Ja'Marr Chase reveals what changed from preseason to regular season with drops

When the Cincinnati Bengals selected LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the pick was met with criticism. Many thought that the Bengals should have used the pick on an offensive lineman, especially coming off of a season that saw quarterback Joe Burrow go down with a torn ACL.

After a slow start to the preseason for Chase with the Bengals, that criticism grew louder. But it’s safe to say at this point that the decision to pick him has worked out, and then some.

Chase was targeted 128 times this season, bringing in 81 receptions for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was named the PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year, and was named a second-team All-Pro by AP as a rookie.

When it comes to his struggles in the preseason, Chase said on Monday that he remained confident in himself as the Bengals began the regular season. He wanted to focus on playing his game, and with the Bengals on their way to the Super Bowl, it’s safe to say that things have worked out for Chase and Cincinnati so far.

“I knew what I could do already,” Chase said. “Not much proving that I needed to do. I’m not really worried about too much. As long as I play my game, make sure no one is trying to take me out and distract me. That’s my main focus, make sure I’m doing my job.”

The Burrow-Chase connection has carried over from LSU to the Bengals

Burrow and Chase showed that they were a dynamic duo at the college level at LSU. The two have only seen the same kind of success so far in the NFL.

When Chase got off to a quick start in the regular season for the Bengals, Burrow made it clear that it wasn’t a surprise. Even with a preseason that left many with questions about Chase, Burrow knew that his teammate was going to have success when it was all said it done. He was right.

“I didn’t really have to say anything, I knew the kind of player and person Ja’Marr was,” Burrow said of Chase earlier in the season. “When I’m in there getting my prework in the weight room every day, he’s catching tennis balls of the wall from coach Troy. I knew on Sundays he was going to show up and play. People kept asking me, ‘Are things wrong with Ja’Marr, yadda, yadda, yada.’ I told them just wait until Sundays.”

Chase’s strong season also earned him Pro Bowl honors, although he did not partake in the event with the Bengals preparing for the Super Bowl. Winning the Super Bowl against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday would truly put an incredible cap on Chase’s rookie season in the NFL.