The Cincinnati Bengals have unearthed a gem in wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
He did not need much time to prove that he belongs in the pros.
In his first season in the NFL, he broke the receiving record for rookies set by his former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson.
Aside from having 1,455 yards, he also had 81 receptions and 13 touchdowns.
He averaged an impressive 18 yards per catch and his longest haul was an 82-yard gain.
Those numbers made him a part of last season’s Second-Team All-Pro and the Pro Bowl.
Chase was also the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year and was a part of the Pro Football Writers Association’s All-Rookie Team.
Coming into year two, the Bengals hope that he can sustain or surpass the numbers in his first year.
With their offensive line revamped, quarterback Joe Burrow will have more time finding him downfield.
Therefore, it is possible that Chase ties or improves on an impressive record he accomplished last season.
Most 30+ Yard TD in a year over last 10 NFL seasons
2021 Ja'Marr Chase 8
2020 Tyreek Hill 7
2014 Jordy Nelson 7
2013 Josh Gordon 7
2017 Tyreek Hill 7 pic.twitter.com/d3CJRYXnQZ— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) June 30, 2022
The NFL on CBS Twitter account shared that Chase has the most touchdowns of over 30 yards in a season over the last decade.
His eight touchdowns of that nature surpass Tyreek Hill, Jordy Nelson, and Josh Gordon‘s seven.
Hill accomplished it in 2017 and 2020 while Gordon did the same in 2013.
Nelson achieved the milestone a year after Gordon.
Chase Continues To Conquer More Records
Aside from having the most receiving yards by a rookie, he also holds the single-game record for first-year NFL players with 266.
With a Super Bowl experience to his credit, Chase and the Bengals now know what it takes to win.
They will try to return to the big game and win it all this time.
For that to happen, they need Chase to continuously deliver those quick-strike touchdowns.
NEXT: 3 Reasons The Bengals Should Be AFC Title Favorites Once Again