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By Anne Erickson
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The Cincinnati Bengals know exactly what their offense is built around. Joe Burrow is the face of the franchise, but right behind him is a player who can change a game in a handful of plays: Ja'Marr Chase.
When looking at the Bengals' most important non-quarterback position for 2026, wide receiver is the clear answer, and Chase remains the reason why. He's not just a talented pass-catcher. He's the kind of player who forces defenses to completely rethink how they want to play Cincinnati. That's fun, unless you're playing them.
Chase's ability to create separation, stretch the field and turn small openings into big, meaty plays makes him the engine of the Bengals' passing game. Defensive coordinators can't simply line up and hope for the best. They have to account for him on every snap.
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That's the kind of impact that doesn't always show up in on the scoreboard. But, it still makes a huge difference.
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A great receiver doesn't just make plays when the ball comes his way. He changes the entire structure of the game. With Chase on the field, the offense simply has more room to operate.
For Cincinnati, that takes pressure off the entire unit.
The offensive line has an important job, especially when it comes to keeping Burrow upright and giving plays time to develop. And Chase brings a different kind of value. He can turn a routine possession into a highlight.
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The Bengals have plenty of talented pieces, but Chase remains the one who makes everything feel like a championship run could happen.
Burrow may be the player who gets the headlines, but Chase is the one who can get the opposing team nervous before the ball is even snapped.
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