Ja'Marr Chase, the NFL's rising superstar wide receiver, has revealed an unexpected source of inspiration from his childhood. In a recent interview, Chase named Marques Colston and Lance Moore, a relatively unknown duo from the New Orleans Saints, as his idols during his formative years.
But here's the twist: Chase's admiration for this pair might seem surprising to many fans. During his chat with CBS Sports, Chase reminisced about the 2008-2012 era, when the Saints dominated and Colston and Moore thrived. He explained, "One brought speed, the other strength, and their styles meshed perfectly." This dynamic duo's impact was undeniable, with Moore racking up 3,512 yards and 34 touchdowns, while Colston amassed 5,154 yards and 39 touchdowns during that period.
And this is where it gets even more intriguing: Chase and his Bengals teammate Tee Higgins have already surpassed these impressive stats. Over a five-season stretch, Higgins achieved 5,170 yards and 41 touchdowns, while Chase secured 6,396 yards and an astonishing 51 touchdowns. It's a testament to the young talent's potential and the impact they could have on the Bengals' future.
Colston and Moore played pivotal roles in the Saints' 2009 Super Bowl victory, alongside Drew Brees. Now, Chase, Higgins, and quarterback Joe Burrow have the opportunity to mirror that success for Cincinnati. Despite Burrow's recent toe injury, limiting him to just three games, and Higgins' concussion last week, the Bengals have thrived. They boasted a perfect 5-0 record with the trio on the field last season and are already 2-0 this year. Without Burrow, they struggled with a 1-8 record.
Is the Bengals' success solely dependent on these three players? The numbers seem to suggest a strong correlation. Watch Chase's interview to learn more about his unexpected role models and decide for yourself. Are these rising stars destined for greatness, or is their success a team effort? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
