NFL Coach: Ja'Marr Chase is 'Best Vertical Threat'; 'Fear Factor with Him Is Thick'

One NFL coordinator considers Cincinnati Bengals wideout Ja'Marr Chase to be the "best vertical threat" in the NFL, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

"He's still the league's best vertical threat and yards-after-catch player," the veteran coordinator told Fowler. "The fear factor with him is thick."

Chase ranked 10th in the NFL with 541 yards after the catch in 2023.

The Bengals' 2021 first-round pick has not yet topped the 651 YAC that he recorded during his rookie campaign.

Outside factors, and not a drop off in Chase's ability, can account for at least part of the decline.

Chase missed five games with a hip injury in 2022. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who has shown chemistry with Chase since their days as teammates at LSU, missed the last seven games of the following season with a wrist injury.

After ranking 11th in the NFL with 145 targets during the 2023 season, Chase is likely to see that number climb this fall with Burrow back under center.

Chase's higher usage, and the hope that both he and Burrow will be able to stay healthy in 2024, has given insiders plenty of reason to hope the Bengals wideout will be able to dominate as one of the most effective players in the league next season.