Subscribe
Follow Us
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green was hoping the 2020 season would be something of a redemption tour.
Green played in just nine games of the 2018 season and missed the entirety of the 2019 campaign. But after a full year and offseason to recover, the six-time Pro Bowler seemed primed to be one of Joe Burrow's top targets as the No. 1 overall pick began his rookie campaign.
Instead, Green has been a non-factor. The 32-year-old saw 22 combined targets in the first two weeks, but managed just eight receptions for 80 yards. Things have only gotten worse for Green, as he had just one reception in Week 4 and failed to register a single catch in Week 5.
Green acknowledged Thursday he still wants to remain with the Bengals despite his frustrations:
A.J. Green, on if he wants to be here after the trade deadline: "Yeah, of course." Said he believes they're building something special in Cincinnati and wants to be a part of the team.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) October 15, 2020
Cameras caught Green on the sidelines this past weekend seemingly suggesting the team should trade him after Burrow overthrew him on a play leading to an interception. Decide for yourself:
Did A.J. Green say "trade me" in this clip?
The Bengals WR looked checked out, both on the field and off it, during Sunday's loss to the Ravens. pic.twitter.com/gZb1a7xKfm
— Pick Six Podcast (@picksixpod) October 12, 2020
Green said Thursday he was just venting frustration, and there was no true intent behind the words. He also suggested he cannot be so visceral in his reactions:
A.J. Green on cameras allegedly catching him mouthing “trade me” on the sideline last week: “I don’t know if that’s accurate. I think they are just trying to reach for something…People are gonna say whatever. It was just a lot of frustration.” #Bengals
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) October 15, 2020
A.J. Green said the loafing on the interception and the frustration caught on the cameras was out of character for him: "I just can't put that out there."
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) October 15, 2020
Of course, it is easy for Green to feel frustrated given his decrease in target shares. Green also played under 50 percent of the offensive snaps this past Sunday.
However, Green understands Burrow needs some rope as a rookie quarterback:
A.J. Green on his role in the offense: "I don't want them to force me anything."
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) October 15, 2020
Indeed, Burrow has had a tough time in part because of a woeful offensive line.
The Bengals rank last in pass protection, per Football Outsiders. Burrow has been sacked a league-high 22 times for 155 yards, which has hardly allowed the former LSU star to get comfortable.
Perhaps some improvement up front will lead to a more effective passing game. Until then, Green will try to stay the course.
