Ja’Marr Chase Opens Up About Joe Burrow, Leadership Void Looms Over Bengals' Struggles
The Cincinnati Bengals are in the middle of a season that feels like it’s unraveling at the seams. A shutout loss at home to the Ravens, a third straight season without a playoff berth, and now, questions about leadership - not just from the coaching staff, but from the faces of the franchise themselves: Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
On the field, the Burrow-Chase connection still flashes with the chemistry that made them champions at LSU and one of the most dangerous duos in the NFL. But as the Bengals continue to stumble, cracks are starting to show - not in their talent, but in the emotional and leadership fabric of the team.
After Sunday’s 24-0 loss to Baltimore, Chase met with the media and offered a rare moment of introspection. When asked about Burrow’s recent comments questioning how much fun football still is for him, Chase admitted he was caught off guard. More importantly, he acknowledged that he might need to step up in a different way - not just as a playmaker, but as a friend and teammate.
“If I’m being honest, I’ve never been in a situation with him where I’ve had to uplift him, but going forward I might need to because he does it for me. You never know what he might be going through. I might need to start doing that.”
That’s a telling quote from Chase. It’s not just about Burrow’s mental state - it’s about awareness.
About connection. About leadership.
For years, we've heard about the unspoken understanding between Burrow and Chase - that rare, almost telepathic bond that doesn’t require a lot of words. But maybe, given where things stand now, it’s time for a few more of those words to be spoken.
Burrow has missed significant time over the last few seasons, rehabbing through multiple injuries while the team tried to stay afloat. In his absence, Chase has had to adjust to a rotating cast of quarterbacks - from Jake Browning to Joe Flacco - and carry the offense in ways that go beyond just running crisp routes. But what’s becoming clear is that in Burrow’s physical absence, his emotional and vocal presence hasn’t filled the gap either.
And that’s where the Bengals' current issues start to feel bigger than just X’s and O’s.
This isn’t about questioning Burrow or Chase’s commitment or talent. These are two of the most gifted players in the league, and when healthy, they’re capable of carrying a team deep into January.
But talent alone doesn’t lead a locker room. And right now, Cincinnati looks like a team missing a voice - or better yet, a chorus of voices - to rally around.
There’s no rule that says your best players have to be your loudest leaders. But when the team’s on-field identity is tied so closely to Burrow and Chase, their silence becomes deafening when things go south.
We’ve never really heard stories of either player being the fiery, rally-the-troops type. That’s not a knock - not every leader needs to be Ray Lewis.
But someone has to steer the ship when the waters get rough, and right now, the Bengals feel adrift.
Head coach Zac Taylor is still at the helm, but with the team’s trajectory trending downward, his seat is undeniably warming. Meanwhile, Burrow - the face of the franchise - has been forced to battle through injuries largely on his own.
That kind of isolation, even for a quarterback as mentally tough as Burrow, can wear on you. And it shows, not just in his comments, but in the team’s overall energy.
Chase, for his part, seems to be realizing that leadership isn’t always about hype or speeches. Sometimes, it’s just about being present.
Checking in. Being there for your guy - especially when that guy has spent more time in rehab facilities than on the field over the last few years.
The Bengals don’t need a complete cultural overhaul. But they do need a reset.
A healthy Burrow in 2026 would be a massive step. So would a more intentional connection between the team’s two cornerstones.
And yes, it might take a hard look at the coaching staff and whether a new voice is needed to reenergize the locker room.
For now, Chase’s comments offer a glimpse into the emotional undercurrent of a team that looks lost. It’s not just about wins and losses - it’s about leadership, connection, and accountability. And until the Bengals find that again, they’ll continue to feel like a team with all the talent in the world… and no clear direction.