Bengals' weapon has stepped up at the right time
The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the best wide receivers in the NFL in Ja'Marr Chase. However, the Bengals have a trio of effective pass catchers, meaning they are more equipped to handle a loss in the passing game. That's what the Bengals are dealing with currently with Chase and his hip issue that has […]
The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the best wide receivers in the NFL in Ja'Marr Chase. However, the Bengals have a trio of effective pass catchers, meaning they are more equipped to handle a loss in the passing game.
That's what the Bengals are dealing with currently with Chase and his hip issue that has cost him several games. Tee Higgins, the third-year veteran, and no. 2 option, has stepped up in his absence and it hasn't gone unnoticed.
When Pro Football Focus released its receiver rankings earlier this week, Higgins landed at 16.
Marcus Mosher on Higgins:
"Ja’Marr Chase missing time with a hip injury has put more on Higgins' plate. And over the past few weeks, he’s really stepped up in a big way. Against the Steelers in Week 11, he caught nine passes for 148 yards on 13 targets while the Bengals moved him all around the formation. He earned a season-high 89.1 game grade for the performance. Higgins is having another phenomenal season and is among the best WR2s in the NFL."
When Chase went down, Higgins let it be known he was going to do his part to make up the slack.
"I found out same time as everyone else. It’s disappointing, more for him, because I know how much hard work he put into this game. I know how much he loves this game,” Higgins said. “I’m going to continue to be myself no matter what. Contributing to wins and doing my part in any way I can.”
Higgins has done just that.
Over the last three games the Bengals have played without Chase, Higgins has racked up 257 yards and caught 19 of his 27 targets (70.4%), and Cincinnati has gone 2-1 over that time.
If recent history is any indication, Higgins elevating his game shouldn't be a surprise. When the Bengals were on their magic carpet ride to the Super Bowl last season, Higgins had as many 100-yard games as Chase (2) in the playoffs and his two touchdowns led all receivers on the team.
Higgins is on pace for a career-high in yards and his second campaign over 1,000 in his three seasons. He may normally be the Bengals' second option, but he's proving he can handle more responsibility if need be.
Feature image via Kareem Elgazzar / USA TODAY NETWORK
