Ja’Marr Chase makes himself clear ahead of first matchup against Steelers since suspension, which can end in NFL history
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is on the doorstep of NFL history. Surpassing two all-time greats would also put what happened last year in Acrisure Stadium fully to bed.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase just had an exciting week.
Chase’s viral touchdown reception helped the Bengals reach 2-0 on the young season. He received high praise for the catch from former NFL MVP Adrian Peterson. He also got to chat with Chad “Ochocinco” on his latest podcast episode.
All of it comes with a matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team he only played part of a game against the last time Cincinnati played at Acrisure Stadium. Chase was suspended for a game after spitting on Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey during Cincinnati’s 34-12 loss in Week 11.
But if you’re expecting that to change how Chase approaches this game, you’re mistaken.
Ja’Marr Chase remains unapologetically himself heading back to Pittsburgh after last year’s incident
It’s an unavoidable storyline for Chase. Pittsburgh limited him to just three receptions on 10 targets with Joe Flacco at quarterback playing with a bad shoulder. His 30 yards are the fewest he’s ever posted against the Steelers.
Ramsey is still on their roster as well. Chase will face him again at some point on Sunday, but he’s not expecting to be against him often.
“I don’t expect us to match up that much at all, to be honest,” Chase told reporters Thursday.
When asked if he’s taking a different approach this time around after last year’s incident, Chase made one thing clear.
“I don’t care about my opponents,” Chase told ESPN’s Ben Baby. “I would never engage the proper way for them. I’m gonna stay myself, be me myself forever.”
Is there a new line that needs to be engaged with?
“We’re gonna find out.”
Ja’Marr Chase set to pass 7,000 career receiving yards
Chase has gone over 80 yards in five of his eight career games against the Bengals’ bitter rival. Doing so once more would help him make history.
Through 80 career regular season games, Chase has amassed 6,924 yards. He’s just 76 away from eclipsing 7,000.
It would also get him there faster than arguably the two greatest wideouts of all time.
Per NFL Football Communications, Chase can become the fourth fastest receiver to reach 7000 yards in NFL history. Doing so in 81 games would put him ahead of both Jerry Rice and Randy Moss, each of whom reached 7K in 83 games.
Cincinnati needs Chase for all four quarters this time around. Whether or not more drama occurs between him and Ramsey is up to how tensions may arise, but a normal day at the office for No. 1 would mean he surpasses two G.O.A.T.s in the process.
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