Kay Adams was in Ashburn for Washington Commanders’ training camp on Wednesday. The host of “Up and Adams” on FanDuel TV interviewed several Commanders, including Antonio Gibson, Jahan Dotson, Ron Rivera, Sam Howell and Chase Young.
Throughout the episode, Adams let it be known she sees a huge bounceback season for Young. Adams, on more than one occasion, called Young the 2023 NFL defensive player of the year.
As for Young, he smiled and laughed off the prediction.
“That’s funny,” Young said with a smile when Adams introduced him as the 2023 NFL DPOY. “I ain’t going to say nothing.”
We're manifesting big things for you @youngchase907 🔮
📺: @FanDuelTV | @heykayadams | @Commanders pic.twitter.com/v99n82hC9k
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) August 3, 2023
Adams’ prediction is a bold one, but it’s not entirely out of left field. After all, Young was the NFL defensive rookie of the year in 2020. However, in the two seasons since, he has only nine sacks. Unfortunately, Young suffered a severe knee injury in Week 10 of the 2021 NFL season and didn’t return until Week 16 of the 2022 season.
Young’s injury and lack of production led the Commanders to decline Young’s fifth-year option for 2024, which would have guaranteed him over $17 million.
Young has the right attitude. He’s happy to be back with his teammates, mingling with Washington fans and enjoying the team’s new ownership. Regardless of whether Young wins an award or not, a healthy season with eight sacks or more should be considered a success.