With the AFC North and the playoffs on the line, the Cincinnati Bengals don’t need any help getting motivated for Sunday’s showdown with the Baltimore Ravens.
But it sure seems like the Ravens want to help them out anyway.
Speaking with the media on Thursday, Ravens defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said he won’t throw double teams at Ja’Marr Chase a week removed from doing so against Green Bay Packers wideout Davante Adams.
Martindale added this, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley:
“Adams is one of the top 2 receivers in the league and he’s not No. 2. Aaron Rodgers is a Hall of Fame QB, and I don’t think we’re ready to buy a gold jacket for Joe (Burrow).”
It’s a funny situation. Joe Burrow certainly isn’t Aaron Rodgers and as of this writing, there isn’t a better wideout on the planet than Adams. So in a sense, Martindale isn’t wrong in saying this.
But there’s some important context to add: The last time Burrow and Chase met Martindale’s defense this season, Chase dropped 201 yards and a touchdown on eight catches in a 41-17 beatdown. To make matters worse for the Baltimore perspective, the team is currently in a freefall, has a roster ravaged by injuries and names on COVID-19 list. Plus, top corners like Marlon Humphrey won’t be on the field on Sunday.
But like Chad says, Burrow and Chase might as well use it as extra motivation, right?
Chase & Burrow should take this personal (Martindale can say this due to the quality at DB in man to man coverage) https://t.co/j7p5pJlNY9
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) December 23, 2021
