Former Pro Bowler Weighs in on Debate: Is Ja'Marr Chase the Best Rookie Wide Receiver Ever?

Chase has the most receiving yards by a rookie in the history of the Super Bowl era

Author:
James Rapien
Updated:
Jan 7, 2022 1:40 PM EST
Original:
Jan 7, 2022

CINCINNATI — Ja'Marr Chase has had a record-breaking rookie season for the Bengals.

He has the most receptions (79), yards (1,429) and touchdowns (13) by a rookie in Bengals history. His 1,429 receiving yards are the most by a rookie in the Super Bowl era.

Chase is just 12 yards away from breaking Chad Johnson's single season record for most receiving yards (1,440) in a season.

Is Chase the best rookie wide receiver ever?

Former NFL Pro Bowler Lavar Arrington believes Randy Moss' historic season was better.

"What Ja'Marr Chase has done has been phenomenal, but Randy Moss really changed the game," Fletcher told CBS Sports. "Defenses in Cover 2 and double covering him, it wasn't enough. The whole, 'You got Mossed,' there's a reason why that's a segment.

"Randy Moss could take a five-yard hitch and turn it into a 95-yard touchdown. I know Ja'Marr had the big catch-and-run last week, but Randy Moss did that on a regular basis. Randy Moss had the best rookie receiving season that I can remember. It's a phenomenal year Ja'Marr Chase is having. I know the numbers say Ja'Marr Chase had a better year, but Randy Moss was such a difference-maker and someone who really changed the way defenses defended the Vikings, in particular."

Chase is averaging 18.1 yards-per-catch, which leads in the NFL.

Moss averaged a career-high 19 yards-per-reception as a rookie in 1998. He finished with 69 receptions for 1,313 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Chase has changed the way defenses play the Bengals and there's no denying he's having an historical season, but it isn't surprising to see a former player like Arrington pick Moss.

The four-time All-Pro was the most feared wide receiver in the NFL during his prime years. These comparisons are subjective, but Chase could accelerate past Moss if he helps the Bengals make a deep playoff run, especially if he puts up big numbers in the process.

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