Steelers' Week 12 Opponent Ja'Marr Chase Says "Wait For The Show" Against Pittsburgh's Poor Secondary

The Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 12 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals isn't exactly a must-win, but it sure feels like it after the team made a desperate move by firing Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada ahead of the matchup. The Bengals are still in the playoff conversation, but the path to the postseason became much harder after the organization lost quarterback, Joe Burrow for the remainder of the 2023 season. Pittsburgh will still have its hands full. Cincinnati may have Jake Browning starting at the signal-caller position, but dominant wide receiver, Ja'Marr Chase will still be out there running routes in an attempt to burn defenders.

Rookie cornerback, Joey Porter Jr. is likely to be on Chase the majority of the game and it will be a tall task for the younger defender. Chase spoke to Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official website and came up with some bold words. He is confident in his abilities regardless of who is playing quarterback. His connection with Burrow is undeniable, but Browning being in isn't going to change his plans of dominating the Steelers.

"We'll show y'all this week," Chase said. "Wait for the show."

Chase has played three career games against Pittsburgh and has 17 catches for 233 yards and three scores. The Steelers defense hasn't given up a boatload of points in 2023, but is allowing nearly 240 passing yards per game which is well within the bottom half of the league. Under Head Coach Mike Tomlin, second-string quarterbacks have typically played respectful football, just like Dorian Thompson-Robinson did in Week 11.

Porter Jr. went to Tomlin before the Steelers played the Tennessee Titans in Week 9 and requested that he be able to shadow DeAndre Hopkins. No one should be surprised if that's what he's asking for against the Bengals. It seems as if Chase is sending a little bit of a message to Porter Jr. ahead of a big AFC North matchup on Sunday.

Moving forward, it makes sense to have Porter Jr. cover the opposing team's best receiver. He is proving to be growing at a rapid rate and while he is still handsy at times, he may blossom into the franchise cornerback that the franchise has been looking for in recent years. Despite Burrow's injury issues, Chase still has 833 yards receiving and eight touchdowns in 2023.

Chase also mentioned that if his team is going to find their way into meaningful January football, both games against the Steelers are going to be crucial. He doesn't see a path to the postseason if the Bengals can't take care of business in both upcoming games against Pittsburgh.

"I feel like we have a shot at getting into the playoffs. Have to win both of these games against the Steelers."

The same goes for the Steelers if they want a chance to win the AFC North division. A loss to the Cleveland Browns was crushing, but with a game against the Baltimore Ravens and two versus the Bengals yet to happen, Pittsburgh could end up with a 5-1 division record and a home p[layoff game if they play their cards right. The new offensive leadership and a strong defensive secondary are going to be two critical factors during that quest.

Steelers Hoping To Get Healthy In The Secondary in Comings Weeks

Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has missed the team's last three games due to a hamstring injury. It's clear that his presence is missed and getting him back for the Bengals game would be a big boost. Unfortunately, he has yet to practice and it's more likely that the team holds him out one more week. On Sunday, the Steelers' defense will hope to make Chase eat his words about putting on a show in Cincinnati.

Do you think the Steelers and Porter Jr. can shut down Chase on Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!

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