Bengals' star receivers Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins reflect on 'roller coaster' season and big decisions ahead

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After missing the playoffs for five straight seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals earned their spot in the Super Bowl in 2022 for the first time since the 1988 season. The following year, they advanced to the AFC Championship game. 

But this year, hampered by injuries including the loss of starting quarterback Joe Burrow, the Bengals missed the postseason. 

Ja'Marr Chase #1, Joe Burrow #9 and Tee Higgins #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals sit in the front for the Cincinnati Bengals team photo at UCLA's Drake Stadium on February 12, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Despite what the end result might look like, the Bengals only narrowly missed the playoffs. For the third consecutive year, they finished with a winning record – largely because of their approach to the "next man up" mentality. 

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"I think Jake (Browning) has proven himself to be a starting quarterback in this league," star wide receiver Tee Higgins told Fox News Digital in an interview this week. 

"Obviously, the outcome wasn’t what we wanted, postseason-wise, but the way that he came in and stepped up and won games for us, it shows for himself that he belongs."

Several players hit individual milestones, including elite wideout Ja’Marr Chase who achieved a career-high 100 receptions and was named a Pro Bowler for the third straight year. 

"Their character cannot be questioned. What they went through and what they gave us this year, I’m so proud of them for continuing to stay together," head coach Zac Taylor said after defeating the Cleveland Browns, who rested their starters ahead of the playoffs.  

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