With their playoff hopes extinguished, the Cincinnati Bengals' final stretch of the 2025 NFL season is now driven by personal pride, achieving milestones, and settling unfinished business. For star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, the motivation is twofold: a surprising personal touchdown drought and a very public show of support for his long-time teammate.
A Simple Goal: Find the End Zone Again
Ahead of the Week 17 clash against the Arizona Cardinals, Chase laid out a clear remaining objective for himself. "I think my biggest thing is just to score another touchdown," Chase told reporters. He added, "I feel like I’ve been overdue since Week 7." This straightforward statement subtly highlighted the offensive struggles Cincinnati has faced, particularly in the red zone, following quarterback Joe Burrow's significant injury absence this season.
Despite the lack of touchdowns, Chase's 2025 campaign remains statistically impressive among the NFL's elite. He has surpassed 1,200 receiving yards and continues to be a primary threat for opposing defenses. However, with only five touchdown catches so far—his lowest tally since entering the league—the season presents an unusual contrast for the prolific receiver.
Championing Tee Higgins After Pro Bowl Omission
Perhaps Chase's most impactful statement this week came not in a press conference, but on social media. Shortly after the 2025 Pro Bowl rosters were announced, Chase took to his platform to voice his disbelief. "Why tee ain’t first team pro bowl ?" he posted, openly questioning the omission of fellow wideout Tee Higgins from the initial AFC roster.
This public support came despite Chase earning his own fifth consecutive Pro Bowl selection. The snub of Higgins resonated deeply within the Bengals organization. Higgins, a six-season cornerstone for Cincinnati who recently signed a long-term extension, leads the AFC in receiving touchdowns and has delivered consistently in crucial moments, yet the individual honour continues to evade him.
Offensive Shift and a Season's Final Statement
The Bengals' offense, while still ranking among the league's best in total touchdowns, has seen a shift in distribution this year. This change has notably benefited Tee Higgins, even as Chase racks up yards. As the team prepares to close a disappointing chapter, Chase's comments reflect a locker room focused on upholding standards and making statements, even without a postseason berth on the line.
In Cincinnati, the pressure to perform and support one another remains, proving that while the playoff chase is over, the drive for respect and achievement is very much alive.
