Each year, Jeremy Fowler and ESPN compile a list of the Top 10 players in their respective division. This year, the Cincinnati Bengals were more than pleased to see one of their own topping the list. While he was ranked No. 3 last season, Ja’Marr Chase surpassed last year’s No. 1, Justin Jefferson.
“Not many NFL players scare defensive coaches more than Chase, whose 787 yards after the catch were 190 more than the next-closest receiver (Buffalo’s Khalil Shakir),” Fowler wrote in his July 16 story. “But the Bengals feel he’s still refining his game, with improvements in defensive scheme recognition, attack plans based on coverages and creative route running with different speeds or stems.”
Jefferson has never ranked lower than No. 4 in the list compiled by a group voters including NFL scouts, coaches and executives, all of whom remain anonymous. Chase’s LSU partner in crime, Joe Burrow, was ranked as the league’s No. 3 quarterback.
Ja’Marr Chase Won the WR Triple Crown in 2024
Chase’s 2024 season may never be replicated, though it still stings knowing the damage he and Burrow could’ve done in the postseason. Fans have long debated who’s the better receiver: Chase or Jefferson. Knowing the results of last season, it’s hard to argue anyone other than the 25-year-old.
Both Jefferson and Chase attended LSU, and their NFL careers have gotten off to fantastic starts. No one has come close to what those two receivers have done on the field, though neither have anything major to show for it. The Vikings lack of playoff success is glaring, but the Bengals find themselves in a similar situation.
Last year, Chase finished with 127 receptions for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns. All of those numbers were career highs as he took home the triple crown. He finished with 12 more receptions than Amon-Ra St. Brown, 175 more yards than Jefferson, and four more touchdowns than Terry McLaurin.
Comparing just Chase and Jefferson, the Bengals star wideout had 24 more receptions and seven more touchdowns. Jefferson’s career high in receptions came in 2022 when his eight touchdowns prevented him from winning the triple crown. Even though it was three years ago, his 128 receptions for 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns make for quite the comparison.
Quotes From Chase’s WR1 Ranking
“Honestly, it comes down to Chase is a b— to cover,” a high-ranking NFL personnel executive said. “We are super aware of him and have played him a bunch and been torched by him a bunch.”
“More explosion, better after the catch, more powerful — that’s where he gets his edge,” an NFL personnel evaluator said.
Chase vs. Jefferson Debate
Together, these receivers would be unstoppable. Burrow’s offense has never held him back, it’s always been the defense that takes the blame. This past offseason, the Bengals were able to lock up Burrow’s two favorite targets. Chase signed a four-year, $161 million deal. He became the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history.
Tee Higgins joined him with a four-year, $115 million extension. The offense in Cincinnati isn’t going anywhere, though many have doubts about Jefferson’s production in Minnesota. With J.J. McCarthy lined up to be the Vikings starter, the 26-year-old receiver finds himself in trouble as McCarthy is backed up by Sam Howell, Brett Rypien, and Max Brosmer.
One NFL personnel director said that Jefferson is the better route runner, but Chase is the better overall playmaker. They compared Chase to Saquon Barkley, which is quite a compliment. As long as these two receivers are in the league, they will constantly be compared and in direct competition to see who’s the best.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Ja’Marr Chase Wins Key Battle in Top Wide Receiver Debate vs. Justin Jefferson appeared first on Heavy Sports.