Cincinnati Bengals rookie Ja'Marr Chase got off to a historic start in his NFL career. Chase has cooled off in recent weeks, likely concerning Bengals fans. However, reassurance on Chase has come from an unlikely place, a division-rival. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin believes that the recent drop in production for Bengals wideout Ja'Marr Chase is actually a good thing.
Mike Tomlin: Ja'Marr Chase's drop in production a sign rookie WR has "earned the respect" of defenseshttps://t.co/J0z48z9DpT pic.twitter.com/QrzuwA0pF9
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) November 24, 2021
Ja'Marr Chase averaged 107.7 receiving yards per game while scoring six touchdowns in his first seven career games but has totaled fewer than 50 yards in each of his last three contests. Don't worry Bengals fans, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is here to say that things will be ok. That's probably one thing Bengals fans thought they'd never hear.
In all seriousness, Tomlin is right. Chase's ability to blow up any NFL defense over the top has earned the respect of opposing coordinators. Tomlin compared Chase to Steelers second-year wideout Chase Claypool, who experienced such defensive treatment as a rookie last season.
This increased attention on Chase means that fellow Bengals wideouts Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd can each benefit from less defensive attention. That can only be a good thing for Cincinnati.
Bengals fans worrying that Chase has hit a rookie wall can rest assured that the rookie will be just fine. However, the Bengals can't expect to catch Mike Tomlin and the Steelers off guard this coming Sunday, as the veteran head coach is likely to show the talented rookie the respect of a veteran NFL playmaker.
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