Cincinnati Bengals: "It's political": Ja'Marr Chase gets brutally honest over best WR debate

"It's political": Ja'Marr Chase gets brutally honest over best WR debate

Modified May 30, 2025 15:21 GMT

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Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had one of the best WR seasons in NFL history in 2024. Chase won the triple crown, leading the league in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and receiving touchdowns (17). However, in a season where Saquon Barkley had over 2,000 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns, Chase did not win the Offensive Player of the Year Award last campaign.

On May 27, Chase detailed how he was slightly frustrated about not winning the award after such an amazing season, but did acknowledge that he understood why he didn't after Barkley's phenomenal campaign.

"I was a little frustrated. But he had a crazy year, so I can't really be mad, you know." Chase said.

Earlier in the media appearance, Chase opened up about how sports at any age are political, something that he is aware of when there are debates about who is the best wide receiver in the NFL. However, Chase outlined how he knows that he is one of the best in the league, no matter what people say.

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"If you're an athlete, you know that it's political growing up as a kid, and you have no control over that, so I still think it's political. I really don't care what people say or think. I know I'm one of the best in the league, everybody else does. No, I don't have to say it verbally to let it be heard. But I know for a fact." Chase stated.

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Can Ja'Marr Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals improve next year?

Despite Chase's amazing individual season last year, the Bengals did not perform well at the start of the campaign, ultimately missing the playoffs in 2024.

With Chase being arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL, Tee Higgins being an elite wide receiver, and QB Joe Burrow being one of the best in the entire league as well at his position, the Bengals should be competing for the playoffs and the Super Bowl in 2025.

Sportskeeda's Playoff Predictor Tool projected that the Bengals would make the playoffs after a strong campaign. In our simulation, the Cincinnati franchise finished with a record of 10-7, good enough for second place in the AFC North and the No. 6 seed in the AFC.

About the author

Joshua Gillesby is a College Sports journalist at Sportskeeda who graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor's in Arts & Science.

Josh is based in Ontario, Canada and his favorite college team is the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, due in large part to his former hockey team being invited for a tour of the facilities and watching a game while there.

His favorite past college football player is Joe Burrow, as his 2019 season was incredible and a major reason behind LSU's playoff success and National Championship.

Outside of work, Josh enjoys traveling, reading, writing, and science.

Know More

Bengals Nation! Check out the latest Cincinnati Bengals Schedule and dive into the Bengals Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

Edited by Joshua Gillesby