Chase’s halftime challenge precedes Bengals’ 35-13 win

The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Baltimore Ravens 35-13 after trailing 13-0 at halftime, as wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase said he challenged the offense to improve during the break. Chase said he was angry about Cincinnati’s first-half performance and urged teammates to make plays rather than rely on the defense. His account of the speech was repeated in postgame coverage, but it comes from Chase’s own remarks; the speech’s effect on the result cannot be established independently. The Bengals scored 35 points in the second half, while Baltimore was held scoreless. Cincinnati scored twice in the third quarter and added 21 points in the fourth, turning a 13-point deficit into a 22-point victory. Quarterback Joe Burrow said Chase got the team fired up and that the message played a part in the turnaround, while adding that the offense still had to execute. Offensive tackle Amarius Mims also credited Chase’s speech with energizing the team, describing his influence in the locker room. Chase said he addressed the entire offense, including receivers, tight ends and offensive linemen. He felt Cincinnati played with more explosiveness and aggression after halftime. He finished with five...