Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase told ESPN that he wants to put Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson on his highlight reel.
Chase, the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, made the comments Monday to ESPN reporter Ben Baby.
“I could put Patrick Peterson on my highlight tape,” he said. “He might be mad I’m saying it, but hey, you know what I’m saying, it’s part of the game. I’d love to make a play on him.” (RELATED: The Raiders Accidentally Wish Tanner Muse Happy Birthday Shortly After Cutting Him)
Both Chase and Peterson were first round picks out of LSU. Peterson was drafted fifth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2011.
Bengals rookie WR Ja’Marr Chase on going up against former LSU DB Patrick Peterson: “I could put Patrick Peterson on my highlight tape. He might be mad I’m saying it, but hey, you know what I’m saying, it’s part of the game. I’d love to make a play on him.”
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 6, 2021
Chase did give respect to Peterson, a 10-year NFL veteran, who has been widely considered one of the best defensive backs in the league for some time.
“There’s not much I can pick up on now besides his age really. I’m trying to take advantage of that, of course,” said Chase. “But he’s still the same Patrick Peterson and you still have to show the same amount of respect.”
More Ja’Marr Chase on Patrick Peterson: “There’s not much I can pick up on now besides his age really. I’m trying to take advantage of that, of course.
“But he’s still the same Patrick Peterson and you still have to show the same amount of respect.”
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 6, 2021
I think Chase’s expectations for himself are a little too high. First of all, Patrick Peterson is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, while Chase is just a rookie. I don’t think the vet is going to let a rookie get one over on him very easily.
Second, Chase has to catch the ball first. He struggled with drops all throughout training camp and the preseason, despite having his former college quarterback throwing him the ball again. Fortunately, he seems to have taken accountability and the proper steps he needs to fix his issues.
Chase is going to be great, and I hope he does do well against the Vikings, but he should be careful not to speak too soon.