The Cincinnati Bengals offense features a dynamic duo that everyone should have seen coming.
Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase lit up opposing defenses at LSU in 2019 and the Bengals decided to pair them up again at the NFL level.
Taking Burrow No. 1 overall was not a controversial pick, but criticisms were made about the team drafting Chase at No. 5 overall in 2021.
The joke is on everyone else because it was the right pick.
Chase has 50 receptions for 906 yards and eight touchdowns so far in his first 11 NFL games.
He was on pace to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year as well until Mac Jones started playing like a seasoned veteran for the New England Patriots.
But one stat in particular shows why Chase totally changes the way the Bengals operate on offense.
Most receiving TDs vs single coverage:
Ja’Marr Chase – 7
D.K. Metcalf – 7
Mike Evans – 7
Adam Thielen – 7 pic.twitter.com/vgHEbNnbtg— PFF (@PFF) December 1, 2021
Chase is a rookie and already has seven touchdowns versus single coverage.
That means he is demanding extra attention from defenses and on the rare occasion he is not, he makes them pay.
A Rare Rookie Weapon
The Bengals were one of the worst teams in football over the past several years.
Adding Burrow was a huge step toward changing that.
But he still needed a weapon and the fact Chase is already making opposing defenses pay is a huge added bonus.
Teams now have to decide if they want to focus extra attention on him throughout the entire game.
He is already averaging 18 yards per reception, so it’s clear he can’t be forgotten about.
But if teams focus in on Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are ready to make them pay.
Ja'Marr Chase: 15 forced missed tackles on receptions
1st among all WRs pic.twitter.com/qiyGvFbVTZ
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) November 30, 2021
That is the advantage of having a true number one receiver like the rookie.
Adding a few competent receivers behind him makes them look better if they can win a few one-on-one battles per game.
The Bengals are in the playoff hunt and Chase is looking to reach 1,500 yards as a rookie receiver.
If teams throw single coverage at him, he may even eclipse that total.
NEXT: Joe Burrow Not Satisfied With Sweeping The Steelers
