“With the first pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Joe Burrow, quarterback, LSU”. Those words rang out nationwide from Roger Goodell’s basement, signaling a new era in Cincinnati. Joe Burrow quickly embraced Cincinnati, and the city reciprocated. The city was abuzz with excitement for their new starting QB.
Heading into Week 11, Burrow was having a great passing season. Through the air, he recorded 2,688 yards and 264 completions on 404 attempts, good for a 65.3% completion rate.
Then, Cincy’s worst nightmare became reality. In the 3rd quarter, versus the Washington Football Team, Joe Burrow went down. An MRI revealed that he had torn both the ACL and MCL in his left knee. The Bengals would finish 4-11-1, clinching the fifth pick of the 2021 NFL Draft
As the injury happened in the pocket, speculation began to rise on whether or not the Bengals would use the fifth pick on an offensive lineman. They were spoiled for choice too. Penei Sewell, Rashawn Slater, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Alex Leatherwood were all projected first-rounders and widely considered the best linemen in the draft.
Surely, a team that had given up an astounding 48 sacks, 32 of which were Burrow, would make bolstering the offensive line their top priority, right?
Having been freed from his basement, Roger Goodell would announce the pick.
“With the 5th Pick of the 2021 NFL Draft…
The Bengals select LSU wide receiver, Ja’Marr Chase.” The initial reaction seemed to be something akin to “What?!”. I would be lying to you if this wasn’t my reaction as well. Cincinnati has just given up the third-most sacks in the NFL and lost their franchise QB on a pocket collapse.
The Bengals did go on to address the offensive line later in the draft, picking Jackson Carman, D’Ante Smith, and Trey Hill. All of which would have respectable rookie seasons.
Ja’Marr Chase: Electrifying Season
What can I say to express just how impressed I was at Ja’Marr Chase’s rookie season. Wow. Just Wow. 1,455 yards (fourth in NFL) and 13 (third) touchdowns on 81 receptions (20th), averaging 18 yards per reception (second). Absolutely electrifying performance out of the rookie. Linking back up with his college QB probably didn’t hurt things either.
It was clear that Burrow and Chase were on a mission to prove he was the right pick, and, with the benefit of hindsight, I fully agree. There is no way he would’ve been on the board by the time the 46th pick rolled around.
The Bengals would, as we know, go on to the Super Bowl, losing to Matthew Stafford and the Rams. The incredible run, powered by rookie kicking sensation Evan McPherson, also included somehow surviving Burrow being sacked nine times by the Titans.
Wrap Up
Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and the Bengals had an incredible season. I have never been happier to be proven wrong in my life. This season gave rise to a new elite duo in Cincinnati. With the benfit of hindsight, it’s easy to say that Ja’Marr Chase was the correct pick. The Bengals continued to bolster the offensive line in 2022, picking North Dakota State lineman Cordell Volson.
The Bengals have an incredibly bright future. As much as I love this duo, the two of them alone can’t do it all. Ja’Marr Chase got them to a Super Bowl, but an offensive line can win them one.
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