Heading into Super Bowl 56, Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase is well aware of the ability that the Los Angeles Rams’ defense and CB Jalen Ramsey bring on Sunday. Chase discussed the Rams’ defense — and Ramsey in particular — during his media availability on Monday.
Ja’Marr Chase sees Rams’ defensive front as a major threat
When asked what threat Chase felt the Rams’ defense posed the Bengals’ offense, he answered, “Their front is one of the best, if not the best. The secondary is very disciplined as well. They play great zone.”
It is hardly surprising that Chase pointed to the Rams’ defensive front as a major threat. Despite missing the final game, no QB was sacked more in the 2021 NFL regular season than Joe Burrow (51). His 8.9% sack rate was also the fifth-highest in the league, and he has been sacked 13 times in the last two playoff games combined.
Chase also addressed what a defensive front of the Rams’ quality means for his game. “That just means we got to get open faster. Those guys are rushing and Joe is most likely going to get pressure and stuff. When he makes plays on his feet, misdirections, and stuff, we got to be prepared and ready.”
That is easier said than done given that Chase is expected to line up opposite Ramsey plenty on Sunday. Ramsey will present a tough matchup challenge for Chase in Super Bowl 56.
Jalen Ramsey uses his size and speed to make him one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks
Almost from the day he was drafted, Ramsey has been viewed as one of the top CBs in the NFL. During his media availability on Monday, Chase was asked what makes Ramsey one of the best. Chase’s answer was short and simple: “His size and speed. Those are the main two things you see on tape.”
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When asked how he felt he compared speed-wise to Ramsey, Chase spoke about how Ramsey “plays a little catch technique, so he trusts his speed a lot.” Media also pushed him on which of the two he felt was quicker, which he answered, “we are most likely going to find out on game day.”
The presence of Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd has helped Chase a lot
During the session Monday (Feb. 7), Chase spoke about how valuable it has been to have Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd around him with the Bengals. “It is what you need, especially as a rookie. You don’t know what you are walking into. It is a lot coming in out of college. You gonna need someone to lean on, talk to, just to check in and ask questions to. That’s the vets, older guys, even second-year guys. You know, just ask questions, you never know what they might tell you.”
Chase was also asked about how the trio of receivers blends together in terms of skill sets. “All the receivers have different traits, we all play differently. We all have a little of each other’s skill sets within the mix. Everyone’s game changes as they get older, so playing with those guys, I’ve watched both of them play and over time we are all getting better. We are growing together. Nothing more we could ask for.”
Their presence will be crucial again in Super Bowl 56. If the Rams look to have Ramsey follow Chase, Higgins and Boyd need to win their matchups against the other corners. If those two can have success on a regular basis, it can have a monumental impact on Chase and the Bengals’ offense. Having those two open can help Burrow negate the impact of the Rams’ pass rush. Additionally, it could mean the Rams have to move Ramsey off of Chase to help cover either Higgins or Boyd at times.
