Cincinnati - Bengals rookie wide receiver Ja'Mar Chase didn't shy away from one of the team's biggest presidential storylines.
Throughout the off-season, training camp and pre-season games, this year's fifth overall draft pick has had to contend with repeated drops. In his first news conference since the issue became more apparent, Chase said the missed catch stemmed from a lack of focus and concentration. He admitted that he didn't get as much from his first NFL season as he expected.
"I know I left a lot of stuff in there," Chase said. “But it is time for me to get better, for sure. I am not afraid to be better. I am here to work, to be better, to improve the team, to make the organization better.” According to ESPN Stats & Information, in his 2019 season at LSU, Chase dropped 4.8% of his goals, which was less than the average of the Power Five wide receivers. That year, he led that group in receiving yards and touchdowns and was given the Biletnikoff Award, which goes to the best receiver in college football.
However, the transition hasn't been as smooth for Chase since arriving in Cincinnati. He failed to catch four of his five goals in the preseason, which included a lone pass from quarterback Joe Burrows following knee surgery.
"If you look back, I jumped in the air when the ball came to me," Chase said. "It means my eyes weren't focused on the ball. I didn't stay still. This lets my eyes adjust to swing the ball."
On Monday, Bengals coach Zack Taylor didn't seem too upset with Chase's preseason as Cincinnati prepared for the team's season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. The third-year coach said he had faith in Chase.
"I watch the way I prepare in the building during practice, so I don't have those concerns," Taylor said. "We'll just move on and I expect bigger things from him."
The former LSU standout said not playing in 2020 after being out of the season could be a factor in his early issues. Chase also made reference to the adjustment to catch the larger ball used by the NFL, which also has different markings.
He has spent a lot of time in the off-season to work on his issues. He said he catches 40 tennis balls a day and has practiced with the Jugs football machine to work on his hand-eye coordination. Despite his struggles, Chase was not lacking in confidence.
Chase liked the idea of going against Vikings defensive back Patrick Peterson, one of the best defensive backs LSU has produced. Peterson, 31, is a three-time All-Pro selection and an eight-time Pro Bowl player.
"I could have Patrick Peterson on my highlight tape," Chase said. "He may be mad. I'm saying this, but hey, you know what I'm saying, it's part of the game. I'd love to make a play on that." Before his official NFL debut, Chase said he was comfortable for the most part and looked forward to showing why the Bengals drafted him.
"Everyone wants to see this and that, but I'm really excited to show me, myself," Chase said. "I'm excited to do what I'm here to do."
Wayans out against former team: Bengals start cornerback Trai Wayans will not play in Week 1 game against Vikings, Taylor said on Monday.
Eli Apple would get his start when Wayans suffered a hamstring injury in one of the final days of training camp. Since the Bengals did not place Wayne on injured reserve, Taylor said, the team hopes to play on either Week 2 or Week 3.
Wayans has not played for Bengal as he signed a three-year deal worth $42 million last season. Wayans tore a pectoral muscle and missed the entire 2020 season.