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In the months leading up to Washington’s Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, there was a lot of talk about the matchup between Los Angeles rookie left tackle Rashawn Slater and Washington defensive end Chase Young.
The two players met in 2019 when Slater played for the Northwestern Wildcats and Young for the Ohio State Buckeyes, and many felt Slater got the best of Young.
On Sunday, the Chargers defeated Washington, 20-16, and Slater’s play was a major reason why quarterback Justin Herbert was barely touched and passed for over 300 yards.
Slater played 81 snaps on Sunday. According to Pro Football Focus, Herbert dropped back to pass 49 times, and Slater allowed zero pressures.
The Chargers’ official Twitter account sent out a tweet showing some of Slater’s impressive blocks, along with some tweets from analysts praising Slater’s debut performance.
it's pronounced RUH-SHAAN pic.twitter.com/sazlOhvWQp
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 13, 2021
Slater dominated both Chase Young and Montez Sweat. Young was lined up opposite of Slater on 53 snaps. Sweat did get a sack on Herbert, but it did not come against Slater.
It was quite the debut for Slater. As for Young and Sweat, the Giants come to town on Thursday, and it could be a long night for Andrew Thomas and Nate Solder.