Bengals HC Zac Taylor on Ja’Marr Chase’s Triple Crown Contention: ‘You Just Can’t Get Him the Ball Enough’
Cincinnati, Ohio – Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor expressed his admiration for wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s remarkable season, emphasizing the difficulty in providing him with sufficient targets due to his exceptional abilities.
Chase’s Triple Crown Chase
Chase, a second-year wideout from LSU, is currently in contention for the NFL’s receiving triple crown, which entails leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. With six games remaining in the regular season, Chase ranks second in the NFL in receiving yards (1,151) and receiving touchdowns (10), while trailing Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson in receptions (71).
Taylor’s Dilemma
Taylor acknowledged that maximizing Chase’s production is a challenge given the team’s offensive philosophy and the presence of other talented pass-catchers, such as Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. “You just can’t get him the ball enough,” Taylor said. “He’s so special, so dynamic, that he’s going to make big plays whenever he touches it. But we have other guys we need to get involved, and we want to spread the ball around.”
Chase’s Impact on the Bengals
Despite the challenges in getting Chase the ball, his presence has been transformative for the Bengals offense. The team currently ranks sixth in the NFL in passing yards per game (276.1) and ninth in points per game (25.5). Chase’s ability to stretch the field and create separation has opened up the offense for other players and made the Bengals a more potent scoring threat.
Comparison to NFL Legends
Taylor compared Chase’s production to that of some of the NFL’s greatest wide receivers, including Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson. “He’s got that rare combination of size, speed, and ball skills,” Taylor said. “He’s just so difficult to cover, and he’s always a threat to score every time he touches the ball. I think he has the potential to be one of the best receivers in the NFL.”
Playoff Implications
Chase’s performance will be crucial for the Bengals’ playoff hopes. Cincinnati currently sits at 7-4 and in contention for a wild-card berth. If Chase can maintain his current pace and help the Bengals win out, he could be a major factor in the team’s postseason success.
Conclusion
Ja’Marr Chase is a rare talent who has quickly become one of the most exciting players in the NFL. His pursuit of the receiving triple crown is a testament to his exceptional abilities. While head coach Zac Taylor faces the challenge of balancing Chase’s production with the needs of other players, the Bengals offense is undoubtedly a more dangerous unit with him on the field. As the regular season enters its final stretch, Chase will be a key figure in determining Cincinnati’s playoff destiny.