With the AFC North as wide open as it has ever been, the Cincinnati Bengals still have a chance to make a run to the postseason despite missing Joe Burrow for close to three months with a turf toe injury. But the road is going to be an uphill climb for them.
As a result, a Week 14 clash against the Buffalo Bills was going to be mightily important for them to improve their chances at a playoff berth. A 21-11 first-half lead seemed like the perfect start to that effect, even as they got a rough outing from superstar wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
What Happened to Ja’Marr Chase?
A perennial candidate for the best wide receiver in the NFL discussion and the reigning Triple Crown winner, Chase was having another excellent season despite a revolving door at the quarterback position for the Bengals.
But with his main starter back in the lineup, he wasn’t able to make a major impact against the Bills. Even as the offense as a whole was humming, the highest-paid wide receiver in league history only had one target to his name, which he caught for a 13-yard gain.
Even with Jake Browning, Joe Flacco, and Burrow splitting time under center, Chase has remained the one constant on the Cincinnati roster. Ranking number eight on PFSN’s WR Impact, he has been able to put up excellent numbers despite the rotating cast of quarterbacks at his disposal.
On the season, he has 86 receptions, 971 yards, and five touchdowns to his credit, as he remains a game-breaking presence every trip down the field. And, if the Bengals want to make a late-season push to get to the playoffs, then he has to be at the epicenter of their run.
Against Buffalo, too, he was able to log in a solid outing, finishing with five catches and 44 receiving yards on the night. Unfortunately, two back-breaking interceptions from Burrow put the final nail in the Bengals’ coffin, as they lost 39-28.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.Â
