After dishing out big-money deals to both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals have just one realistic pathway to remain competitive. They need to have an electric offense that is firing on all cylinders.
However, in the first half against the Cleveland Browns, the unit wasn’t functioning at peak capacity, with the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL having an unusually quiet outing.
What Happened to Ja’Marr Chase?
This offseason, Chase became the first wide receiver in league history to have a contract with an average annual value at the $40 million mark. With Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson all up for an extension, the Bengals decided to prioritize their offense.
As a result, both their wide receivers landed historic deals. However, in the first half against Cleveland, last year’s Triple Crown winner had a modest outing, far worse than his contract would indicate.
Despite the Bengals scoring two touchdowns, Chase only had 26 yards to his name, coming off two receptions. As a result, the Browns were still within touching distance, with the scoreboard reading 14-10 going into halftime.
After the first half in Cleveland:
Ja’Marr Chase: 26 YDS, 2 REC.
Joe Burrow: 11-for-14, 1 TD, 88 YDS.
Tee Higgins: 13 YDS, 1 REC.
The Browns get the football to start the second half.
(📸@Bengals) pic.twitter.com/18x4N7d45X
— Jacob Benge Media (@JacobBengeMEDIA) September 7, 2025
If Cincinnati wants to have any chance of returning to the playoffs, it needs Chase to flip the switch in the second half.
Last year’s Triple Crown winner posted an 89.4 (B+) grade in Wide Receiver Impact, which ranked fourth in 2024. Chase typically thrives without amazing volume, as his 24.8% target rate only ranked 25th among wide receivers last year.
However, he eclipsed 100 yards just once in seven career games vs the Browns, as Cleveland’s talented secondary has fared better against Chase than most defenses.
While his impact was clearly elite, the Bengals are going to need more raw production from their WR1 after the defense has continued its struggles from last year. Unfortunately, the Browns have had the four-time Pro Bowler’s number so far.
Last year, when he averaged over 100 yards a game, the one team he continued to struggle against was Cleveland. In two games, he could not clear the mark in either contest.
However, he did turn a corner during the second matchup of the 2024 season, tallying 97 yards in the game. Perhaps, the veteran wide receiver will try to replicate that success and continue that momentum into a rare 100-yard performance.
