After registering only two receptions for 12 yards in a sluggish Week 1 opener, Ja’Marr Chase is set to dominate the Week 2 highlight packages.
As Cincinnati battled the Houston Texans in a scoreless deadlock late in the second quarter, Chase broke the stalemate with a breathtaking play to put his team on the scoreboard.
Facing a first-and-10 situation at the Houston 32, Chase sprinted down the right boundary on a fly route. Texans corner Derek Stingley shadowed him closely in man-to-man coverage, but lacked safety help over the top.
Cincinnati signal-caller Joe Burrow wasted no time targeting his premier wideout, unleashing a deep throw toward the end zone.
As he tracked the incoming pass, Chase created a sliver of space against Stingley before twisting around to pluck the football out of the sky, barely managing to land both feet inside the pylon. After securing the catch with his right foot planted first, he dragged his left foot inside the boundary line before tumbling out of play.
With possession confirmed and both feet firmly established in bounds, the spectacular catch gave the Bengals an initial 7-0 advantage.
This performance follows another impressive campaign for Chase, who recently secured his second straight year with at least 125 catches, resulting in his fifth Pro Bowl invitation and third All-Pro honor. While his quiet showing in the season opener drew attention, it was hardly a cause for alarm. Provided he stays healthy, Chase continues to be one of the NFL’s premier wideouts and most lethal offensive threats.
