Ja’Marr Chase admits he can’t help the Bengals in red zone because of one peculiar reason
Ja'Marr Chase's struggles in the red zone stem from being double-teamed on crucial plays.
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Ja'Marr Chase compares himself to Calvin 'Megatron' Johnson (Images via L-Imago, R-Open Source)
The Cincinnati Bengals are yet to win a game this season through three weeks. Part of the team’s struggles are because of the team’s reservations about utilizing wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase in the red zone. It is common knowledge that Joe Burrow‘s first preference on offense is his former LSU teammate, which is why opposing defenses have been doing their best to prevent the duo from getting into rhythm.
A common way to do that is by double-teaming Chase so that he has no time to break off and get open. The wideout has 215 yards for 2 touchdowns on 16 receptions so far this season. Ja’Marr Chase acknowledged his limitation in the red zone this season earlier today.
I could help in the red zone unless I’m doubled like Megatron, you know what I’m saying. But if I’m doubled like Megatron it’s 10 on 9. so like you know they might take me out the play then I might come back so I mean it’s what and what.
Ja’Marr Chase told the media
The wide receiver has been rendered helpless on red zone plays because he finds himself shut out.
Chase is undoubtedly confident about his ability to put points on the board. Except it does not make sense for the Cincinnati Bengals to risk the chance of scoring a touchdown by throwing the ball to a wideout who is double-teamed. It is a smarter decision to revert to Tee Higgins or another player who is in a better position to catch the ball.
Ja’Marr Chase has scored both of his touchdowns this season in the Week 3 game
Last week, Chase had himself a game to remember. Both of his touchdowns came from deep throws made by Joe Burrow and in situations wherein the wideout was guarded in single-man coverage.
He can break off and get himself free when there is a lot of room to run but that is not the case on red zone plays.
It would take longer for Ja’Marr Chase to be able to do that, which is why he cannot help in finishing off the team’s touchdown drives. His reference to Calvin ‘Megatron’ Johnson came in the context of facing double teams.
Megatron was a different beast. The former Detroit Lion holds the NFL’s single season receiving yards record with 1,964 yards since 2012. Despite facing a double-team on almost every other play, Johnson continued to dominate.
Ja’Marr Chase is elite, but he is no Megatron. The Cincinnati Bengals have bigger concerns as they head into Week 4. The team is yet to win a game this season, and despite a dominant outing by the offense in Week 3, it is the defense that is struggling to do its part.
The Bengals play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. It is a must-win game for them but one that will be challenging considering the Panthers are coming off a motivated win.
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Sumedh Joshi
(2254 Articles Published)