When Ja’Marr Chase was in college, he was a force. Along with Joe Burrow, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Justin Jefferson, they put together the best offense in college football in 2019 and won the National Championship. When the Cincinnati Bengals had the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, many thought they were going to select an Offensive Lineman because Joe Burrow was sacked so many times during his rookie season and ended up missing the rest of that year. Instead, they draft Joe’s former college teammate, and I can admit I questioned it because they needed help up front on the line in the worst way. Ja’Marr was a godsend for the Bengals last season. He and Burrow picked up where they left off from their college days and because of his stellar season, Ja’Marr was named Offensive Rookie of the Year. For the next 4-6 weeks, the Bengals will be without the services of their number one receiver.
In a short span, Ja’Marr has become one of the best Wide Receivers in the NFL. He has what I call “sneaky speed” because when you watch him, he doesn’t come off as fast as he appears to be. I’m a huge fan of his release off the line and how he’s able to create separation. Ja’Marr can make it seem as if he’s trying to get up the field on a vertical route. Next, he’ll cut back inside and free himself open to make the catch. It amazes me because that’s nothing, but solid footwork and smarts combined into one. Ja’Marr is the closest thing I’ve seen to Odell Beckham Jr, and I say that because you must worry about him anytime he gets the football in his hands. He can burn a defense down the field, and he’ll also beat you underneath and turn what appears to be a small play into a large chunk play. You don’t see many Wide Receivers today run a slant route and take it to the endzone for six points often. Ja’Marr does that. He’s such an explosive player. You get him the ball in any capacity and he’s that threat I discussed a few sentences ago. I’ll never understand why defenses continue to play him in single man coverage. This is one of those guys you must always double. Use Safety help over the top to limit him or make him catch everything underneath. His introductory moment in the NFL came last season against the Baltimore Ravens when he caught eight passes for 201 yards receiving. Ja’Marr then wrapped up the Offensive Rookie of the Year award with a 266 receiving yard game against the Chiefs.
Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase haven’t missed a beat since reuniting. They have become one of the best Quarterback/Receiver tandems in the league. Joe has great chemistry with Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins. However, it’s just different with Ja’Marr. This is a blow to the Bengals offense. He’s only in his second year and he’s become a huge problem for defensive backfields. The wild fact is he hasn’t reached his full potential and will only get better as the years go by. I’m wishing him a speedy recovery and I hope he gets back on the field soon.
