Ja’Marr Chase Shocked to Learn He Broke Bengals Record with 16 Catches: “I Thought I Had Nine”

Ja’Marr Chase is chasing the triple crown once again.

Ja’Marr Chase Shocked to Learn He Broke Bengals Record with 16 Catches: “I Thought I Had Nine”

Ja’Marr Chase (Image via PennLive.com)

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The Cincinnati Bengals edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers 33-31 on Thursday night (October 16) in a tightly contested divisional matchup that featured one of the best performances of Ja’Marr Chase’s career. The star wide receiver set a franchise record with 16 receptions, breaking his previous single-game mark.

Chase was targeted 23 times and finished with 161 receiving yards and a touchdown. It marked Ja’Marr Chase’s 13th career game recording at least 125 receiving yards and a touchdown reception. This achievement ties him for the fourth-most such performances within a player’s first five NFL seasons, trailing only Lance Alworth (16), Randy Moss (14), and Justin Jefferson (14).

In terms of targets, Chase’s 23 targets tied for the third-most in a single game since the NFL began tracking the stats in 1978. Only Brandon Marshall (28 in Week 14, 2009) and Chris Chambers (26 in Week 13, 2005) have had more.

Despite the heavy workload, Chase admitted he didn’t realize how many catches he had during the game.

I didn’t even know I had 16. I thought I had nine, if I’m being honest. It didn’t feel like that many.

Ja’Marr Chase said after the game

The Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive approach was clear from the start: lean on their best playmakers to move the ball against a physical Steelers defense. Tee Higgins complemented Chase’s night with six receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown, giving Cincinnati a much-needed second option in the passing game.

Chase later said that this kind of performance from both him and Higgins “was supposed to happen” once they re-signed with the team during the offseason.

Joe Flacco, who took over starting duties earlier in Week 6, delivered one of his most efficient outings this season. He threw for over 300 yards and managed the pocket well, avoiding costly turnovers that had plagued the team in previous games. In the Steelers game, Flacco spread the ball around, and maintained rhythm helped Cincinnati control possession and keep pace with four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers in the ‘Icy Hot Unc’ Bowl.

In short, he played in such a way that the fans were questioning whether the problem lies with the Cleveland Browns, where he started a few games at the beginning of the season.

The victory moves the Bengals to 3-4 on the season, giving them an important win within the AFC North and some grace before heading into the second half of the schedule. For the Steelers, the loss dropped their early advantage to 4-2.

For Cincinnati, the story of the night was Chase’s dominance and the growing chemistry between him and Flacco. If Thursday’s performance is any indication, the Bengals’ passing attack could be returning to form at a critical point in their season.

Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase a frontrunner for an OPOY this year

The previous week, during the Week 5 loss against the Green Bay Packers, Chase hauled in eight passes for 85 yards against zone coverage. Remarkably, no other player in the league has surpassed 75 receiving yards against both man and zone coverage in a single game this season. Regardless of defensive strategies, Chase hasn’t failed to make an impact, which has people believing he might be in for an OPOY.

Ja’Marr Chase
Ja’Marr Chase (Image via Sky Sports)

In total, Chase now leads the league in receptions with 58, maintaining a comfortable margin over Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua, who is sidelined this week due to injury.

Chase is also second in receiving yards, just behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba with 629 yards, and tied for second in the touchdowns. However, if the Bengals don’t qualify, the scenario might not be the same. Joe Burrow’s production numbers were MVP-level, but the Bengals’ missing the playoffs became a huge part of why he wouldn’t be considered.

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