Joe Burrow revealed the extreme defensive schemes faced by Ja’Marr Chase following impressive performance against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cincinnati Bengals earned a 37-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, securing their second straight victory and improving to 6-10 on the season. Quarterback Joe Burrow delivered one of his most efficient performances of the year, completing 24 of 31 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns, as Cincinnati controlled the game from the opening quarter and never relinquished momentum. The Bengals scored touchdowns on four of their first five offensive drives, building an early cushion that allowed them to dictate tempo throughout the afternoon.
While the result capped another difficult season for Cincinnati, the performance highlighted why the Bengals’ core offensive pieces remain among the league’s most respected.
After the game, Burrow was asked about the level of defensive attention Ja’Marr Chase sees on a weekly basis, particularly as defenses continue to commit extra resources to slowing him down.
“I don't see any other receivers in the league that get the attention that he does,” Burrow said following the win.
Chase’s Production Despite Defensive Focus
Chase finished the game with seven receptions for 60 yards and two touchdowns, snapping a long scoring drought and providing a key spark for the offense. His first touchdown came on a 13-yard reception, where he broke free from coverage near the goal line to extend Cincinnati’s early lead. His second score followed later in the first half on an eight-yard catch, giving the Bengals firm control heading into halftime.
Burrow’s comments affirmed a season-long reality for Cincinnati’s WR1. Opposing defenses have consistently rolled coverage toward Chase, using safety help and bracket schemes designed to limit explosive plays.
Even with that attention, Chase has continued to post elite production. Through 17 games, he has totaled 117 receptions for 1,316 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, ranking top five in the NFL in both categories.
Elite Reputation Built Since LSU
Chase’s reputation as one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers did not begin in Cincinnati. He first established himself as a dominant force at LSU, where he played alongside Burrow during the Tigers’ historic 2019 national championship season. That year, Chase won the Biletnikoff Award after recording 84 receptions for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns, production that immediately translated to NFL expectations.
Selected fifth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Chase has delivered consistent results since entering the league. He has recorded five consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards and is now in his third straight year with 100 or more receptions. Even during seasons where Cincinnati has struggled as a team, Chase has remained a focal point of opposing defensive game plans and a reliable outlet for Burrow.
The Bengals will close out the regular season at home against the Cleveland Browns, with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS.