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After lacking the playoffs for 5 straight seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals earned their spot within the Tremendous Bowl in 2022 for the primary time because the 1988 season. The next yr, they superior to the AFC Championship sport.
However this yr, hampered by accidents together with the lack of beginning quarterback Joe Burrow, the Bengals missed the postseason.
Ja’Marr Chase #1, Joe Burrow #9 and Tee Higgins #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals sit within the entrance for the Cincinnati Bengals group photograph at UCLA’s Drake Stadium on February 12, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Photos)
Regardless of what the top outcome would possibly seem like, the Bengals solely narrowly missed the playoffs. For the third consecutive yr, they completed with a profitable report – largely due to their strategy to the “subsequent man up” mentality.
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“I feel Jake (Browning) has confirmed himself to be a beginning quarterback on this league,” star large receiver Tee Higgins informed Fox Information Digital in an interview this week.
“Clearly, the result wasn’t what we wished, postseason-wise, however the way in which that he got here in and stepped up and received video games for us, it exhibits for himself that he belongs.”
A number of gamers hit particular person milestones, together with elite wideout Ja’Marr Chase who achieved a career-high 100 receptions and was named a Professional Bowler for the third straight yr.
“Their character can’t be questioned. What they went by and what they gave us this yr, I’m so happy with them for persevering with to remain collectively,” head coach Zac Taylor stated after defeating the Cleveland Browns, who rested their starters forward of the playoffs.
Tee Higgins #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals excessive fives Ja’Marr Chase #1 on the sector previous to an NFL soccer sport towards the Buffalo Payments at Paycor Stadium on January 2, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Photos)
“You by no means noticed anybody level fingers.”
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Additionally chatting with Fox Information Digital, Chase described the season as a “curler coaster”
“Simply going through loads of adversity. We had loads of completely different folks going through accidents, we had folks combating for positions this yr.”
Regardless of lacking the playoffs, Chase maintained an optimistic view of the season as an entire.
“General, it was a fantastic yr for us. Simply, truthfully, having that state of affairs with Joe after which Jake stepping up after which making his personal future.”
For his personal success, Chase is aware of he’s on the precise path.
“It didn’t go as clean as I believed it could’ve went this yr, however I do know I’m transferring in the precise path with simply catches, simply getting yards, and simply attempting to assist the group out. You realize, when Joe went down it made it somewhat bit troublesome simply to get used to the offense, attempting to regulate to play with Jake.”
Ja’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals is tackled by Vincent Grey #31 of the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Andy Lyons/Getty Photos)
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However the Bengals are going through a busy offseason, with a number of contracts set to finish. Chase might be eligible for an extension for the primary time, whereas Higgins is ready to hit free company alongside fellow receiver Tyler Boyd.
Taylor stated throughout his finish of season press convention this week that each one these conversations are being had. He expressed his ideas on Higgins’ state of affairs, saying “It’s exhausting to think about life with out Tee Higgins.”
“These are all conversations we’ll proceed to have upstairs,” he continued. “Tee is a giant a part of what we’re doing and it’d be exhausting to think about him not being right here.”
Chatting with Fox Information Digital, Higgins expressed an analogous sentiment.
“It means lots. It means they need me, clearly, on the group subsequent yr. However folks have informed me – like my agent has informed me, it’s not in my palms. There’s solely three choices that would occur: tag me, signal me long run, or let me stroll in free company. So it’s actually upstairs, and for me, I say it is in God’s palms. So, I simply sit again, loosen up, keep wholesome, keep in form and be prepared for no matter end result it’s.”
Tee Higgins #5 of the Cincinnati Bengals is tackled by Jaylen Watson #35 of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs through the first quarter at GEHA Area at Arrowhead Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri. (David Eulitt/Getty Photos)
“Simply figuring out that is my third yr, going into my fourth yr, I’ve an opportunity to do one thing,” Chase added of his offseason strategy. “Simply being prepared for when Joe’s able to throw once more, that’s actually the most important factor this offseason. Making an attempt to construct the chemistry again up since he simply had surgical procedure and, identical to Tee stated, simply staying in form that’s actually the most important factor.”
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Chase and Higgins spoke to Fox Information Digital on behalf of Bounty in promotion of their Bounty/Wingman marketing campaign forward of Tremendous Bowl LVIII.
The dynamic duo put their friendship to the check within the newest episode of “Wingman Tales,” the place they quizzed each other on their wingman information and shared a few of their favourite soccer moments.
Observe Fox Information Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox Information Sports activities Huddle publication.
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