Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and quarterback Joe Burrow appear to already have one of the best new connections in the NFL. Chase is in his first year in the league while Burrow was a rookie last season. Both players play for the Cincinnati Bengals but their connection began years ago at their alma mater, LSU.
They played two seasons together at LSU (2018-2019), where their relationship developed over time. In 2018, Chase was a freshman, so he didn’t get many opportunities in the offense.
However, 2019 was when their connection was on full display. LSU was considered one of the best teams in the nation led by Burrow and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Nonetheless, it was Chase who broke numerous records in his sophomore season.
With Burrow at quarterback, Chase caught 84 passes for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns. His 1,780 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns were the most in a single season in LSU history. Most importantly, LSU finished a perfect 15-0 and won the national championship.
After Burrow declared for the NFL draft, many thought that this was the end of the greatest duo in LSU history. That was until the Bengals struggled in their first season with him. With the team holding the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, speculation started to arise if Chase would find his way back with his former college quarterback.
I got the chance to sit down with Chase at his Pro Day and had to ask him “what would it mean to reunite with Joe Burrow in Cincinnati?”
“I wouldn’t mind going back with Joe,” Chase said. “If we go back together, we’re trying to do nothing but get back on chemistry and have some more fun.”
Fast forward to the draft and with the fifth overall pick, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Ja’Marr Chase. Burrow got his favorite target back with the hopes of continuing their connection into the pros.
Now, just two games into the season, this connection looks better than ever. Chase has had deep touchdowns in his first two games to start his NFL career. He also recorded 101 receiving yards in his first career game. It’s early, but this connection could turn into one of the best duos that the league has ever seen.
With wide receiver Tee Higgins out with an injury, Chase has the opportunity to step up in his place in week 3. Nonetheless, the former LSU star did not disappoint as he had one of the best games of his young career. He finished the game with four catches for 65 yards and two touchdowns.
In just three games, he leads the team with 220 receiving yards and four touchdowns. His four touchdowns are tied for the third-most in the league amongst other pass catchers. The 6-foot-1 wide receiver has already made an impact on the Bengals and it appears that Burrow and Chase picked up right where they left off in college.
“I think Chase has fit right in with Burrow,” said John Sheeran, a reporter for the Cincy Jungle. “A lot of their completions they’ve had looked reminiscent of their LSU days.”
Featured Image Courtesy of the Advocate.