Ja'Marr Chase Drops the Ball Once Again with New Excuse

In a season full of lofty expectations, Cincinnati Bengals rookie receiver Ja’Marr Chase can't seem to hang on to them.

The No. 5 overall pick was asked about his preseason struggles with drops and had an interesting answer to give. 

“The ball is different because it is bigger,” Chase said. “It doesn’t have the white stripes on the side so you can’t see the ball coming from the tip point so you actually have to look for the strings on the ball at the top, which is hard to see because whole ball is brown and you have the six strings that are white. But for the most part, just have to get used to it and find out what I am comfortable with catching.”

Chase was able to get advice on catching the ball from a former Bengal great, T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

"Just relax and play and don't think about it. He says he's not. But he is," said Houshmandzadeh.

"Just work on getting open and creating separation. The rest will come. You know you're going to catch the ball."

Chase had four drops in two games and looked as rusty as possible after sitting out the 2020 college football season. 

WynnBET currently has Chase with +350 odds to lead the rookie class in receiving yards in Week 1. The oddsmakers are still showing faith in Chase despite the drops. 

As for the Bengals, Chase is still expected to be one of the top targets. Tee Higgins is +5000 to lead the league in receiving, while Chase is tied with Tyler Boyd at +6000. 

If Chase can figure out how to locate the ball without the stripes, he and Joe Burrow could be a lethal combination. Their last season at LSU, they connected for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns. 

Chase’s excuse isn’t the best one he could’ve said, but it was real. However, if the drops continue to be real, then it will be an issue.

Can Ja'Marr Chase turn things around as the 2021 season gets underway?

Download the WynnBET app and make your pick today.