The Cincinnati Bengals missed the 2024 playoffs, and while their offensive lapses made headlines early in the season, the defense has drawn the most criticism. When Ja’Marr Chase talks about what needs to change in 2025, he doesn’t mince words about where the real problem lies.
What Did Ja’Marr Chase Say About the Bengals’ Defense?
In a recent conversation with CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, Chase made it clear that the offense is ready to do its part again, but the defense has to step up. “The defense is gonna have to step up … and make some stops; that’s all we ask them to do,” Chase said candidly. It’s a message that cuts to the core of Cincinnati’s problems in 2024.
WR Ja’Marr Chase hopes Bengals defense can help provide more balance in 2025: “The defense is gonna have to step up … and make some stops. That’s all we ask them to do.”https://t.co/uXAcRBV0wK pic.twitter.com/MbJpOSXvCM
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) July 17, 2025
The numbers tell the story Chase is referencing. Despite boasting Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL in sacks, the Bengals’ defense ranked 25th in points allowed. They gave up 30 or more points in six games and suffered a league-worst 4-7 record in one-score contests. For a team built around a dynamic offense, that kind of defensive performance simply isn’t sustainable if Cincinnati wants to return to postseason form.
After winning the team’s first-ever receiving Triple Crown this offseason, Chase became the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history. He has big hopes for 2025, not only for himself but also for the squad as a whole. However, he knows the AFC North won’t give them any breaks. With divisional opponents adding quality cornerbacks like Jalen Ramsey joining the Steelers and Jaire Alexander signing in Baltimore, matchups are only getting tougher.
How Will the Bengals Address Their Defensive Issues?
Chase has remained confident, but his honesty about the Bengals’ flaws reveals a lot about their mentality heading into 2025. The offense will have the same firepower with Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Chase healthy and under contract. But they’ll need more reliable effort on the defensive end.
The Bengals’ front office responded by adding depth at linebacker and a young cornerback to their defense this offseason. Still, erasing the lingering memories of missed opportunities and late-game failures will require more than just improvements on paper.
Chase’s statement reads more like a challenge than a criticism. The Bengals won’t return to the postseason if the defense can’t find its groove and support the offense’s explosive plays. The offense is ready. Now all eyes turn to the defense.
With Chase performing at the top of his game, they’ll have every reason to believe it’s possible.
