The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers have to face a massive problem twice a year: stopping Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.
Chase is the reigning triple crown winner in the NFL after leading all receivers in receptions, yards, and touchdowns last season. The Ravens and Steelers watched him post a combined 37 receptions for 639 yards and seven touchdowns against them in four games.
It should come as no surprise each team has added a former Pro Bowl cornerback to their rosters. Jaire Alexander signed with Baltimore nearly two weeks ago, and Jalen Ramsey was traded to Pittsburgh Monday morning.
Both players joining the AFC North is not lost on Cincinnati's No. 1 wideout.
Ja'Marr Chase reacts to Jalen Ramsey, Jaire Alexander joining Bengals' rivals
The Ravens and Steelers each made the playoffs last year while the Bengals watched from home, but the damage Chase bestowed them was undeniable. He's not the only receiver they need to worry about, but his presence in the division makes him the most important playmaker in their sights.
Both teams have turned to notable names to bolster their defensive backfields. Consider the challenge accepted by Chase.
Chase has played Ramsey once during Super Bowl LVI and made one of the longest plays of the game against him in coverage, but he's yet to face Alexander. Chase and the Bengals hosted the Green Bay Packers in Week 5 of the 2021 season, one week after Alexander suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.
Their first meeting is slated for Thanksgiving evening when Cincinnati travels to Baltimore for yet another matchup on Thursday Night Football.
Chase will meet Ramsey's Steelers a month ahead of time in another TNF game in Week 7, though it will be played inside Paycor Stadium in front of the Bengals' home crowd.
Following up his 2024 season will be a challenge for Chase, and there are two big-name defensive backs now awaiting him in his path. The Bengals didn't make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history to run from that challenge.
Every week it gets better and better.
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