Ja’Marr Chase’s ridiculous toe-tap TD might be best NFL catch this season

Tracking the ball downfield is an essential skill for a wide receiver in the NFL.

While all receivers need this trait, the elite players can make the impossible … possible.

Chase was on the other end of a deep throw downfield from quarterback Joe Burrow in the first half of Sunday's game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans . With the Bengals offense facing a 1st-and-10 at the Houston 32-yard line, Burrow dropped deep in the pocket and targeted Chase on a vertical route.

Somehow, the receiver was able to track the ball, make a tough adjustment — more on how tough in a moment — and then drag his feet inbounds to complete the play for an improbable touchdown:

Just how tough was this play? First, look at this alternate angle, which highlights the adjustment and the toe drag along the sideline to complete the touchdowns:

But now, consider this angle, where you see Chase almost stumble to the turf before he begins to track the ball in flight. Instead of falling, however, Chase manages to stay upright, make the adjustment, and secure the throw for a touchdown: