3 best QB-receiver combinations in the NFL for the 2023 season
By Kinnu Singh
No. 2 best QB-WR combination in 2023: Joe Burrow – Ja’Marr Chase
One year after Jefferson impressed with a historic 1400-yard rookie season, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase followed suit by besting Jefferson’s record with 1,455 yards. It’s no coincidence that Chase won Offensive Rookie of the Year two years after winning the Fred Biletnikoff Award — these individual awards were the result of a synchronized team effort.
Chase has had the distinct benefit of catching passes from Joe Burrow in Baton Rouge and Cincinnati, a partnership that has allowed both players to realize their respective potentials. In 2019, Burrow and Chase teamed up to win the 2019 National Championship for an undefeated LSU team, while Chase accrued 1780 receiving yards.
In two seasons with the Bengals, Chase became a two-time Pro Bowler, was named second-team All Pro, and made the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2021. Additionally, the Bengals appeared in Super Bowl LVI and the AFC Conference Championship last season.
While many young NFL players struggle to translate collegiate skills to the professional realm, Burrow and Chase prove that targeting a college connection in the draft is a clever strategy.
Burrow described himself and Chase as “really good friends,” affirming that their years-long friendship influences the chemistry onfield.
“We have a strong bond off the field and that translates onto the field,” Burrow said in an interview with Complex. “I think everybody can see that.”
Burrow and Chase thrived in 2019, 2021 and 2022, and there’s no reason the pair won’t ascend to even greater heights in 2023.