Monday night’s game against the Cleveland Browns marked the first time that the Cincinnati Bengals took the field without Ja’Marr Chase since using the fifth pick of the NFL Draft on him in 2021. The results were not good.
The Bengals were routed by their rivals, 32-13. Joe Burrow struggled without Chase, finishing the game 25-for-32 for 232 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. And while those numbers might not look that bad, it was garbage time aided. Most of that damage — including both of his touchdown passes — came after the Browns were up 25-0 and had put the game away. Until that point, he was 15-for-21 for 103 yards with no touchdowns and a pick.
While the return didn't count, A.J. Green comes up with a huge pick to thwart a Bengals drive. pic.twitter.com/f1l6mwzsJA
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 1, 2022
Those numbers — even when the garbage time stats are included, are in sharp contrast to what Burrow had done in his previous two games. In Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints, Burrow was 28-for-37 for 300 yards, throwing three touchdown passes and no interceptions. He and Chase also connected for the winning score. The following week against the Atlanta Falcons was even better. Burrow was 34-for-42 for 481 yards, again throwing three touchdowns with no picks.
The difference was stark. When Chase was on the field, Burrow was one of the game’s best quarterbacks and the Bengals offense was moving effectively. Without him, it was a struggle. That struggle was noted by several observers during and after Monday’s game.
Bengals can't take a single series from tonight and say "this still works, even without Ja'Marr Chase"
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) November 1, 2022
The Ja’Marr Chase effect was LOUD tonight.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) November 1, 2022
The Bengals without Ja'Marr Chase tonight: pic.twitter.com/3c3BMwZsLh
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) November 1, 2022
Joe Burrow without Ja’Marr Chase pic.twitter.com/gB2C2OIvV9
— Fanatics Sportsbook (@FanaticsBook) November 1, 2022
Bengals offense without Chase pic.twitter.com/HeXAkEjlDO
— Stuckey (@Stuckey2) November 1, 2022
Ja'marr Chase is Joe Burrow's best pass protector
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) November 1, 2022
The Bengals struggled elsewhere offensively. The offensive line was a mess. Burrow was sacked five times on the night and pressured throughout the game. But he missed not having Chase as a safety valve.
Cincinnati is going to have to figure something out. Chase is going to be out of action for at least a few more games. Monday’s loss moved the Bengals to 4-4, so the season is not over. But Cincinnati can’t afford to have too many more games like that one, with or without Chase.
