"It ain't my job": Ja'Marr Chase drops blunt response to Zac Taylor putting Bengals' league-worst defense on blast

Ja'Marr Chase didn’t mince his words when asked about leadership following the Cincinnati Bengals’ loss on Sunday. The wideout made it clear that what happens on defense isn’t his responsibility.

Bengals coach Zac Taylor called for stronger leadership on a defense that surrendered 39 points to the New York Jets.

The exchange unfolded in the locker room after the 39-38 defeat, which was captured in a video shared by reporter Jeremy Rauch. Chase was asked whether he could help set the tone for the defensive side of the ball.

“It ain’t my job, I play offense, not defense,” Chase said.

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Chase caught 12 passes for 91 yards. It was his third consecutive game with double-digit receptions and he has 70 catches in eight games.

Ja'Marr Chase says he’s cheering from the sideline while the defense struggles

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Pressed on how it felt watching the defense give up 39 points, Ja'Marr Chase didn’t hide his frustration.

“It’s pretty frustrating,” Chase told reporters on Sunday.

He avoided speculating on why Cincinnati keeps letting leads slip away, steering those questions back to his coach. The Bengals blew a 31-16 advantage versus the Jets. It was their first loss under Zach Taylor after leading by double digits at halftime.

“I don’t know, that’s a Zac question. Ask Zac,” Chase said.

New York’s comeback gained steam in the final quarter. It was capped by a 4-yard touchdown pass from running back Breece Hall to tight end Mason Taylor with under two minutes remaining. Chase spent much of Cincinnati’s last drive doubled by defenders. It forced Joe Flacco to look elsewhere as the Bengals came up empty on three straight throws.

Despite the disappointment, Chase struck a balance.

"We're still good," Chase said, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. "We've just got to find a way to not put ourselves in positions like this, and be pissed off."

Defensive breakdowns continue to define Cincinnati’s season. The unit ranks last in the NFL across every major category, allowing 31.6 points, 407.9 total yards and 151.9 rushing yards per game.

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez