Ja’Marr Chase has been dominant this season, putting up better receiving numbers through seven games than any other player in the NFL. He currently leads the league in receiving yards (620) and touchdowns (6), firmly establishing himself as the Cincinnati Bengals’ most potent offensive weapon. Reflecting on his performance, Chase humorously described his season as “lit” during a press conference, demonstrating his confidence and excitement. While there isn’t a specific term from his hometown of New Orleans to encapsulate his season so far, “lit” was the perfect choice to reflect his mindset.
From the start of 2024, Chase set high goals for himself, and they are clearly within reach. His ambitions go beyond making the Pro Bowl, a recognition he has achieved in the past. For this season, he wrote “First Team All-Pro” on sticky notes that hang on his mirror at home, serving as daily motivation. Being named to the First Team All-Pro is one of the highest individual honors in the NFL, as only three receivers are awarded this distinction each year. In Bengals history, only Chad Johnson earned this accolade, back in 2005 and 2006.
Chase explained that seeing this note on his mirror each day reminds him of his goals and helps him stay mentally sharp, even on days when he might feel sluggish. His consistent focus on reaching All-Pro status has translated into his performance on the field. Leading the league in receiving yards and touchdowns positions him well to achieve this prestigious title by the end of the season.
Though Chase is on pace to lead the league in receiving yards, his personal statistical goal of surpassing 1,500 yards remains at the forefront of his mind. He came close as a rookie, setting a record with 1,455 yards, but he’s eager to break that barrier this season. Chase, however, admits that team success is more important to him. While he doesn’t track his weekly stats, he’s keenly aware of the Bengals’ overall record. As of now, the team’s record of losses outweighing wins dampens his excitement over leading the league in receiving categories.
“It doesn’t mean everything right now,” Chase acknowledged. “We’re still in a hole.” He added that while it’s nice to see himself leading the league, he would feel more satisfied if the Bengals were in a stronger position. Ultimately, Chase will be more content at the season’s end when he can evaluate both his individual stats and his team’s performance.
One aspect of Chase’s career that hasn’t been finalized yet is his contract extension. Despite a phenomenal start to the season, Chase and the Bengals have not reached an agreement on a new deal. However, Chase seems unfazed by the lack of a contract extension, expressing confidence that his value is well understood. At this rate, with his numbers and impact, his future deal will likely reflect his elite standing in the league.
Chase’s focus remains on both personal and team success, and his goals of becoming First Team All-Pro and exceeding 1,500 receiving yards are well within his grasp. However, his true satisfaction will only come when the Bengals’ win column catches up to his impressive individual stats.
