Ja'Marr Chase Responded the Right Way to Drop Issues, Despite Criticism He's Received

The 21-year-old was in the national spotlight on Thursday.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Sep 9, 2021 3:42 PM EDT

CINCINNATI — Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has had his ups and downs during training camp and the preseason.

The rookie wide-out flashed his potential during practice, which included a three touchdown day where he torched Trae Waynes and Chidobe Awuzie.

He's also had his struggles.

Chase dropped four passes in two preseason games. He hasn't ran from the problem. Instead, he addressed it on the field and with the media.

The 21-year-old puts in extra work before and after practice. That is expected when you're the fifth pick in the draft, but it's a requirement if he's going to live up to the sky-high expectations that everyone has for him.

Plenty of players have an elite work ethic, but what stands out about Chase is his poise. He answered all sorts of questions about his drop issues on Monday. He didn't make a bunch of excuses or blame anyone but himself.

"Just catch the ball. That’s my job," Chase said. "My only job. Catch the ball."

Chase did discuss some potential reasons why he's have drop issues. From opting out of the 2020 season to the difference in the size of the ball in the NFL, but his overall message remained the same.

"I just gotta be a pro and make that catch," he said.

Chase spoke for over 15 minutes on Monday. He didn't flinch when he was asked about his struggles or the fact that he's suddenly having drop issues. That bodes well for his chances of finding NFL success.

The rookie receiver showed that poise again on Thursday when a national headline about his drop issues went viral.

"1-0," Chase tweeted, letting everyone know where his focus is just a few days away from the season opener.

All of the videos, podcasts and articles about his preseason struggles are moot if Chase plays well on Sunday and helps the Bengals beat the Vikings at Paul Brown Stadium.

Make sure you bookmark AllBengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more with the season opener just a few days away!

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