Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are rewriting the playbook on NFL partnerships. The Cincinnati Bengals’ duo has its sight set on a historic Triple Crown for Chase. With 117 receptions, 1,612 receiving yards, and 16 touchdowns, Chase leads all categories heading into Week 18, a feat only four receivers have accomplished since the NFL-AFL merger.
Joe Burrow Ready To Support Ja’Marr Chase To Reach Milestone
This week, the Bengals are up for a high-pressure game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. A win over Mike Tomlin’s team keeps their slim playoff hopes alive, but they’ll also need losses from the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins. Regardless of the playoff picture, Chase’s season remains a bright spot, and Burrow wants to see it get brighter.
Speaking ahead of the Bengals’ must-win matchup, Burrow said, “I think a couple of (categories) are pretty out of reach for everybody else. I think he’s got a seven- or eight-catch lead. He works for it. He grinds for it. He’s a once-in-a-lifetime-type player and our careers will forever be tied together from college into the pro landscape. We’re going to make sure Ja’Marr gets it.”
Burrow and Chase’s chemistry has been unmatched since their college football days at LSU, where they secured a national championship among numerous accolades.
That connection has translated seamlessly to the pros, taking the Bengals to a Super Bowl berth amidst multiple division titles. Now, Burrow aims to help Chase etch his name alongside legends like Cooper Kupp, who last achieved the Triple Crown in 2021.
Chase’s dominance is undeniable, but the Bengals face a challenging offseason. Tee Higgins, another wide receiver in Cincinnati’s arsenal, is set to hit free agency, and the Bengals may struggle to retain both star receivers.
Burrow acknowledged the looming dilemma: “Whenever a great player leaves, you wish you could have found a way to keep them. You don’t want to make a living out of letting great players leave the building. And I think that’s why you want to do everything you can to get these things done early.”
Joe Burrow clear as can be with an offseason of negotiations with Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase ahead after past great players have left in recent years.
"Whenever a great player leaves you wish you could have found a way to keep them. You don’t want to make a living out of…
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) December 31, 2024
However, Higgins has expressed uncertainty about his future. Despite a strong performance, he knows the Bengals might prioritize a record-setting extension for Chase. Burrow and Higgins, both from the 2020 draft class, have built a strong bond, making the prospect of losing Higgins a tough pill to swallow for the Bengals.
MORE: Joe Burrow Makes Feelings Known on Tee Higgins Possibly Playing His Last Game With the Bengals
Contract talks aside, the Bengals have another matter at hand — going on the road to take on the Steelers with a potential playoff berth on the line.