Ja’Marr Chase Recognizes DJ Turner II as Bengals’ Most-Improved Player
CINCINNATI — Ja’Marr Chase, a seasoned wide receiver known for his clashes with elite cornerbacks, has swiftly identified DJ Turner II as the Cincinnati Bengals’ most-improved player this season. His endorsement is backed by substantial statistics. In his third year in the NFL, Turner has recorded 40 tackles, forced two fumbles, intercepted two passes, and achieved 18 pass breakups, ranking second in the league.
A New Level of Play
At just 25 years old, Turner has honed his skills through rigorous competition, particularly against Chase in practice. “DJ, I think (improved) the most this year,” Chase remarked, highlighting Turner’s adaptability on the field. “What caught my eye is just him switching his techniques from press to off-man coverage, and from physical to speed. I think that’s the biggest thing from this year.”
Turner’s evolution is reminiscent of a seasoned veteran, providing the Bengals with a solid foundation as they navigate the latter part of the season. His performance metrics have shown consistent growth, with his Pro Football Focus grade climbing to an impressive 72.5 this year.
Coaching Praise and Leadership
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has expressed admiration for Turner’s development. “I’ve told stories all season about training camp conversations with him, and I’m really proud of the way he’s handled everything,” Taylor shared with reporters in early December. “You can genuinely feel the confidence oozing off of him. He’s been a tremendous asset for us.”
Turner is not just excelling individually; he has emerged as a clear leader within the team and is a candidate for a contract extension this offseason. Taylor further emphasized Turner’s understanding of his role, stating, “He understands what it means to cover their best guy. He knows all that entails, the good and the bad. He’s willing to embrace it all, and I’m proud of the season he’s having. He’ll just continue to lead us.”
Looking Ahead
As the Bengals gear up for their final showdown of the season against the Cleveland Browns, Turner, along with Chase and the rest of the team, is poised to showcase their skills one last time. The anticipation builds as fans look forward to seeing how this dynamic duo will perform in their upcoming match.
