Taylor on the sideline during Monday night’s loss to the Denver Broncos. While the specifics of what was said remain unclear, it was evident Chase was frustrated with the team’s offensive performance.
The Bengals were soundly beaten 28-3, and Chase had a quiet game with just four catches for 24 yards. With Joe Burrow sidelined due to injury, backup quarterback Jake Browning got the start but managed only 125 passing yards.
Part of Chase’s limited impact may have been due to facing elite cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Surtain has been dominant in 2024, tallying 45 tackles, four interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and a defensive touchdown.
Bengals wide receivers coach Troy Walters previewed the matchup with Surtain before the game, noting the intensity of the competition. “They respect the challenge,” Walters told ESPN. “It’s best-on-best, and both guys know winning that battle raises their profile even more.”
Chase had entered the game with 21 receptions for 241 yards and a touchdown this season. He was coming off a standout 2024 campaign, finishing with 127 catches for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns—earning him third place in Offensive Player of the Year voting and eighth in MVP consideration.
Earlier in the month, Chase addressed the impact of Burrow’s injury, calling the season a “rollercoaster” and stressing the importance of execution with the “next man up” mentality.
After starting the season 2-0, the Bengals have now dropped two straight. Their performance against Denver was alarming—they totaled just 159 yards while allowing 512. Reigniting the offense will require a bigger role for Chase, but that hinges on whether Browning can elevate his play moving forward.
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