There's no doubt that Ja'Marr Chase misses Joe Burrow as his quarterback. The injury bug has bitten Burrow once again, as he is on IR after undergoing a procedure for turf toe last month. He is slated to be out at least two more months, and perhaps the rest of the season.
In steps Jake Browning, who has filled in for Burrow on several occasions over the last several years. Chase will undoubtedly miss his former LSU teammate as his QB for the foreseeable future, but he is talented enough to still put up monster numbers without Burrow. That was evident this past Sunday when he hauled in six catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions. It was his second 100-yard game and his second and third touchdowns of the season.
However, the Cincinnati offense takes a serious step backward with Browning at the helm instead of Burrow. Not many QBs out there are on Burrow's level, and his absence is a big one for a Bengals team that is so dependent on him. That has already started making an impact on Chase - and not in a good way.
Ja'Marr Chase showcases new skill set against Lions
Browning has already thrown a whopping 8 interceptions on 124 pass attempts through 4 games this season. For comparison, Burrow tossed just 9 interceptions on 652 passes last season. Browning's poor decision making has put his team in bad spots, which includes forcing star wide receivers to make tackles.
At one point in Cincinnati's game against Detroit, Chase was tied for the Bengals' team lead in tackles with 3 - all of which came on Browning interceptions. That's not exactly the skill set that the Bengals want to see their $161 million WR showcasing.
The Cincinnati offense has taken a big step back with Browning now as QB1, but Chase is still capable of producing in such a pass-happy offense. Plus, Cincinnati's woeful defense could have them playing catch-up and needing to light up the scoreboard. Browning figures to look Chase's way early and often every week, which can still lead to a productive season for Chase while not resulting in many wins for the Bengals.
Burrow and Chase have formed quite the connection in the NFL, thanks no doubt to their chemistry in Baton Rouge for LSU's 2019 National Championship winning team. Last season, Burrow targeted Chase 175 times last season, with the pair connecting a league-high 127 times. Burrow set a career-high in passing yards (4,918), pass TDs (43), and completion percentage (70.6), while Chase led the NFL in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and receiving yards per game (100.5). The Harvey, LA native is up to 32 catches for 374 yards and 3 touchdowns so far this season.