The Week 17 matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals isn’t nearly as exciting as it was billed earlier this season because of Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury and the Chiefs’ recent issues on offense.
But that doesn’t mean players aren’t talking trash.
Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase, who himself might not play with a shoulder injury, took some time to call out the Chiefs defense ahead of the match.
It was a moment some may have seen as cockiness, but Bengals head coach Zac Taylor was quick to disagree with his wideout’s assessment of their opponent.
“Ja’Marr’s a confident guy,” Taylor said, via CLNS Media’s Mike Petraglia. “I wouldn’t say that [the Chiefs have a bad defense]. I think they have one of the best defenses in football.”
“Ja’Marr’s a confident guy… I wouldn’t say that. I think they have one of the best defenses in football.” Zac Taylor on Ja’Marr Chase’s comments from Thursday.
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) December 29, 2023
Its true: The Chiefs have actually allowed the second-fewest points per game this season (17.7) and their secondary ranks second in yards allowed and eighth in touchdowns allowed.
Kansas City lost this past week against the Las Vegas Raiders, but didn’t allow an offensive touchdown all game and Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell couldn’t even complete a pass in the second half.
But that doesn’t mean success will follow the Chiefs’ defense against the Bengals – especially if Chase plays.
Chase has been notoriously good against Kansas City: He’s caught 18 of 20 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns in two wins against the Chiefs.
Chase might not play, though, and he certainly won’t have Burrow throwing him passes with Jake Browning now under center.
That changes the dynamic, and now the Chiefs have the added bonus of bulletin board material for this game.
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