None of us knew what to expect, knowing Chase Young was making his return Saturday, against San Francisco.
Chase Young is back! #HTTC @youngchase907
Full video: https://t.co/YCY8eJQfWp pic.twitter.com/Y47t7lL6cf— Ace³⁰ (@Ace30_YT) December 25, 2022
Young had not played since the November 2021 home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when Young tore his ACL.
ESPN stats states Young was in on two tackles Saturday, one solo, one assisted, and also deflected a pass.
It may not make the stat sheet, but Young also had a play in the second quarter where he clearly determined to set the edge, and force the runner back inside and Daron Payne appeared in the gap to make the tackle. But it was a good example of doing your job in playing defense and your teammate being accountable to then do his own job as well.
On the very next 49ers snap from scrimmage, quarterback Brock Purdy was alone in an empty set on 2nd & 9 from the 49ers 14-yard line. Taking the snap at his own 9-yard line he dropped shortly to the 6, looked right toward tight end George Kittle who was breaking to the sideline at the 19-yard line.
As Purdy released his pass for Kittle, Young who was lined up as the left defensive end, leaped in the air raising his right arm and hand into Purdy’s passing lane. Young’s timing was terrific, making contact with the ball, deflecting the ball up into the air, and the ball landing just a couple of yards behind Young.
I didn’t expect much from Young in his season debut Saturday. I mean, after all, I didn’t see much from him in 2021 either. Oh, he rushed way upfield, leaving huge running lanes at times for agile, mobile quarterbacks.
But today, Young looked to be comfortable, have a spring in his step, and more than once looked to play team defense rather than simply leave his area to chase the ball all over the field.
Recalling both Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio had previously voiced their frustration with Young not doing his job last season, performing more like an independent contractor. However, Young’s 2022 debut Saturday was encouraging.
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