Ja'Marr Chase's Threat Looms Over the Baltimore Ravens

For the Baltimore Ravens, few opponents inspire as much strategic anxiety as Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Since entering the NFL in 2021, Chase has established himself as the Ravens’ kryptonite—a dynamic playmaker who consistently breaks free from coverage, turns short receptions into long gains, and single-handedly shifts the momentum of games. His combination of 4.38-second speed, 6’0” frame, and acrobatic catch ability makes him nearly impossible to contain with a single defender, forcing the Ravens to divert key defensive resources just to limit his impact. As the Ravens and Bengals prepare for another high-stakes AFC North showdown, Chase’s threat isn’t just about his on-field production—it’s about the way he disrupts Baltimore’s entire defensive scheme, creates mismatches, and pressures even the most seasoned defenders. Ja'Marr Chase's Threat Looms Over the Baltimore Ravens examines his history of dominance against the Ravens, the defensive dilemmas he poses, and why he remains the biggest obstacle to Baltimore’s divisional title hopes.

Ja'Marr Chase's Threat Looms Over the Baltimore Ravens begins with his track record of success against the Ravens—a resume that reads like a highlight reel of clutch plays and game-changing moments. In six career matchups, Chase has amassed 35 catches for 582 yards and four touchdowns, averaging nearly 97 yards per game—well above his career average of 76 yards per game. His most memorable performance came in Week 5 of 2024, when he torched the Ravens’ secondary for 10 catches, 159 yards, and a touchdown in a 27-24 Bengals overtime win. That game included a 45-yard deep post route where he outran Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey, a 20-yard contested catch in overtime to set up the game-winning field goal, and three third-down receptions that extended critical drives. Even in losses to the Ravens, Chase has made his presence felt: in Week 12 of 2024, he finished with 5 catches for 62 yards, including a 15-yard reception that put the Bengals within field goal range late in the fourth quarter. “Chase doesn’t just play well against us—he elevates his game,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh admitted in a recent press conference. “He’s the kind of receiver who makes you pay for even the smallest mistake, and that’s what makes him so dangerous.”

Ja'Marr Chase's Threat Looms Over the Baltimore Ravens shifts to the core defensive dilemma he creates: forcing the Ravens to choose between containing him and leaving other Bengals playmakers open. Chase’s ability to draw double coverage—whether it’s a cornerback and safety bracket or a linebacker dropping back to help—creates gaps for fellow wide receivers Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, as well as tight end Irv Smith Jr. In their Week 5 matchup, the Ravens deployed a “shadow + bracket” scheme on Chase for 70% of his routes, which allowed Higgins to catch 6 passes for 89 yards and a touchdown. Defensive coordinators face a no-win scenario with Chase: single-cover him, and he’ll likely beat you deep or make a contested catch; double-cover him, and you’ll leave other talented pass catchers unchecked. This dilemma was on full display in the fourth quarter of their 2023 AFC Divisional Round game, when the Ravens chose to double Chase on a third-and-10 play—only to watch Higgins catch a 25-yard pass for a first down that set up the Bengals’ game-winning touchdown. “Chase is a chess piece that changes the entire board,” said former NFL defensive back and Ravens analyst DeAngelo Hall. “You can’t just focus on him—you have to account for how he affects everyone else on the field. That’s what makes him one of the top three receivers in the league.”

Ja'Marr Chase's Threat Looms Over the Baltimore Ravens delves into how his threat impacts the Ravens’ defensive gameplan weeks before their matchup. In the lead-up to facing the Bengals, the Ravens spend extra practice time simulating Chase’s route tree—running drills where backup wide receivers mimic his releases, speed, and catch techniques. Cornerbacks Humphrey and Brandon Stephens study hours of film on Chase’s tendencies, noting how he adjusts his routes based on coverage, whether he prefers to cut inside or outside, and how he reacts to press coverage. The Ravens also adjust their pass-rush strategy, knowing that forcing Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow to throw quickly is one of the few ways to limit Chase’s ability to get open. In Week 12 of 2024, the Ravens blitzed Burrow on 40% of his dropbacks—well above their season average of 28%—which helped limit Chase to just one catch of 20+ yards. For the Baltimore Ravens, this extra preparation is a necessity, not a luxury. “We can’t treat a game against Chase like any other,” said Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. “We have to adjust our practice schedule, our film study, and our gameplan to make sure we’re as prepared as possible. If we cut corners, he’ll make us pay.”

Ja'Marr Chase's Threat Looms Over the Baltimore Ravens explores the mental toll his presence takes on the Ravens’ defensive backs, many of whom have struggled with confidence after being beaten by Chase in past matchups. Humphrey, one of the league’s top cornerbacks, has spoken openly about the pressure of covering Chase, admitting that he spends extra time visualizing plays and practicing his footwork to avoid mistakes. Younger defensive backs like rookie cornerback Corey Ballentine have leaned on Humphrey and safety Kyle Hamilton for advice, knowing that Chase will likely target them in one-on-one situations. This mental pressure can lead to hesitant play—like overcommitting to a route or missing a tackle—which Chase is quick to exploit. In their Week 5 matchup, Ballentine hesitated for half a second when Chase made a sudden cut on an out route, allowing Chase to gain 10 yards and a first down. For the Baltimore Ravens, managing this mental aspect is just as important as the physical preparation. “Confidence is everything in this game, especially when you’re facing someone like Chase,” Hamilton said. “We talk a lot about staying locked in, not dwelling on past plays, and trusting our training. But it’s easier said than done when you’re going up against a guy who’s made a career out of beating defenses.”

Ja'Marr Chase's Threat Looms Over the Baltimore Ravens wraps up with the stakes of their upcoming matchup and what it means for the Ravens’ playoff hopes. With the AFC North title likely on the line, the Ravens know that containing Chase will be the difference between winning and losing—and potentially between a first-round bye and a wild-card spot. While the Ravens have made adjustments to their defense—including improving their pass rush and refining their bracket coverage—Chase has shown time and again that he can adapt to any scheme. What makes this matchup even more tense is Chase’s history of rising to the occasion in big games: he’s averaged 110 yards and a touchdown in divisional title-deciding matchups. For the Baltimore Ravens, this isn’t just a game against a talented receiver—it’s a test of their defensive resilience, their strategic flexibility, and their ability to overcome a opponent who has consistently had their number. “Chase is the ultimate challenge,” Harbaugh said. “Beating the Bengals means finding a way to limit him, and that’s something we’ve been working toward all season. If we can do that, we’ll put ourselves in a great position to win the division and make a deep playoff run.” As kickoff approaches, one thing is clear: Ja’Marr Chase’s threat isn’t just about what he does on the field—it’s about the fear and uncertainty he brings, and the way he forces the Ravens to be perfect. For Baltimore, anything less could mean another disappointing loss to their divisional rival.