Patriots begin post-Bill Belichick era against Joe Burrow and the Bengals [Video]

Quarterback Joe Burrow is mostly healthy to start a season for the first time since his rookie campaign in 2020.That alone is a huge reason for optimism for the Cincinnati Bengals as they prepare for Sunday’s opener against the New England Patriots.The most pressing issue for the Bengals is whether Burrow’s favorite target, star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, will be available. Chase, who is expecting a big contract extension, sat out much of training camp while waiting for the situation to play out.Chase practiced this week, which bodes well for the Bengals.Burrow, who won a national championship at LSU with Chase as his teammate in 2019, said that he’s confident that if the receiver plays Sunday, he will be physically and mentally ready. Chase has two years left on his contract but expects a restructured deal that rewards him for being one of the top receivers in the NFL.“I’m not getting …