When the Cincinnati Bengals traded for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, the franchise did so with the expectation that he would make the team’s defense better. Of course, there was also a belief that the offensive line would improve by getting to go up against the dominant defender everyday.
Few people would have predicted that Lawrence would push Cincinnati’s receivers to be even better, but that’s exactly what’s happening. Ja’Marr Chase, during a Tuesday appearance on the Up & Adams Show, explained how that’s happening.
When asked what it’s like to witness Lawrence be such a problem for the Bengals offense, the star wideout said the offense appreciates one of the best defensive tackles in the league making them better. Chase went on to say that Lawrence’s presence is making the receivers faster, because they are thinking about how quickly the defender will get into the backfield.
"[Lawrence] is making us better, he’s making our o-line better, he’s making the receivers faster. When we're running our routes, cause sometimes we can't run against the DBs, we gotta run against Dexter Lawrence. Just helping us get our timing down with Joe [Burrow], never know when we gotta be ready for a hot answer or anything. "Ja’Marr Chase (Up & Adams)
Ja’Marr Chase says Dexter Lawrence is making Bengals receivers faster
Lawrence helping the offensive line was the easy connection to make. His impact on the wide receivers, however, would have took a little more creative thinking since he isn’t lined up across for them everyday. What Chase said does make sense, though.
When an offense knows that a defense could provide quick pressure, they try to do everything faster. It’s important that the speed doesn’t mess things up, though, or get the offense out of sync. The Bengals are getting the necessary experience to make sure that’s not the case.
According to Chase, the offense is playing faster and operating with a smart pace. That should only help Cincinnati once the season starts and the group starts facing off against other teams. The Bengals offense is already pretty elite, but any improvement that would make the group even better is beneficial.
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