Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray put NFC West's firepower on display in respective victories
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JA'MARR CHASE #1 - WIDE RECEIVER - CINCINNATI BENGALS
1056 YDS •
73 REC •
12 TD
1056 YDS
73 REC
12 TD
Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase opens up about drop issues and how he plans to fix them The rookie is trying to identify the causes of his problems as the season is set to begin on Sunday.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM
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Drops only target Chase failed to bring in his only target during the Bengals' 29-26 preseason loss to the Dolphins on Saturday.
Impact Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports Chase couldn't secure a bubble screen from Joe Burrow on the team's first drive, with the ball bouncing right off his hands. It was an extension of a troublesome trend for the rookie first-round pick, who was charged with three drops in preseason Week 2 against Washington and then put in extra pass-catching reps during the practice week. Baby separately reports Burrow publicly proclaims to be unconcerned about Chase's exhibition struggles, adding, "He'll be ready to go Week 1," when asked about his old college teammate. Chase will have a chance to prove his quarterback right when he and the Bengals face the Vikings in the regular-season opener Sunday, Sept. 12.
AUGUST 30, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Putting in extra work Chase has been putting in extra work in reaction to Friday's preseason game, where he dropped three catchable balls, Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com reports.
Impact Chase went in and worked with receivers coach Troy Walters on Saturday's off-day, and then turned in a big practice on Monday. With Joe Burrow playing in this weekend's preseason finale, Chase should get extra work in that game as well.
AUGUST 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Ja'Marr Chase dropped all 3 of his targets in his 2nd preseason game. No one freak out. Ja’Marr Chase is totally lost in the mental game. We’re not freaking out. Not yet.
AUGUST 21, 2021 • USATODAY.COM
Struggles in second preseason game Chase failed to record a reception on three targets in Friday's preseason game against Washington.
Impact All three targets hit Chase in the hands, and two of his targets should have been converted to catches on a fairly routine basis. While it's not the performance Chase desired, he'll continue to get plenty of opportunities after being selected fifth overall by the Bengals in the 2021 draft. Chase's college production indicates that he has the talent to excel in the pros, though his inconsistency could lead to a slow start to his rookie campaign. This falls in line with earlier reports from training camp, which suggested that Chase had struggled to both create separation and consistently catch the ball in practice.
AUGUST 21, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
NFL preseason: Top moments from Colts vs. Panthers to wrap up weekend
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Why we shouldn't have separation anxiety with Ja'Marr Chase and other top receivers Michael Salfino explains why fantasy managers should shrug off reports that rookie Ja'Marr Chase has struggled to gain separation in camp.
AUGUST 11, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Making rookie adjustments Chase is still "fighting the rookie learning curve" in camp, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.
Impact Chase drew raves during earlier minicamps, but lining up against Chidobe Awuzie has proven to be a challenge in training camp, as Chase has struggled to create separation and has had his share of drops to boot. It's not all negative with the fifth overall pick in this year's draft, but early-season expectations should be tempered.
AUGUST 11, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Impressive separation Chase impressed the Bengals with his ability to gain separation in summer workouts, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.
Impact Teammate Joe Burrow extolled Chase's abilities, reminding everyone how well they worked together at LSU. "Everybody's been surprised by how smart he was," said Burrow. "I told everyone coming in, 'He's not going to bust, he's going to know exactly what to do, he's going to be a pro.' And that's exactly what's happened." We'll see how quickly that translates against opposing teams, and there's still the concern about how many targets Chase will get with both Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd also on the field.
JULY 24, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Top 10 candidates for 2021 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
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Reunited with Burrow in Cincy The Bengals selected Chase in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, fifth overall.
Impact The 2019 Biletnikoff Award winner, given to the most outstanding receiver in college football, is reunited with his former quarterback in Cincinnati. Burrow and Chase helped create one of the most electric passing games in college football history with Chase catching 84 of 126 targets for 1,780 yards (14.1 YPT) and 20 touchdowns in 14 games. Chase (6-foot, 201 pounds) opted out of the 2020 season but reminded everyone why he was the best receiver prospect in this class at LSU's Pro Day by running a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and posting a 41-inch vertical. He projects to be an instant impact player opposite Tee Higgins in the Cincinnati offense.
APRIL 30, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
