Bengals Crowned 'Team to Beat' by Ja'Marr Chase, But Nick Wright Calls it 'Worst Take of the Year'

Amidst controversial officiating and a heated exchange between Ja'Marr Chase and a referee, NFL pundit Nick Wright dismisses the Bengals' claim as the top team in the AFC, citing their recent performance and past shortcomings.

In the aftermath of a heated encounter between Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase and a referee during their Week 2 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, NFL pundit Nick Wright has labeled Chase's declaration of the Bengals as the "team to beat" in the AFC as the "worst take of the year."

Chase's bold pronouncement came before the highly anticipated game, which the Chiefs ultimately won 26-25. However, the contest was marred by questionable officiating, including a pass interference penalty against the Bengals that extended the Chiefs' game-winning drive.

Bengals Crowned 'Team to Beat' by Ja'Marr Chase, But Nick Wright Calls it 'Worst Take of the Year'

Wright, known for his outspoken commentary, believes that Chase's assertion is premature and unjustified. He points to the Bengals' recent playoff struggles and their failure to secure a victory over the Chiefs since 2018 as evidence that they are not yet ready to claim the top spot in the conference.

The officiating in the Bengals-Chiefs game has drawn widespread criticism, particularly in light of the pass interference penalty that prolonged the Chiefs' final drive. Bengals fans and NFL observers have highlighted other missed calls during the game, further fueling their frustration.

Bengals Crowned 'Team to Beat' by Ja'Marr Chase, But Nick Wright Calls it 'Worst Take of the Year'

Former Bengals star wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh expressed his dismay on social media, accusing referees of biased officiating in favor of the Chiefs. He questioned the validity of continuing to play the game if the results are predetermined by biased officiating.

The pivotal moment that ignited Chase's outburst occurred when he was tackled by Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie. Chase vehemently protested the tackle, which he believed was a hip-drop and should have resulted in a penalty.

Bengals Crowned 'Team to Beat' by Ja'Marr Chase, But Nick Wright Calls it 'Worst Take of the Year'

However, referee Alex Kemp explained that officials did not consider McDuffie's tackle to be a hip-drop. Instead, Chase was penalized for using abusive language towards Kemp, which the official described as "direct, personal abusive language."

The heated exchange between Chase and Kemp did not subside immediately. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had to physically restrain Chase and push him away from the referee to prevent further escalation. The penalty cost the Bengals valuable momentum and led to an Evan McPherson field goal instead of a potential touchdown.

Kemp stated that profanity between players is common in professional football, but abusive language directed at a game official crosses the line. He emphasized that officials must maintain their authority and prevent such behavior from undermining the integrity of the game.

On the sidelines, Chase displayed a clear sense of frustration and disappointment. He was seen slamming his helmet on the ground after the penalty and had to be consoled by head coach Zac Taylor.

Despite Chase's confidence, Wright remains skeptical of the Bengals' ability to sustain a high level of performance throughout the season. He believes that the team still has significant weaknesses to address, particularly in their defense, and that their playoff record does not justify Chase's bold claim.

The Bengals' victory over the New York Jets in Week 1 gave them an early edge in their division, but Wright believes they will face a much stiffer challenge in upcoming games. He argues that the Bengals' schedule is far more challenging than the Packers', who he believes are the true contenders in the NFC.

Nick Wright's dismissal of Ja'Marr Chase's declaration highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the Bengals' status as a legitimate contender. The team's performance in the coming weeks will determine whether Chase's bold claim holds any merit or if Wright's skepticism proves to be well-founded.