CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Bengals announced their 2025 captains on Monday morning, and Ja’Marr Chase will wear the “C” on his chest for the first time in his career.

Chase, who is entering his fifth NFL season, was chosen by his teammates to be one of seven captains for this upcoming season. The other Bengals captains are Joe Burrow, Orlando Brown Jr. and Ted Karras on offense, and Trey Hendrickson, B.J. Hill and Logan Wilson on defense.

When he spoke to reporters on Monday, Bengals coach Zac Taylor said he felt Chase being named captain was a fitting distinction.

“I think Ja’Marr’s been a great leader for us,” Taylor told reporters. “He’s been a guy that’s always given me honest feedback whenever I ask for it. The players elected him as captain, and I think he’s earned it through the way that he works. (He) leads by example, brings a lot of energy to practice, games and again, is one of the top performers we have.”

Chase won the NFL’s receiving Triple Crown in 2024, leading the league in catches (127), receiving yards (1,708) and touchdowns (17). Those were all career highs as well.

For Taylor, the players who are his captains matter because he relies on their input in numerous areas.

“They’ve got to be a sounding board for me,” Taylor said. “They’re the group that I’m going to call into my office and get their opinion on schedule, my thoughts for the week, going into opponent, issues we may have around the building in the locker room.

“There’s plenty of people that aren’t elected captains that over the course of the season, I look for input from. But this is certainly the group that I started with, and I think it’s a good group of seven guys, and I think the players made the right call.”

What to know about the Bengals todayBengals Defensive Leaders Highlight Big Factor in Turning Around Performance This Season (Bengals on SI)

Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt and linebacker Logan Wilson are emphasizing takeaways as the key to defensive improvement this season. Despite ranking 7th in the NFL with 25 takeaways last year, Cincinnati’s defense still struggled overall. Russ Heltman writes that players believe forcing turnovers will be crucial for their success as they prepare for their AFC North matchup against Cleveland.

2025 Bengals preview: Breakout players, final record and playoff predictions (WKRC-TV)

With a healthy Joe Burrow and key roster improvements, the Bengals are poised for a playoff return despite concerns about their offensive line and defensive depth. Richard Skinner writes as part of his season predictions that running back Chase Brown is expected to break out after averaging 112.5 yards from scrimmage in his eight starts last season, while rookie DE Shemar Stewart shows promise. The prediction: an 11-6 record with Baltimore winning the AFC North and ultimately the Super Bowl over Green Bay.

Cincinnati Bengals Defense Ready for Week 1: Will Al Golden’s Plan Lead to Wins? (Locked On Bengals podcast)

An analysis of the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense under new coordinator Al Golden, as Jake Liscow and Mike Santagata compare his expected schemes to those of his predecessor, Lou Anarumo. The discussion, based on preseason observations, highlights a shift from a “react and attack” to a more aggressive “attack and react” defensive front. While this approach aims to create penetration, it showed vulnerability to certain run schemes in the preseason. The hosts also touch on the linebackers’ struggles, the increased use of stunts to generate a pass rush, and the belief that the full complexity of the coverage schemes was intentionally hidden. Ultimately, the measure of success for Golden’s defense will be its ability to be opportunistic, get off the field on third downs, and perform better in the red zone.

Bengals dates to remember

Sunday: Week 1 at Browns, 1 p.m., FOX

Sept. 14: Week 2 vs. Jaguars, 1 p.m., CBS

Sept. 21: Week 3 at Vikings, 1 p.m., CBS

Sept. 29: Week 4 at Broncos, 8:15 p.m., ABC

Oct. 5: Week 5 vs. Lions, 4:25 p.m., CBS

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