In the midst of an up-and-down season for the Cincinnati Bengals, a rising star has emerged from the backfield. Second-year running back Chase Brown is rapidly proving himself as a cornerstone player for the Bengals’ present and future. His impressive performances in recent weeks have caught the attention of fans, analysts, and his own quarterback.
A Breakout in the Making
After splitting carries early in the season, Brown seized the opportunity to become Cincinnati’s lead back when Zack Moss went on injured reserve in November. Since then, the young rusher has been on a tear:
- 7th in NFL in rushing Expected Points Added (EPA) since Week 11
- Outperforming former Bengals star Joe Mixon during that span
- Stepped up as a workhorse, showcasing durability and consistency
Brown’s emergence couldn’t have come at a better time for the Bengals. After parting ways with Mixon in the offseason, Cincinnati needed a new spark in the running game. The Illinois product is providing just that, and quarterback Joe Burrow has taken notice.
“He’s been unbelievable. It’s exciting to see him come along like that. He’s going to play here for a long time. He’s going to be a great player for us for a long time.”
– Joe Burrow on Chase Brown
Earning Trust and Closing Games
Brown’s impact goes beyond just the stat sheet. He’s earned the trust of the coaching staff to handle a heavy workload and close out games. In a crucial win over the Titans, the Bengals turned to their young back to seal the deal.
With a 16-point lead late in the fourth quarter, Cincinnati fed Brown the ball on 10 of their final 12 plays. He rewarded that faith with tough runs, grinding out first downs and finding the end zone to put the game on ice. It’s the type of role the Bengals envision him growing into.
Vision and Consistency
What’s fueling Brown’s breakout campaign? Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher points to the back’s improved vision and consistency with more reps:
“Just like anything, the more you do it, the better you are going to get at it. He’s had a lot of opportunity for us and he has earned that opportunity.”
– Dan Pitcher on Chase Brown’s development
That growth has the Bengals’ brass excited for what lies ahead. In a year where Cincinnati has struggled to recapture their Super Bowl form, discovering a gem like Brown provides optimism moving forward.
Building Block for the Future
As the Bengals look to retool for another title run, having cornerstone players to build around is paramount. Chase Brown is quickly establishing himself as one of those pillars with his electric play and steady development.
If the 23-year-old continues on this trajectory, he could soon join the ranks of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase as franchise faces in Cincinnati. For a team seeking a return to championship contention, that’s an exciting proposition.
The breakout story of Chase Brown is still being written in Cincinnati. But if the last few weeks are any indication, the Bengals have found their running back of the present and future. And that’s a plot twist this franchise desperately needed.
