The AFC rivalry between the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals has gained significant attention in recent years.
The anticipation of a Joe Burrow-Patrick Mahomes showdown on New Year’s Eve, potentially a conference championship preview, was high. However, Burrow’s season-ending injury has shifted the dynamics, and both teams are yet to secure playoff spots.
While the Chiefs are in a more favorable position than the Bengals, the Week 17 matchup remains crucial as there is still something at stake. Star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, recovering from a separated shoulder, is considering playing, and he shared his thoughts on the Kansas City secondary.
Chase, despite the significance of the game, downplayed the Chiefs’ defensive strengths, stating that nothing about their secondary stands out to him. He mentioned their familiarity with the Bengals’ strategies but dismissed the idea of an exceptional player like Jalen Ramsey on their roster.
Despite this perspective, the Chiefs’ cornerback duo of L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie is gaining recognition as one of the league’s best. Sneed, in a contract year, has been shadowing top wide receivers, while McDuffie is excelling as a nickel corner.
Chase’s assertion of the Chiefs relying on double-teaming contradicts the defensive strategy employed by players like Sneed throughout the season. Sneed responded by emphasizing the necessity of double-teaming due to their inability to handle individual matchups. Chase acknowledged Sneed as the best player on the Chiefs but asserted that Kansas City’s defense lacks a true superstar.
In their previous regular-season encounters, Chase has delivered impressive performances, especially in the 2021 Week 17 game with 11 catches, 266 yards, and three touchdowns. Despite Cincinnati’s defensive struggles this season, ranking poorly in various metrics, Chase remains confident and critical of the Chiefs’ defense.
Chase took a jab at Kansas City safety Bryan Cook, currently on the injured reserve, comparing him unfavorably to his former teammate Jessie Bates, who left via free agency. This adds another layer of tension to the rivalry.
Regardless of injuries and team standings, the animosity between the Chiefs and Bengals remains palpable. Chase, known for controversial comments about the Chiefs in the past, faces the challenge of backing up his words on the field, especially in a critical game this weekend.
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