Top-Tier Showdown: Ja’Marr Chase and Pat Surtain II Prepare for Epic Elite WR vs CB Battle
Exciting Matchup: Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase vs. Broncos’ Pat Surtain II
Fredi Knighten’s Game Preparation Routine
Every Monday morning, Cincinnati Bengals assistant quarterbacks coach Fredi Knighten starts his routine by dropping off his German shepherd, Vera, at daycare. He then heads to the Bengals’ headquarters at Paycor Stadium by 6:30 a.m., where he accumulates game tapes for the week. Knighten’s focus is on the upcoming opponent’s cornerbacks, analyzing their techniques to give Cincinnati an edge.
Anticipated Showdown on Monday Night
This week’s matchup between the Bengals and the Denver Broncos, set for Monday night at Empower Field at Mile High, promises to be electrifying. Scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN, the highlight is the face-off between Bengals’ wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Denver’s cornerback Pat Surtain II. Last season, Chase became the fifth player since the AFL-NFL merger to achieve the receiving triple crown. Meanwhile, Surtain was named Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year, showcasing his defensive prowess.
A Storied Rivalry Rekindled
Chase and Surtain have a history that extends beyond their NFL careers. Their rivalry dates back to college, where Chase led LSU past Surtain’s Alabama squad in 2019. When drafted in 2021, Chase went fifth overall to the Bengals, and Surtain followed as the ninth pick to Denver. Bengals reserve quarterback Mike White noted their consistent performance from college to the NFL, emphasizing their ability to meet high expectations.
Pat Surtain II: Defensive Savant
Surtain’s success as a cornerback is attributed to his unique combination of physical traits and sharp football intelligence. Standing at 6-foot-2 with a 78½-inch wingspan, he has constantly demonstrated his ability to challenge receivers. His background includes training routines from high school days, where his commitment to excellence already shone through.
Comparing Chase and Surtain
| Category | Chase | Surtain |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 25 | 25 |
| Height | 6-0 | 6-2 |
| Weight | 205 | 202 |
| College | LSU | Alabama |
| 2021 Draft Position | No. 5 | No. 9 |
| Pro Bowls | 4 | 3 |
| First-team All-Pros | 1 | 2 |
| OPOY/DPOY Awards | 1 (2024) | 1 (2024) |
Ja’Marr Chase: Offensive Powerhouse
Known for his size and speed, Chase possesses the physical attributes that many teams covet. Standing just over 6 feet tall and boasting a 4.34-second 40-yard dash, he has become a nightmare for defenders. Surtain acknowledges the challenges in facing such a dynamic player, noting Chase’s ability to combine athletic ability with technical skill.
Quarterback Dynamics
The Bengals’ quarterback situation adds another layer of complexity to this matchup. With Joe Burrow sidelined due to a turf toe injury, Jake Browning has stepped in. In six quarters, Browning has produced mixed results, affecting how the Bengals might strategize against the Broncos’ defense.
Defensive Strategies
Vance Joseph, the Broncos’ defensive coordinator, stresses the importance of matching Surtain against Chase effectively. The Broncos aim to cover Chase, especially after wide receiver Tee Higgins’ impressive performance in their last encounter. Joseph’s strategy involves adapting to Chase’s movements to limit his impact during the game.
As both teams prepare for Monday’s game, the battle between Surtain and Chase is set to be a focal point. This matchup promises a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and athleticism.
