Prime Video commentator Kirk Herbstreit named JaMarr Chase the best in the league at bursting away from defensive backs as the receiver torched the Baltimore Ravens despite the Cincinnati Bengals coming up short in a thriller.
On ‘Thursday Night Football’, the Cincinnati Bengals and Ravens engaged in a crucial AFC North showdown. Joe Burrow and two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson went head-to-head, throwing for 428 yards and and 290 yards respectively along with eight combined touchdowns as the Ravens stormed back from a 14-point deficit to win 35-34.
However, Bengals star Chase who received the highest acclaim from Herbstreit with a moment of brilliance early in the third quarter. Leading 14-7 at halftime, the Bengals defense made light work of the Ravens offense. Baltimore opened the third quarter with a holding penalty that hamstrung the drive from the off, forcing a three-and-out.
On the Bengals first play from scrimmage from their own 33-yard line, quarterback Burrow connected with Chase – and the Pro Bowl receiver delivered. After hauling in a pass at midfield, Chase turned a corner and weaved through multiple Ravens defenders to score a stunning 67-yard touchdown.
As the replay of the touchdown played on the broadcast, Herbstreit broke it down and heaped praise on Chase. As Chase caught the ball and burst downfield, Herbstreit said: Great job from a timing standpoint – and then this is just next level. Probably the best in the league, almost a running back skillset to pull away from the Ravens.
The Ravens secondary was hampered by the absence of All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, who injured his right ankle near the end of the first half. Hamilton was ruled out of the game – and Chase took advantage to score. He then later scored on a 70-yard bomb from Burrow, which represented Chase’s 12th career receiving touchdown of at least 60 yards, which is the most by any player under the age of 25 in NFL history.
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The 24-year-old entered the Thursday Night Football game with 717 yards and seven touchdowns, which ranked second and first respectively among pass catchers in the NFL. He ultimately turned 11 receptions into 264 yards and three touchdowns, highlighting his game-breaking ability and cementing the playmaker as one of the best offensive weapons in the NFL.
After Chase scored his stunning touchdown, the Ravens hit back with a Derrick Henry touchdown before Jackson picked out Tylan Wallace for an incredible 84-yard touchdown where he tip-toed down the sideline to score. Jackson then found Mark Andrews in the end zone to complete the comeback, only for Chase to score a 70-yard touchdown on the very next play.
With the game tied, Jackson and the Ravens drove downfield before the quarterback floated a perfect pass into the arms of Rashod Bateman. Burrow and co. responded, scoring on a 70-yard drive that ended with Chase in the end zone for a third time – but the two-point attempt to win the game failed to come off. As a result, the Bengals fall to 4-6 while the Ravens moved to 7-3.