The Bengals’ excellence at the skill positions allows them to create mismatches that lead to big plays. In their 41-17 loss to Cincinnati in Week 5, the Ravens couldn’t contain Chase, who caught eight passes for 201 yards, including an 82-yard house call. With Pro Bowl corner Marcus Peters out for the season, Chase was defended primarily by All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who was honest enough to admit that he was outplayed by Cincinnati’s dynamic rookie receiver. “I lost that matchup,” Humphrey said.
Having Peters and Humphrey back healthy next season will give the Ravens a better chance to defend Cincinnati’s playmakers.