Tracking the ball downfield is an important skill for a wide receiver in the NFL.
While all receivers want this feature, experienced players can make the impossible…possible.
Like Ja’Marr Chase.
Chase was on the other end of a deep throw from quarterback Joe Burrow in the first half of Sunday’s game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans. With the Bengals offense facing 1st-and-10 at the Houston 32-yard line, Burrow went deep into the pocket and targeted Chase at the uprights.
Somehow, the receiver managed to track the ball, make a difficult adjustment — more importantly, how difficult it was in one moment — and then pull his foot in and throw it in for the improbable game-ending touchdown:
How hard was this game? First, check out this alternate angle, which emphasizes the adjustment and lateral toe pulls to complete the touches:
But now consider this angle, you see Chase falling to the field before he starts tracking the ball in flight. But instead of falling, Chase managed to stay upright, make the adjustment, and save the throw for a touchdown:
Simply unbelievable.