JA'MARR CHASE HAD just crossed the goal line late in the first quarter of the Cincinnati Bengals' first preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, and Joe Burrow was smiling.
Seconds later, referee Bill Vinovich tapped Burrow on the back of the helmet and the quarterback's smile turned into a laugh.
Sure, Burrow was happy that he threw another touchdown to Chase, but that's not what led to the grin. It was Vinovich. The veteran referee told him to thank Eagles LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. -- who had a straight, unimpeded path to Burrow -- for slowing down and not leveling him.