The Cincinnati Bengals have big plans for rising star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and it includes using the Pro Bowler "all over the field."
Chase was absolutely sensational in his rookie season in Cincinnati. After being taken with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the 22-year-old made the front office look like geniuses as he became Joe Burrow’s top target immediately. He pulled in 81 catches for an absurd 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns.
After such an electrifying debut year in the NFL, it is unsurprising that the Bengals want to expand on Chase’s role in 2022, as they attempt to be the rare team to return to the Super Bowl after coming up short the prior year.
Ja’Marr Chase could play ‘everywhere’
In that pursuit, Cincinnati receiver coach Troy Walters told Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official website the team plans to use Chase in every set possible to find ways to exploit defenses and maximize the output of his immense talent, much like the 49ers did with Deebo Samuel in 2021.
“He’s going to be all over the field. We’re going to use him in as many ways as we can. He’s a quick learner … That’s what great players want to do. They want to play everywhere. They understand the value of moving around and how you stress defenses sometimes in the slot. You don’t want defenses to focus on you. He’s embraced that challenge. Just find a way to create mismatches.”
Samuel’s performance last season could be the model for how teams try to use many other elite wide receivers in future years. The three-year veteran had a historic season in 2021 by reeling in 77 catches, 1,405 yards and six touchdowns. While Chase’s receiving numbers were better than Samuel’s, where they differ is in what Samuel brought to the 49ers’ run game.
Last season, Chase was handed the ball seven times for 21 yards. Samuel, however, rushed 59 times for an impressive 365 yards and another eight touchdowns. His performance earned him Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 2021 and a massive new contract extension worth $71 million last month.
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