Two former Tigers continue to set the standard at the receiver position in the NFL.
[autotag]Ja’Marr Chase[/autotag] and [autotag]Justin Jefferson[/autotag] rank No. 1 and 2, respectively, in receiving yards this year.
The top threat on the Cincinnati Bengals, Chase has 1,319 receiving yards, while Jefferson leads the Vikings with 1,170 receiving yards.
Chase’s success is due in part to his connection with a former Tiger. Heisman-winning quarterback [autotag]Joe Burrow[/autotag] and Chase are the only duo in NFL history to connect for over 14 touchdowns in both a collegiate and NFL season. They accounted for 20 in 2019, the Tigers’ national championship season, and 14 this year.
Burrow ranks first in three NFL categories — passing yards (3,706), passing touchdowns (33), and yards per game (285.1). Chase also leads the league in three categories — receiving yards, receiving touchdowns (15) and catches (93). The Bengals aren’t living up to expectations this year, but Burrow and Chase aren’t to blame.
Jefferson’s feat may be just as impressive considering the star power on the Minnesota Vikings’ roster in both the pass and run game.
Despite seeing constant double-teams, Jefferson averages 90 yards per game. As the Vikings look to contend for the top spot in the NFC, Jefferson will almost certainly see an uptick in targets.
Through three seasons in Baton Rouge, Jefferson totaled 165 receptions for 2,415 yards and 24 touchdowns. In the national championship season, the St. Rose, LA native hauled in 111 catches for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns. He averaged 102.7 yards per game, catching passes from Burrow.