Green admits to frustration but doesn't want trade from Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green admitted Thursday that he was frustrated during Sunday's blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but refuted a suggestion he's pushing for a trade.
Green came under fire for a lack of effort during an interception on a Joe Burrow pass intended for him. The receiver didn't jump for the ball and then made little effort to tackle Ravens cornerback Marcus Peters.
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After the play, cameras caught Green appearing to say the Bengals should trade him ahead of the Nov. 3 deadline.
Green said he doesn't believe that interpretation is accurate.
"I think they are just trying to reach for something," said Green, according to Tyler Dragon of the Enquirer. "People are gonna say whatever. It was just a lot of frustration."
Green said he is more focused on being a better example for the rest of the team.
"I'm a leader on this team. I feel like I let my teammates down," he said, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. "That's the biggest thing I felt disappointed in myself because that's not who I am as a person and as a player.
"To go out there and loaf on the interception and freaking on the sideline talking - even though I wasn't talking about that situation - I just can't put that out there just for teammates, being one of the captains. I just have to (do) a better job handling my frustration."
The 32-year-old has struggled in 2020 after dealing with injuries for the past few seasons.
Green had zero catches on one target in the 27-3 loss to Baltimore. In five games, Green has complied 14 catches on 34 targets for 119 yards and zero touchdowns.
The veteran said he still feels rusty from his injury layoffs.
"I'm still working my way in. I'm still trying to find my way in this new offense," Green said, per Dragon. "Every week I'm just gonna try to get better."