There were nothing but high expectations for Washington’s rookie DE Chase Young coming into the first season of his NFL career. As a prolific college talent, Young became the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 draft, and was being compared to the likes of Von Miller and Julius Peppers before he played a single down.
While those comparisons are lofty, and more long-term, another player that many have linked Young to is 49ers DE Nick Bosa, an Ohio State graduate who was added to an already dominant defensive line in San Francisco a year ago, helping to carry them over the top and become Super Bowl contenders.
With the two players fitting in so many of the same bubbles, it’s obvious to use Bosa’s rookie season and young career as a measuring stick for Chase. However, in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, Young has the chance to do something that Bosa has yet to accomplish in his NFL career.
Sack QB Kyler Murray.
Washington D-Linemen get their opportunity next week. https://t.co/TN9ixYdfQJ
— Washington Wire (@Washington_Wire) September 14, 2020
Murray is young as well, but he’s already garnered a reputation as one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the NFL. His ability to scramble out of the pocket and avoid sacks is prolific, and the rate at which he avoids getting hit is remarkable.
Kyler Murray ran the ball 13 times for 91 yards. He slid, went out of bounds or scored on 12 of the 13 runs. He was only tackled one time (pulled down by the shirt). He's mastered the ability to protect himself on the move. It's teaching tape for athletic QB's.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) September 14, 2020
Young, on the other hand, had a nice debut game in Washington’s 27-17 win over Philadelphia, coming up with four tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits, and one forced fumble. Washington’s defensive line at large was able to put Eagles QB Carson Wentz into the ground a total of 8 times, keeping him under constant duress.
So what will happen when they’re matched up against the Cardinals offensive front next week? What can we expect to see when Young comes bulldozing around the edge, and Kyler is forced to make a decision?
We’re not going to try and predict the outcome of that matchup, but it’s the first time in Chase Young’s NFL career where he may be able to take a step ahead of his former OSU running mate and start carving a path of his own.
Sunday afternoon. 4:05 ET. We’ve got a fun matchup on our hands.
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