Despite losing their season opener to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase picked up where he left from his impressive rookie season.
He led all receivers with ten receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown.
But instead of sticking to a couple of routes, he collected those yards by being all over the field.
A look at Ja'Marr Chase's route chart from Week 1 vs. PIT (via NFL Next Gen) pic.twitter.com/NfJxx0yze0
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 14, 2022
ESPN’s Ben Baby shared Chase’s route chart from Week 1, courtesy of NFL’s Next Gen Stats.
He covered the field on the flat, the crossing route, or slants.
Chase also gained extra yards in six of his catches.
Meanwhile, his only touchdown catch was a six-yard reception.
It took him one season and a game to re-establish himself as the Bengals’ main option in the passing game.
Yet despite his efforts, the Bengals still lost to their division rival, 23-20.
They had opportunities to win the game in overtime, but couldn’t seal the deal.
Chris Boswell‘s kick gave the game to Pittsburgh.
Chase Chasing More Glory
Winning a return trip to the Super Bowl is Chase’s ultimate goal.
They nearly had it last season, if not for the Los Angeles Rams’ game-winning drive and Aaron Donald‘s tackle on Joe Burrow.
But for now, they have more opportunities to bounce back even if they are off to a negative start.
In that case, Chase can match or surpass the 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns he had last season.
Those numbers earned him a Second-Team All-Pro distinction and a Pro Bowl selection.
He was also the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year.
The Pro Football Writers Association also named him to their 2021 All-Rookie Team.
Chase and the Bengals can get their first win of the 2022 season by defeating the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2.
NEXT: Bengals Insider Has A Warning About O.J. Howard