Bucs CB Davis Gave Bengals WR Chase Fits

When the Bucs faced the Bengals last week it provided the defense with the opportunity to see one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL in JaMarr Chase. Since entering the league in 2021 Chase ranks 14th in receptions (152), sixth in receiving yards (2,336), fifth in receiving yards per game (86.5), and third in touchdowns (21). Between his obvious talent and the symbiotic connection he has with his quarterback Joe Burrow, Chase has vaulted himself quickly into the conversation for one of the Top 10 receivers in the league.

Traditionally, when facing these top receivers, the Bucs have allowed all of their cornerbacks to face-off, depending upon where the receiver lines up. Bucs head coach Todd Bowles has not moved his defensive backs around to follow receivers much over his tenure in Tampa Bay, instead opting to trust each player on the field to deliver the results he is looking for. But that all changed on Sunday in Raymond James Stadium.

Chase played on 45 passing snaps and, according to Next Gen Stats, ran 40 routes. Now take a look at how the Bucs matched up against Chase.

Carlton Davis aligned across from Ja’Marr Chase on 33 of 40 routes in Week 15 (83% shadow).

Davis limited Chase to just 3 receptions on 8 targets in coverage for 32 yards with an INT, forcing 5 tight windows (T-2nd most of any WR-DB matchup this season).#CINvsTB | #GoBucs pic.twitter.com/bqxrQeccO8

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 19, 2022

Davis, who has played left cornerback almost exclusively this season, lined up 33 times at right cornerback in week 15. Prior to the Bengals game he logged exactly two snaps at right corner previously in 2022 per Pro Football Focus. There was a clear concerted effort by Bowles and the Bucs defense to allow Davis to shut down Chase as the Bengals primary receiving weapon. And Davis fulfilled his role to a “T.”

It Was Clear Bucs CB Davis Showed No Fear Facing Chase

Before we get to the other clips I just wanted to share this. It just brought a smile to my face.

Chase has quickly established himself as one of the premier young receivers with his physical approach to the game. And if that physicality sparks fear in other defenders, it certainly didn’t with Davis. Take a look at the bottom of the screen. Watch Davis put the clamps on Chase. Davis brought his “Gravedigger” mentality to this matchup and let Chase no there was no reverence for him.

Bucs’ Davis Made Burrow Execute Multiple Tight Window Throws

For the season Chase has created on average 2.1 yards of separation on routes run. Against Davis, Chase found it difficult to maintain that rate. Almost every pass that Burrow sent Chase’s way with Davis in coverage turned into a contested tight-window attempt. For example:

These challenging throws were largely in part to a change in how the Bucs deployed Davis. Davis has long been at his best when he is allowed to play up at the line of scrimmage in press-man. It allows Davis to use his excellent hands and physicality to disrupt routes before they can even start. This throws off the timing of plays and often dissuades quarterbacks from even targeting Davis’s assignment. And when they do, they above are often the result. A highly difficult throw that Davis is able to breakup.

Another masterclass in imposing oneself physically. Davis, lined up at the bottom of the screen, immediately gets his hands into Chase’s chest. This is followed by Davis getting his right hand on Chase’s back to allow him to feel Chase’s body movements. This gives him the opportunity to jump the out break a split second earlier than most. Davis then does an excellent job of getting his head turned around to find the ball and make a play on it, knocking it away from Chase’s awaiting hands.

Davis was able to leverage other parts of his physical profile to help him succeed even when Chase was able to get a step on him. That was very evident when Burrow attempted to lead Burrow on this fade route.

The ball was well thrown, and Chase had a legitimate step on Davis as he has a speed advantage in the matchup. But Davis is able to calmly get his long arm into the flight path of the ball and break up yet another pass.

Even When Chase Was Able To Rein An A Catch From Burrow It Rarely Came Easy

Absolutely nothing about this rep was easy for Chase. Right off the line he had to contend with a strong punch from Davis, which allowed Davis to keep his hands on Chase through the break and allow him to immediately make the tackle after the catch.

Later on in the game you get another opportunity to see Davis make Burrow’s job more difficult. This time it came with Davis playing in off coverage.

Davis breaks out of his backpedal with a deep hip sink. This allows him to pounce down on the out route and force a difficult catch by Chase. Davis’s dive for the ball was just an inch or two off of breaking up the pass.

Chase’s TD Came When Cincy Moved Him Into The Slot Away From Davis

In an effort to get Chase more involved and see if the Bucs would truly have Davis follow him anywhere, the Bengals moved Chase into the slot. Davis stayed to the outside and the Bengals were able to take advantage to the tune of a touchdown.

Down towards the endzone the Bengals put Chase into the slot where he ended up matched against safety Keanu Neal in off coverage. Neal isn’t able to bite down fast enough and Chase waltzes into the endzone rather easily.

Davis Showed His High-End Ability When The Scheme Allowed Him To Play At His Best

Davis lacks the flashy interception numbers of, say a Trevon Diggs. But he is most certainly a top tier cornerback in the NFL. He utilizes his long frame, physical presence, smooth technique, and intelligence to win more often than not. The nature of the cornerback position is a volatile one. That volatility can be reduced when scheme and talent merge as they did on Sunday with Davis. And the results can be amazing.

Eight targets. Three catches. 32 yards. One interception.

And a hell of a shut down.