Bengals Seek Faster 2025 Start With Preseason Shift

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase now acknowledges the value in playing starters during the preseason, despite his personal reluctance, to help avoid the team’s recurring slow starts. The Bengals have lost their first two games in each of the past three seasons, a trend attributed to limited preseason action for key players and contract distractions, including Chase's own holdout last year. Coach Zac Taylor is more open to using starters in preseason games this year to address early-season rust. With both Chase and Tee Higgins secured on long-term deals and quarterback Joe Burrow expressing optimism about the team's stability, hopes are high for a stronger start to the 2025 season. Chase, who led the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns last season, aims to further improve his performance. The organization is counting on these changes to reverse their early-season struggles.