Bengals' investment in this position group was essential for recent success
When thinking of the Cincinnati Bengals and their magic carpet ride to the Super Bowl in 2021 one thing sticks out, their passing attack. In particular, it's the connection between quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who have continued their amazing chemistry from their LSU days. The Bengals have constructed one of the […]
When thinking of the Cincinnati Bengals and their magic carpet ride to the Super Bowl in 2021 one thing sticks out, their passing attack. In particular, it's the connection between quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who have continued their amazing chemistry from their LSU days.
The Bengals have constructed one of the NFL's best rosters, ranking seventh in a recent article from Pro Football Focus. It's their investment in the wide receiver position that was viewed as the team's biggest strength, and of course, the Burrow-Chase combination highlighted why.
"Cincinnati's passing game blossomed after reuniting Joe Burrow with his former LSU teammate Ja'Marr Chase. Vertical plays were Burrow's Achilles' heel as a rookie, as he completed just nine of 48 attempts thrown 20-plus yards downfield for just one touchdown. Throwing to Chase alone in 2021, Burrow completed 15 of 34 attempts thrown 20-plus yards downfield with eight touchdown passes. That connection torched NFL defenses in the same way it did SEC defenses in 2019."
The Bengals' passing game goes far beyond just the razzle and dazzle of Chase. One round after they drafted Burrow, the Bengals took wide receiver Tee Higgins out of Clemson. After over 900 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie, Higgins had 1,091 yards and six touchdowns for the Bengals last season. Also, he had over 100 yards in the AFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl and had 96 yards in the divisional round.
Chase and Higgins have been mega additions to go with Tyler Boyd, who played completed his sixth season with the Bengals in 2021. It was a successful one as he registered 828 yards and five touchdowns and further established himself as one of the NFL's top slot receivers.
Getting back to Super will be a tall task for the Bengals. Even if they are unsuccessful they will have something to say about how things go in the AFC, and their passing game should be the main catalyst.
Feature image via Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
