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The drop issues for Cincinnati Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase have made the transition from preseason game to practice field.
Chase struggled with drops in his team’s preseason defeat at the hands of Washington last Friday, dropping all three of his targets — all on third-down attempts by the offense. Those issues continued during a routine Sunday practice.
According to The Athletic’s Jay Morrison, Chase got the first target of 11-on-11 work and dropped a ball that was going right at his chest.
As Paul Dehner Jr. later pointed out, Chase had another big drop in 7-on-7 redzone work, one that resulted in a turnover. He then went to the sideline:
In latest 7 on 7 red zone, Ja’Marr Chase runs a great route, Burrow puts a dime on him at goal line.
Stone cold drop. Pick Vonn Bell.
Chase with a loud f— as he jogs away and Burrow comes up to him with a helmet tap before he goes back to the huddle.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) August 22, 2021
More context:
Long, lonely walk for Chase after 7s. Goes all the way to other end to get a towel. No one near him. Uzomah finally approaches and gives a quick shoulder massage, a few words and a slap on the shoulder pads.
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) August 22, 2021
A later reception also featured a bobble, per ESPN’s Ben Baby:
Chase comes back in team drills with a catch. Bobbles the ball initially on an in-breaking route but he secured the catch and turned upfield. Good sign for him.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) August 22, 2021
At this point, one could argue it’s a mental thing for Chase, who has never had this sort of problem at any level of the sport. Some of his drop issues last Friday could be attributed to playing with Brandon Allen, an excuse that went out the window on Sunday.
The Bengals have said they aren’t worried about the issues that popped up in the last preseason game, but this sort of trend could see the rookie playing plenty in the team’s preseason finale.
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