The Washington Commanders are heading into a crucial last three weeks of the season. They hold a 7-6-1 record and currently stand in the final wild card slot. In other words, it’s the perfect time for some reinforcements. And reinforcements don’t come in a bigger package than Chase Young.
The former second-overall selection won Rookie of the Year back in 2020. However, 2021 saw him record just 2.5 sacks over nine games before his season was cut short due to injury.
Since then, we’ve seen plenty of rumors. At the start of the year, it appeared Young would be back within a few weeks. Then it got moved back. It was moved back again and again until finally, it seemed like he was just going to be shut down for the rest of the season. Naturally, that was when the news broke that Chase Young would be making his season debut for the Washington Commanders in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers.
This is as close to a must-win as possible for Washington. They currently still hold a playoff spot, but just barely. The Seattle Seahawks and the Detroit Lions are both 7-7, putting them absurdly close to the final wildcard slot.
Young may not have impressed last season, but the talent is clearly there. A physical monster combination of speed, power, and footwork.
Washington already has a strong defense anchored by an elite defensive line. Adding Young to the group of Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, and Da’Ron Payne only makes them that much more dangerous.
The Commanders square off with a top-tier San Francisco 49ers team, then the Cleveland Browns (with Deshaun Watson back), and finally the playoff-bound Dallas Cowboys. This won’t be an easy road to the playoffs for Washington.
Getting back one of the best young pass rushers in football will certainly help though.
Washington Commanders fans may be split when it comes to their feelings on Chase Young at the moment. But you’ll struggle to find any that aren’t excited to have him back for this important stretch of football to end the season.