How Will Ja’Marr Chase’s Stats be Affected by Joe Burrow’s Injury?
Burrow’s Calf Injury is Something Star Receiver Has Experienced
Ja’Marr Chase is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL today. As an All-Pro player, part of his success comes from his chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow. The two college teammates have been nigh-unstoppable when they’re in sync. However, Ja’Marr Chase’s stats could take a dip if Burrow’s calf injury sidelines him longer than expected this 2023. Can Chase still excel even without his star quarterback?
Ja’Marr Chase in 2023
“Eff it, Chase is Down There Somewhere”
The meme is real. Ja’Marr Chase is the type of receiver that can make catches regardless of the situation. It’s how both he and Joe Burrow connect on some highlight reel plays, some of which save the Cincinnati Bengals’ bacon. The team has made a Super Bowl and been to a pair of Conference Championships as a result of their heroics.
Last season, Chase got hurt and missed five games. But he still put up over 1,000 yards and even averaged more receiving yards per game than he did in his rookie season. Burrow also targeted him more, averaging over 11 per game. Both Chase and Burrow consistently ranked in the upper echelons of NFL stat leaders.
But without Burrow, the 23-year-old receiver will have to find ways to maintain his stats. Ja’Marr Chase’s stats could be less prolific with the backup quarterbacks. While he may still keep up the volume, the efficiency could decline. Still, a receiver of Chase’s caliber should have no issues racking up a 1,000-yard season with 80+ receptions.
Ja’Marr Chase’s Player Profile & Stats
The Bengals used their fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft to select Chase. He was teammates with Burrow back in LSU. Together, they won the CFP National Championship in 2019 and Chase was voted a Unanimous All-American selection. He also won the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the NCAA’s top receiver that year.
Last Year’s Stats
While Ja’Marr Chase’s stats in 2022 appear modest, it’s mainly because he missed some games due to injury.
| Receiving | Stats |
|---|---|
| TGT | 134 |
| REC | 87 |
| YDS | 1,046 |
| Y/R | 12.0 |
| TD | 9 |
| Y/G | 87.2 |
| CTCH% | 64.9% |
But had Chase played all 17 games, he may have continued to break his own records. He’d do better than his 1,455 receiving yards in a season. The next step for him is to take his game further and managing to put up gaudy stats even without Burrow will attest to that.
First-Team All-Pro and MVP Votes are Next for Chase
It’s hard for a receiver to dominate in the NFL. Only a few like Cooper Kupp, Calvin Johnson, and Jerry Rice have done it to the point they deserved consideration for MVP. While the NFL MVP odds will continue to be long on receivers like Chase, he could still play well enough to make First-Team All Pro.
Doing so will also help Cincinnati keep up with the tough AFC North in the NFL’s conference standings. The Bengals are just behind Kansas City in the AFC’s Super Bowl race. A leveled up Chase could just narrow that distance.
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