The Green Jersey (le Maillot Vert)
Last year’s winner: Trae Waynes
This year’s winner: Ja’Marr Chase
Initially, Ja’Marr Chase was going to be the White Jersey winner. But to spread the wealth, he takes home the Green Jersey.
The Maillot Vert goes to the fastest rider in the Tour de France. For the Bengals, the reigning champion is Chase.
According to Next Gen Stats, Chase registered the 10th fastest time in the NFL with the ball in his hands. He did so by reaching 21.74 mph on a play that all Bengals fans will remember. It came against the Kansas City Chiefs when Chase outran the entirety of Kansas City’s defense in the first quarter. A touchdown punctuated by Tony Romo’s call, “Chase is on the case.”
Furthermore, Chase landed in the second set of Next Gen Stats’ Incredible Yards After Catch category. This reception came on another unforgettable play in which Chase broke three tackles and accelerated away from the Baltimore Raven’s defense for a touchdown.
By Chase’s own admission, he was just having fun and running routes last year. This year, he plans on doing the little things better this season. Perhaps one of these adjustments will allow him to grab the fastest spot in 2022.
The bottom line is Chase is fast. Really fast. That is why he wins the Maillot Vert this year for the Bengals.