CINCINNATI — During a practice this season, there was something that wasn’t right between the two of them Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe BurrowWide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
A few of the passes missed the mark. They continued their conversation for another four to five throws. Burrow was instructed by Chase where the ball should be placed. Burrow is the most accurate passer in this NFL season. Chase received the ball right in his hands.
Chase declared, “That’s a throw.” “That’s the one.”
Cincinnati’s Super Bowl LVI run was based on the connection between Burrow Chase and Chase. It dates back to their time at LSU. This pairing has helped the Bengals achieve their best season for 33 years. This unique pairing of quarterback and receiver was formed through years of effort.
Burrow and Chase combined have 206 catches, 3,801 yards, and 37 touchdowns in two seasons at LSU. This combination has already resulted in one national championship: LSU’s 2019.
On Sunday, against the Los Angeles Rams (6:30 p.m. ET, NBC) The two of them will have a chance at winning another.
Chase declared, “Everything’s a chance,” after the Bengals made their first Super Bowl appearance in 1989. We keep seeing opportunities and we continue to take advantage of them. We still have one chance.”
THE BOND BETWEENChase and Burrow were formed in Louisiana humidity without anyone else around.
LSU acquired two players in 2018, Chase as a true freshman and Burrow as an Ohio State graduate transfer. The coaching staff was aware that they had two players who were willing to learn.
It was clear during the summer 2019. Burrow and his receivers caught over 10,000 passes after a disappointing 2018 season. This was to prepare for a historic 2019 campaign that would see the offense break many national, conference, and College Football Playoff records. Steve Ensminger was a former LSU offensive coordinator. He often found Burrow working alongside Chase and other receivers after practices or on weekends when things weren’t looking right.
These reps eventually led to an incredible confidence Burrow had for Chase and his top receivers. Burrow did throw the ball to Chase once, even though he wasn’t told to. Ensminger asked Burrow why during one film session.
Burrow stated, “If I don’t want you to throw it,”
“You got it, big boy,” Ensminger said.
Many future NFL players were part of the 2019 LSU offense, including wide receivers Justin JeffersonAnd Terrace Marshall, and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Ensminger would know where Burrow would toss it if Chase ran towards a suitable matchup.
Burrow was aware of what would happen when the ball dropped. Burrow and Chase combined for 1,780 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in their championship season. Burrow was awarded the Heisman Trophy, while Chase received the Biletnikoff award for the nation’s top receiver.
Ensminger explained that Joe just knew he was going up to grab the football. “Whether it was a back shoulder [throw]Whether it was caught in front of him or not.
“Guys in the offense laughed at the 50-50 ball. They responded, “Hey! In this room, Ja’Marr is with Joe, it’s an 80-20 basketball.”
Former LSU co-offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger
“Guys in the offense laughed at the 50-50 ball. They responded, “Hey! In this room, Ja’Marr is with Joe, it’s an 80-0 ball.”
The reason why the percentages were in their favor is simple. When they reunited in Cincinnati the Bengals’ coaching team quickly recognized the benefits of their time together at LSU.
Brian Callahan, Cincinnati’s offensive coordinator, stated that they are constantly discussing how routes should look and where the ball should be placed. This is all things that have made Cincinnati’s offense a success.
Callahan said, “They have such a great connection for one another.” “They communicate so well that a lot of it is down to their communication skills.”
FOR THE BENGALSTo go from the NFL’s worst to the Super Bowl in two years, the front office had to make big decisions. The biggest was reuniting Chase and Burrow with the fifth pick in the 2021 draft.
Other than Chase, there were other options available for Bengals including Oregon tackle Penei Sewell. Cincinnati however wanted a playmaker.
Coach Zac Taylor of the Bengals stated that “we needed to be more explosive” and that they wanted to place more pressure on defenses.
It is possible that there has been no NFL connection that stressed defenses like Burrow or Chase, particularly on go routes. NFL Next Gen Stats shows that vertical routes between them yielded 542 yards, seven touchdowns and led the NFL in any route by one receiver.
Chase’s 266-yard performance during Week 17’s win over the Saints was the most noteworthy of those plays. Kansas City ChiefsWhen Burrow hit Chase with a 30-yard completion, it set up the game-winning field goal.
Burrow had warned the opposing defenses throughout the season about how dangerous it was to guard Chase one-on-1. Burrow joked about his mentality on the play after the match.
Burrow explained, “Everyone is familiar with that meme, F—it, Ja’Marr’s down here somewhere. “I’m just going to throw it up and he’s going to make a play.”
The play that best illustrated their connection came in the first half. Chase ran upfield to the sideline, despite the Bengals being trailing 14-0. He stopped and turned to his left instead. He could have been intercepted if he ran on.
Chase knew when to stop. Chase knew when to stop. Burrow threw the ball at the perfect moment, and Chase caught it and cut against the grain. Chase scored a 72-yard touchdown.
Burrow stated that Burrow “knows exactly where the ball will be, depending upon the look the corner presents.”
JA’MARR CHASE 72YARD TD #RuleTheJungle
?: #KCvsCINCBS
?NFL App pic.twitter.com/I7puZVAoiF— NFL (@NFL) January 2, 2022
WATCH BURROW ANDChase close enough, and the connection feels telepathic.
Burrow will often anticipate when Chase will cut off the top of the route. The ball will be right where it should be by the time Burrow turns around.
It’s the result of a standard practice that demands everything be perfect before an offense can leave the field.
Consider a routine, 17 yard completion against Raiders during the AFC wild card game. Chase was given a one on one matchup and faked it inside before running toward the sideline in order to catch Burrow’s pass. It was easy.
“They entered this thing knowing each other. Joe knows exactly what Ja’Marr will do regarding Ja’Marr’s release, and where to throw it. Ja’Marr is able to see where Joe intends to place the ball. It’s amazing.”
Troy Walters, Bengals wide receivers coach
Three days before the game, however, it wasn’t feeling quite right at practice. Burrow and Chase did a few more reps to refine their timing and to work the play to each end of the field.
“The only thing about it, Joe doesn’t feel comfortable about it going into the game, then it’s not going to get called,” Bengals wide receivers coach Troy Walters stated.
This explains why Chase and Burrow have made it seem so easy. They have the same work ethic as LSU and have the same chemistry in the NFL. Their familiarity meant that there was no guesswork as to how Chase ran routes and Burrow placed his passes.
Burrow explained that they had discussed the route issues prior to coming in. They also knew how talk about them and would quickly correct any mistakes. It’s a huge advantage to have a good relationship with someone new.
Walters has never seen such a strong bond.
Walters stated that they came into the thing knowing each other and being on the same page. Joe is aware of Ja’Marr’s intentions regarding Ja’Marr’s release and where to put the ball. Ja’Marr is able to see where Joe intends to place the ball. It’s amazing.”
DEPTH OFBurrow’s and Chase’s understanding is obvious by the fact that they speak very little to one another when discussing things in practice.
When they work together on routes or timing, most communication is done via verbal cues and short phrases.
Callahan noted that “their conversations are very brief.” “Their feedback are very direct.”
Burrow at LSU was the first to emphasize the importance of reviewing tapes and learning defenses. Chase is praised for his meticulous film study.
Burrow texted Chase on draft night to tell him to pack his bag for Cincinnati. This reunion was many weeks in the planning. They may not spend much time together on the field but it’s clear how they see each other.
Chase declared, “He’s very distinct,” after the AFC Championship Game. He’s very confident. He is someone you would want to be with. He’s developing as a person. I want to be more like myself.
“I just keep my distance and ask him questions. He’s like an older brother to me. I lean on him as if he were mine.
Burrow and Chase were instrumental in helping their team win the College Football Playoff title on Jan. 13, 2020. They have a chance of winning the Super Bowl just two years later.
Burrow reminded Chase after the Bengals beat Kansas City to earn this week’s trip from Los Angeles. Chase had opted out for the 2020 college season.
Chase said that Chase was funny before he realized it.
“They were also with you.”