In the early moments of Cincinnati’s preseason game against Philadelphia, Ja’Marr Chase delivered a standout play that showcased the duo’s strong chemistry. Two drives into the contest, Chase caught a 36-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Burrow, sparking a 14-7 lead for the Bengals. This play marks their first meaningful score together in months, highlighting their progress during training camp.
Detailed Breakdown of the Scoring Drive
On a first and ten from the Bengals’ 35-yard line, Cincinnati moved quickly downfield, employing multiple running back touches before setting up the big pass play. Chase, taking over ball-carrying duties from Chase Brown near midfield, made a decisive impact. Burrow’s near-perfect completion rate—finishing the drive 9-for-10 passing—displayed sharp accuracy, with Chase hauling in four catches for 77 yards overall.
The touchdown was a shotgun snap from the Philadelphia 36-yard line, with Burrow’s short left pass flying to Chase who evaded defenders to reach the end zone. Eric McPherson’s successful extra point extended Cincinnati’s advantage.
Supporting Plays and Game Conditions
The drive featured notable plays, including runs by Chase Brown, who gained yardage both at right guard and left tackle positions. Philadelphia’s defense was hindered by penalties, such as an illegal use of hands call that favored the Bengals. Special teams also contributed with a 65-yard kickoff by J. Elliott, followed by a 35-yard return from G. Brightwell, giving Cincinnati excellent starting field position.
Despite the strong offensive showing, Burrow left the game after this possession, having logged the most preseason snaps of his career so far, underscoring the Bengals’ cautious management of their key player during these early contests.
Significance of Chase’s Performance in the Preseason Context
Ja’Marr Chase’s touchdown reception reflects more than just a scoring play—it signals a promising development for the Bengals’ offensive unit as the regular season approaches. The connection with Joe Burrow appears well-honed after several weeks of focused training, which could translate to a potent passing attack moving forward. While the game remains in preseason, such highlights are important indicators of readiness and health for the team’s star players against backup defenses like Philadelphia’s.