He’s only been in Cincinnati for one season, but former Bengals legend Chad Ochocinco believes that 2021 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year Ja’Marr Chase is the best wide receiver to ever suit up in the black and orange. As Chase prepares to lead the Bengals in their first Super Bowl since 1988, Ochocinco joined Pro Football Network Daily to discuss Cincinnati’s rookie receiving sensation.
Chad Ochocinco claims Ja’Marr Chase is the best Bengals WR on Radio Row
“I played there a decade and wasn’t able to accomplish half of what he’s been able to do in his rookie year,” Ochocinco told PFN’s Cody Roark during a live appearance on Thursday. The six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro pass catcher tallied 10,783 yards and 66 touchdowns during his 10 years with the Bengals.
“I can say this with confidence, he’s probably the best receiver to don those stripes. He’s done something that none of us have been able to do before. A stellar rookie season and he has his team in the Super Bowl.”
There’s no denying that Chase has exceeded all expectations this season for the Bengals. During his rookie campaign, he produced 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns in the regular season alone. In three playoff games, he’s added 279 yards and 1 touchdown while catching an impressive 74.1% of his targets.
Although Ochocinco holds the Bengals’ career receiving and touchdown records, his 329 receiving yards and 1 touchdown as a rookie lag some way behind Chase’s incredible opening campaign. Chase smashed the previous rookie record — held by A.J. Green — by almost 400 yards. Only Darnay Scott and Isaac Curtis snagged more yards per catch in their rookie seasons than Chase’s 18.0.
Ochocinco talks matchups, giving back, and food
During his segment with Pro Football Network, Ochocinco also talked about his famed McDonald’s diet and his love of spreading the love. “It’s been a part of my nature, part of my mantra. I’ve always been like that as far as giving back. I do what I can. At times, I wish I was Jeff Bezos,” he laughs.
However, attention quickly turned to the matchup at hand on Sunday. Super Bowl 56 features a mouth-watering contest between Chase and Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey. According to quotes this week, Ramsey appears to be relishing the opportunity, saying, “whoever you think their best man is, put me on him.”
While Ramsey also brushed off the clash as “another workday at the office for me on Sunday,” Ochocinco sees the one-on-one in a different light. The former Bengals pass catcher compared the bout to a heavyweight, pay-per-view boxing match.
“That’s a Manny Pacquiao vs. [Floyd] Mayweather matchup, or a Canelo [Alvarez] vs. Mayweather. You don’t know who is going to win. Both are technique sound. Both are really good. Top three at their position, I can say that. It’s going to be a battle of technique. It’s a chess match for the offensive and defensive coordinators to put them in the right place to make those plays.”