Ja'Marr Chase and Joe Burrow connect for a spectacular catch at Bengals training camp (July 2025), setting high expectations for the 2025 NFL season. See the play!
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
It may have been ruled out of bounds, but Ja'Marr Chase's stunning one-handed touchdown grab from Joe Burrow on Day 3 of training camp sent a clear message: the Bengals are here to make plays. The spectacular catch was the highlight of a competitive Friday practice that saw key players return and rookies continue to impress, fueling the already high expectations for the 2025 season.
The play of the day was a spectacular one-handed touchdown catch by Ja'Marr Chase on a throw from Joe Burrow.
Fresh off signing his massive contract extension, Ja'Marr Chase is already making it look like a bargain. During Friday's drills, he soared along the sideline and snagged a pass from Joe Burrow with one hand for what looked like a touchdown. While the sideline judge ruled him out, the display of sheer athleticism and chemistry with his quarterback was the talk of camp. It's this kind of elite playmaking that the Bengals are counting on to push them over the top, and Chase is clearly motivated to deliver.
While the stars shined, the new blood also made its presence felt. Rookie receiver Jermaine Burton has been a consistent standout through three days, turning heads with his playmaking and adding crucial depth to the wide receiver room. On the offensive line, first-round pick Amarius Mims had a 'welcome to the NFL' moment, committing a false start and allowing a pressure on consecutive plays. However, Burrow's poise under pressure led to a completion to tight end Mike Gesicki, turning a potential negative into a positive gain and a valuable learning experience for the young tackle.
The Bengals' sideline looked much healthier on Friday. The return of Tee Higgins, cornerback Josh Newton, and defensive end Myles Murphy was a welcome sight after they missed Thursday's session. Their presence bolsters both sides of the ball. However, the team isn't at full strength yet. Key defensive end Trey Hendrickson and rookie Shemar Stewart remain absent due to contract disputes, while running back Zack Moss, tight end Erick All, and center Seth McLaughlin are sidelined with injuries, leaving a few question marks on the roster.
The excitement in camp directly reflects the external expectations for this team. Cincinnati is already favored in early-season matchups and is considered a strong contender for the AFC North crown and a deep playoff run. After finishing last season with a disappointing 4-7 record in one-possession games, the front office invested heavily to close that gap, re-signing key players like Tee Higgins (4 years, $115M) and B.J. Hill (3 years, $33M) while adding veterans like Mike Gesicki. The talent is assembled; now it's about building the chemistry to turn close losses into victories.
As the weekend approaches, all eyes remain on the practice field and the front office. The energy is undeniable, but the lingering contract disputes with Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart are a storyline to watch. For now, the spectacular connection between Burrow and Chase is more than enough to have Who Dey Nation buzzing with championship aspirations.
