The Ravens face the Bengals twice yearly, so they’re knowledgeable about elite wide receiver play. Heading into Sunday’s game against the Giants, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers offers a similar skill set that Baltimore is familiar with.
Just days before matching up with the former LSU wide receiver, Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr compared Nabers to the league’s leading pass catcher, Ja’Marr Chase.
Ravens DC Zach Orr said Malik Nabers reminds him of Ja’Marr Chase: pic.twitter.com/MBNL2OKM0x
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 12, 2024
Selected sixth in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Nabers leads the Giants with 80 catches, 819 yards, and three touchdown receptions. Nabers’ 80 catches place him third on the Giants’ rookie list. Odell Beckham (2014) and Saquon Barkley (2018) share the record with 91 receptions.
Chase had a record-setting rookie season in 2021. He started all 17 games and caught 81 passes for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns, which set the Bengals rookie record and was fourth in the NFL. He also had five 100-yard games, tied for second most in Bengals history.
Chase’s 368 postseason receiving yards broke the rookie record previously held by Torry Holt in 1999. He also helped the Bengals advance to Super Bowl LVI, their first appearance since 1988.
Chase was named Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press and the PFWA and Rookie of the Year by the Sporting News. He was also named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
