Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was caught flipping off Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, but he doesn’t seem to care.
If any photograph embodies the Steelers-Bengals rivalry, as well as Cincinnati’s thoughts on their Week 1 performance, it’s the viral clip of Chase flipping off Fitzpatrick.
Minkah and Chase were going at it all game, with the former coming out on top to the tune of an excellent defensive performance which included a pick-6 and a blocked extra point. The Steelers would win the game, 23-20, and make an AFC North statement in the process.
The photo is sure to serve as bulletin board material the next time these two teams meet, but for now, Chase isn’t too remorseful for aiming his frustration at Fitzpatrick.
Ja’Marr Chase discusses viral photo with Minkah Fitzpatrick
“I don’t want to tell,” Chase said in regards to why he made the motion to Fitzpatrick.
However, he did discuss another altercation earlier in the game, in which he pulled out Ahkello Witherspoon’s mouthpiece.
“I just pulled his mouthpiece (out),” Chase said. “I couldn’t hear him.”
As one of the best skill position players in the league, Chase is already garnering an expectation as an elite trash talker as well.
“Just the first time they caught me doing it,” he continued.
Chase had 10 catches for 129 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers. Frankly, he should’ve had one more, had it not been for a bad call and a missed challenge attempt by Bengals coach Zac Taylor.
Cincinnati nearly avoided defeat on several occasions, but penalties, turnovers and even an injury to their long-snapper got in the way. Assuming they can be more disciplined moving forward, they should have no trouble challenging for a playoff spot.
Week 1 was a struggle for many teams around the league. Chase and Cincinnati ought to let out some of that frustration in Week 2 against the Cowboys (minus Dak Prescott, I might add).