Statistically speaking, Ja'Marr Chase was the NFL's best wide receiver in 2024.
The Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro hauled in a rare triple crown, leading the league in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.
"I would agree," Chase answered easily when asked on The Sitdown w/ Malik Wright for his thoughts on being called the league's best wideout.
Just as easily, Chase was able to name who he feels is the toughest cornerback he's faced: Cleveland Browns rival Denzel Ward.
"It's easy. I mean, Denzel," Chase said. "It's twice a year. It's one on one majority of the time. He got great feet. He knows leverage, he knows splits. He's one of the best I like playing."
A Pro Bowler in each of his four seasons, Chase's compliment to Ward, also a four-time Pro Bowler in seven seasons, is a lofty one.
Ward has the resume, though, and is coming off a 2024 campaign in which he led the league with 19 pass breakups.
Since Chase joined the league in 2021, he's played the Browns seven times. Ward has been active for five of those games. In that quintet of contests, Chase has come away with 32 receptions on 51 targets for 359 yards and three touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. That's an average of 6.4 grabs for 71.8 yards per contest. It's good, but not great, which Chase most assuredly is. Hence, his numbers lend credence to Ward being a stingy opponent.
Though quick to anoint Ward, Chase wasn't as swift when asked for his overall top five CBs.
He repeated his take on Ward: "Gotta put Denzel on there."
Chase then tabbed Pittsburgh Steelers corner Joey Porter Jr., who he called "pretty smooth." He also believes "it's going to be fun going against" Steelers veteran additions Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay. The only non-AFC North mention went to Houston Texans standout Derek Stingley Jr., Chase's former LSU teammate.
It's hardly an official list, but Chase was emphatic about his regard for Ward's skills.
Looking to follow up on his stellar 2024 campaign, Chase has two more showdowns with Ward and the Browns in 2025. In his mind, it'll be the best versus the best yet again.
