Brian Callahan leaves zero doubt about what he thinks of Bengals stars Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase
It doesn't matter that both teams have a combined eight wins on the season. The Cincinnati Bengals facing the Tennessee Titans was always going to be an intriguing matchup with Zac Taylor coaching against Brian Callahan.Callahan was one of the first hires Taylor made in 2019 when putting together his initial coaching staff in Cincinnati. […]
It doesn't matter that both teams have a combined eight wins on the season. The Cincinnati Bengals facing the Tennessee Titans was always going to be an intriguing matchup with Zac Taylor coaching against Brian Callahan.
Callahan was one of the first hires Taylor made in 2019 when putting together his initial coaching staff in Cincinnati. He stayed on as offensive coordinator for five years before getting his big break to lead the Titans almost a full year ago.
Taylor's Bengals may not be doing so hot in their first year without Callahan, but the offense is certainly not the biggest problem. Its two best players have the ultimate respect from their former coordinator.
Brian Callahan thinks the world of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase
Callahan began his weekly press conference Wednesday in Tennessee with immense praise for Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, even planting his flag for the former to be the MVP of the NFL.
"I think Joe Burrow is playing the quarterback position better than anybody in football right now," Callahan said to reporters Wednesday. "I think he's to me, he's the MVP of the NFL at this point. And then Ja'Marr [Chase] is playing as good as any receiver is playing football right now. So tough test for us defensively. Those guys are at the top of their game."
That last sentence is not an exaggeration. Burrow and Chase are putting together their best statistical seasons of their young careers, a progression Callahan knew would happen eventually with or without him wearing the same colors as them. Years before he took the head coaching gig in Nashville, Callahan got a picture of Burrow and Chase and had them sign it.
“I told them at some point I'll look back and they'll both be in the Hall of Fame, and I'll get to say I was a part of their journey,” Callahan said. “They've only gotten better. It's fun to watch and terrifying to get ready for.”
It doesn't get more effusive than that. Burrow didn't hesitate his response upon hearing his former coach say that.
"He's probably right."
Burrow and Chase can't let up now. The Bengals still have a minuscule chance at cracking the postseason, and losing another game is not an option.
It starts with taking care of business against Callahan's Titans, who will take them as serious as possible.
Bengals vs Titans NFL Week 15 Broadcast Map: Will you be able to watch on TV?
Cincinnati travels to Nashville this week for another must-win game. Here’s where you’ll be able to watch the game.
