Chase struggling with NFL ball: It's bigger, doesn't have white stripes

Cincinnati Bengals rookie Ja'Marr Chase is having difficulties with the adjustment from college football to the NFL.

Taken fifth overall this April, Chase dropped his last four targets of the preseason, including all three passes thrown his way against the Washington Football Team in Week 2.

Chase says one reason for his struggles is the ball he's trying to catch.

"The ball is different because it is bigger," Chase said, according to Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson. "It doesn't have the white stripes on the side so you can't see the ball coming from the tip point. So, you actually have to look for the strings on the ball at the top, which is hard to see because (the) whole ball is brown and you have the six strings that are white.

"But, for the most part, (I) just have to get used to it and find out what I am comfortable with catching."

Chase also admitted to a "lack of concentration," saying he's been guilty of running before securing the catch and not looking the ball in.

Additionally, it's been more than 600 days since Chase has played in a football game. He opted out of the 2020 college season after catching 84 passes for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns in LSU's national championship-winning campaign in 2019.

Chase is reuniting with his college quarterback, Joe Burrow, but the two spent very little time on the field together in the preseason. The receiver, in particular, ran just 18 plays, including only three with Burrow.

"I didn't really get into a good rhythm with myself and actually play football," Chase said. "I just had a few times to go out there and learn the fundamentals of the offense. That's how I felt when I was out there playing. I feel like once I get into this game and actually play (for) a longer time, I'll do more of myself."

The young pass-catcher will look to resolve his issues during Sunday's season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.