Sep 29, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) looks on during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

You have to imagine that Ja'Marr Chase imagined his 2025 season playing out differently. The perennial Pro Bowler undoubtedly thought he and Joe Burrow would continue making the same sweet music they have for their entire careers. Ideally, their success as a duo would've led to the Cincinnati Bengals resembling formidable Super Bowl contenders.

You know what they say. The best laid plans of Bengals (mice) and men often go awry.

Just over a month into the season, the Bengals are already without Burrow for the foreseeable future. This means they're leaning on backup quarterback Jake Browning instead. His starting stint, especially on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, isn't going very well. That's probably being kind.

Browning threw three brutal picks in less than three quarters against the Lions' defense. This, while struggling to eclipse 100 total passing yards. The cruel irony of Browning's awful play? It forced Chase, who was largely hemmed in by Detroit's defense (and Browning's wayward accuracy), to make more of an impact as a de facto defender than a big-play receiver.

The tackler on each of Browning's three picks was ... Chase. Oof:

In fact, if not for Chase, there's a very realistic possibility that Browning would've thrown MORE interceptions:

Chase's season began with promise. Now, it's simmering with disappointment. Instead of humiliating helpless cornerbacks, he's preventing his incapable quarterback from further embarrassing himself. I can't imagine that's how he saw his 2025 playing out to this point.

Good job and good effort, Bengals.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Bengals' listless offense turned star receiver into impact cornerback

Reporting by Robert Zeglinski, For The Win / For The Win

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