Ja’Marr Chase has established himself as one of the NFL’s most dangerous wide receivers. If you were building a current top three, the Bengals WR, his former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson, and the reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, would all have strong cases.

That makes the comparison between the three particularly interesting. Chase has consistently dealt with defenses designed to take him away, especially when opponents focus additional coverage on Cincinnati’s biggest offensive weapon. Smith-Njigba, meanwhile, has enjoyed a breakout period that has pushed him into the league’s elite receiver conversation.

Recently, Chase offered an interesting observation about his fellow star. While speaking with NFL legend Chad Ochocinco on his Chasing No. 1 show, Chase watched Smith-Njigba make an impressive route and immediately questioned why defenses were not treating him differently.

“I seen JSN run a crazy route … why he ain’t getting doubled yet? That’s what I be tryna figure out.”

It sounded like praise, but there was also a sly message behind it. Chase knows exactly what it means to see defenses consistently adjust their game plan around you.

The comment also highlights the standard Chase has set for himself. He believes elite receivers should command that level of defensive attention.

Ja’Marr Chase Has Just Two Goals for the Bengals This Season

Chase has already made his priorities clear for 2026. He wants Cincinnati to reach the AFC Championship Game before ultimately completing the job with a Super Bowl victory.

That ambition goes beyond individual statistics. Chase wants the Bengals competing for the biggest prizes, with his own production serving the larger objective.

The Bengals have started the season 2-0, giving Chase and Cincinnati an ideal platform to chase those goals. If Chase continues producing while demanding extra coverage, defenses will have an increasingly difficult task containing him.

Written by

Joseph Nithin