Ja'Marr Chase drama could be a big opportunity for the Patriots

With the 53-man roster finalized and the preseason in the rearview mirror, the Patriots are finally practicing for their first game of the upcoming season, a road game against the perennial Super Bowl-contending Cincinnati Bengals. It's quite a way to kickoff the new era in New England and will be a big test early on to see how the team might fare the rest of the way.

Their 2024 schedule is projected to be one of the most difficult of all in the league, which likely played a part in why Jacoby Brissett was named the Week 1 starter.

While the hope is that the Patriots perform better than they did one year ago, mainly offensively, the rebuilding process doesn't happen overnight and getting back to being a competitive team won't come easy.

However, the reported ongoing drama between their season-opening opponent and their star wide receiver, Ja'Marr Chase, regarding a contract extension could allow the Patriots to sneak out with a win to start the year.

Ja'Marr Chase skipping practice could mean more drama is on the way for the Bengals

Besides the battle with receiver Tee Higgins, who, like Chase, was looking for an extension, the Bengals are now growing concerned about Chase's availability for the upcoming season. He was expected to participate in practice this week, only to show up late in street clothes and not practice.

This prompted many new headlines about the status of a new contract and whether the receiver will be available in Week 1, which is becoming more concerning the longer no deal is done. With CeeDee Lamb's extension, just announced last week, likely throwing a wrench into negotiations, it might be a while before Chase returns to the practice field.

Head coach Zac Taylor emphasized the team's effort to resolve the situation without making it a bigger deal or distraction when asked about the surprising turn of events. Chase is crucial to their team, so they'll want to get a deal done sooner rather than later.

"I think every day is a new day. We'll keep working through it. I am not going to make any predictions to what tomorrow brings. At the end of the day, Ja'Marr is a great dude that means a lot to this team, and we'll just continue to take it day to day."

Patriots fans might want to follow this story closely since it could ultimately change the team's fate in Week 1. Although one player's absence from the game won't dramatically change the outcome, Chase is one of the best receivers in the league, and not being on the field is a win for the opponent, no matter who they're facing.

It would certainly make for a much easier day for the Patriots' defense, which is expected to remain the better side of the team. They'll still have to account for Higgins, who they have been rumored to be interested in acquiring, whether via trade or in free agency next offseason.

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