Ja’Marr Chase, the Cincinnati Bengals’ star wide receiver, continues to impress on the field, showcasing remarkable talent even as his team faces challenges. In recent weeks, Chase has emerged as a go-to player for the Bengals’ offense. He has accumulated an amazing 234 targets and is on pace for record-setting accomplishments.
Most recently, Chase logged a staggering 23 targets in a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This accomplishment underscores his importance to the team’s overall scheme. In a loss just the next week against the New York Jets, he delivered once again with 19 targets. In Chase’s last three games under quarterback and Flacco-must-start-yet-again Joe Flacco, he has seen an outrageous 53 targets. This incredible production highlights his elite ability to separate and create space from defensive backs. He is always a key player, regardless of how the game plays out.
In response Chase’s performance has been nothing short of phenomenal. 44 receptions over the last four games! If he keeps this up, he’s going to set records in the NFL. If he gets 11 receptions in this Thursday’s contest against the Chicago Bears, he’ll set the new mark. If so, it will set the record for most receptions in a five-game stretch in league history. If he sees 15 targets versus the Bears, it would break the record for the most targets in a four-game stretch (again, set by another receiver). It would be the first such accomplishment in nearly 20 years.
NFL legend and former Super Bowl champ wide receiver Torry Holt has praised Chase’s game, calling him “the best receiver in the NFL.” This honor comes as no surprise considering Chase’s breakout, MVP caliber season. His incredible 2024 campaign led him to an immense four-year, $161 million contract. Unfortunately, this achievement only highlights his lack of value to the franchise.
The Bengals have changed their offensive game plans to get the most out of Chase’s skills. To prevent defenses from loading up just to contain him, they’ve used new formations and plays to counterbalance that pressure. Flacco’s primary focus has been on feeding the ball to Chase consistently, which has made him a central figure in Cincinnati’s game plan. In fact, the way the Jets used their defensive game plan — zeroing in specifically on Chase — was largely responsible for their stunning upset win over the Bengals.
Chase finds himself frustrated, seeing everything he’s accomplished not leading to the team getting the wins they need. After the loss to the Jets, he expressed his disappointment succinctly:
“I’m more frustrated that we lost tonight than anything.” – Ja’Marr Chase
The Bengals’ coaching staff recognizes the challenges they face and acknowledges that opposing defenses are keenly aware of Chase’s impact on the field. Aaron Glenn, an opposing coach, remarked on this reality:
“When it comes to defense, those two guys that they have are tough to deal with.” – Aaron Glenn
With Cincinnati looking toward their upcoming rematch with Chicago, the focus will remain on Ja’Marr Chase. His ability to break records and go off in the face of constant double-teams will be a necessity that Bengal fans look for. Cincinnati’s success will likely be predicated on just how well they leverage their superstar do-it-all receiver moving forward.
Leave a Reply