The Cincinnati Bengals aren't hurting for talent at the wide receiver position. 

Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins sit at the forefront in Cincinnati, and they're a huge reason why the Bengals are seeking their third consecutive trip to the AFC Championship Game and hopefully a second Super Bowl appearance in three years in 2023.

Both Chase and Higgins are coming off 1,000-yard campaigns, further proving their effectiveness as a duo. However, it was how they did it that stood out. 

The NFL is more of a zone coverage league these days, but receivers still need to be able to defeat man coverage, especially on late downs and distances at critical points of a game. Well, Chase and Higgins were both ranked as top-10 receivers in terms of grades in that aspect last season according to Pro Football Focus. 

T-2. Ja'Marr Chase 

Receiving grade vs. man coverage: 90.7

Chase was edged out by just one decimal point to St. Brown, as we are splitting hairs here. Chase is such an incredible receiver in all facets of the game, he can take shorter routes the distance but also plays much larger than his listed size. Of course, he is playing with his guy Joe Burrow, and they obviously have one of the best rapports in the league.

Chase truly is a big play waiting to happen, and manning him up makes it all the more dangerous – he hauled in 29 catches against man coverage for 444 yards and five touchdowns. He ranked in the top 10 in both of those categories, and he ranked top five with 197 yards after catch when facing man coverage. His 3.31 yards per route run was third among these 10 receivers listed; this young connection of Burrow to Chase is one we will continue to hear about for years to come.

7. Tee Higgins 

Receiving grade vs. man coverage: 87.3

It is safe to say that Joe Burrow loves playing against man coverage, as his top two weapons appear on the list. Higgins is another big-bodied receiver who doesn’t need to create separation to excel against man coverage. Higgins hauled in six of his 11 contested catch opportunities when playing man-to-man.

Impressively, 19 of Higgins’ 22 receptions against man coverage went for a first down. Higgins is a nightmare to cover one-on-one because he can win easily over the top with his 6-foot-4 frame and 97th-percentile arm length. With his basketball background, it shows up on film with his ability to box out smaller defensive backs and attack the catch point. –Braxton Howard, PFF

Chase and Higgins have to make Burrow sleep comfortably at night knowing he has them to throw to every Sunday. 

National media thinks Bengals should be proactive with key players’ future with the team

It wouldn’t hurt to do so.

Feature image via Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK