Everyone in the whole dang building knew where the football was going.
That didn't stop Joe Flacco from connecting with Ja'Marr Chase about as much as humanly possible during the Cincinnati Bengals' 33-31 Thursday Night Football win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7.
Chase couldn't be stopped, including on the final drive to set up a field goal, when his last two catches were followed by a Tee Higgins grab and the knees to set up the winning kick.
Chase's final stat line was special:
- 16 catches
- 161 yards
- 1 TD
His 16 catches set a new franchise record for catches in one game.
Of course, Chase was breaking his own previous mark of 15.
Chase also holds the receiving yards record, at a much higher 266.
But on this night, Flacco didn't need to throw down the field to Chase. He just needed him reliably in the area to extend drives, and Chase did that, over and over again.
It's super encouraging for everyone involved. With Joe Burrow out, Chase usually struggles.
But to see Flacco show he can get him the ball in such a way is exactly what the Bengals need.
As Chase goes, often so does Cincinnati, and this is a huge sign for what's to come for Cincy.
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