Tag: Chase Young

Saints’ offensive line struggles are extremely concerning

Chase Young has been impressive. The other side of the conversation needs to be addressed. The offensive line has been extremely concerning at Saints training camp:

The New Orleans Saints offensive line was a heavy talking point after Wednesday’s practice session — for all the wrong reasons.

The most difficult part of training camp is deciding if one-sided battles are about the winning side doing well or the losing side doing poorly. After a few days of Chase Young dominating conversation, chatter was bound to flip to “What’s going on with the other side?”

You’ve heard good things about individuals across the New Orleans Saints offensive line, specifically rookie first-round p ick Taliese Fuaga. The unit hasn’t been praised since the pads came on early this week, however. Is that a credit to the defensive line or a criticism of the offensive line? You’ll never truly know until you face another team.

Regardless, seeing the offensive line struggle should concern you until see otherwise. They came into camp looking for three new starters and the takeaways sound like an offensive line looking for three new starters.

Erik McCoy sitting out team drills in the back half of Wednesday’s practice only made matters worse. They don’t have the luxury of staying steady in the trenches without their best blocker yet even if he needs a veteran rest day here or there. The Saints haven’t even been in pads for a work week at this point. Not only are these players new to the starting lineup, they’re young to the league and were expected to need development.

It would be disingenuous to be unfazed about this. There were questions about the offensive line heading into camp and there’s been no reason to erase those questions. Because of those concerns , it’s hard to say the unit is struggling because of the defense. It feels more likely the struggles start from within.

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Chase Young says Taliese Fuaga made a strong first impression

Chase Young has been a standout at Saints training camp, but he says Taliese Fuaga made a strong first impression: ‘He’s going to be a real great player’

We already know what the guys lining up alongside Taliese Fuaga think of the New Orleans Saints’ first-round draft pick. Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy called him the best rookie offensive lineman he’s been around since he joined the team back in 2019. But what about the players lining up against Fuaga on the defensive line?

Chase Young is one person well-suited to chime in. The veteran defensive end recovered sooner than expected from offseason neck surgery, and he’s quickly stacking great days of work at Saints training camp while the coaches carefully ramp up his workload. And many of those reps have come against Fuaga. What kind of impression has Fuaga made now that he and Young have gotten to know each other on the practice field?

“A dog,” Fuaga said, grinning. “He’s going to be a real great player. Real patient, super strong, you know. Even when I’m going against my guy I mix it it up on him, dial it in. Because he’s so massive. A guy who’s massive, who’s patient and strong, I mean, you can’t get away with many things. They can just sit on you.”

The Saints have high hopes for both players. Young could be the best defensive lineman on the roster if he’s healthy and fully engaged, which were challenges for him last season while dealing with that neck injury. So much is resting on Fuaga to transform the offensive line and protect Derek Carr’s blind side, which is a new experience for him after he spent his college career at right tackle.

But the results are positive for both of them, at least after a week of training camp practices. It’s a long road to Week 1’s kickoff game. The Saints won’t get to the playoffs if these guys slip up and don’t meet expectations, but they  could really make some noise if both of them hit. It’s early in the process but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong to feel encouraged by what we’re hearing out of camp.

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Chase Young ahead of schedule thanks to aggressive approach in rehab

Chase Young is ahead of schedule thanks to an aggressive approach in rehab from offseason neck surgery. Dennis Allen sees a player who is driven to succeed:

Chase Young is progressing rapidly. The New Orleans Saints bet big on the defensive end as their top acquisition in free agency, and while it’s very early it’s tough to not be encouraged by the growth he’s showing at training camp. Young missed the spring while recovering from neck surgery but he was already on the field for team drills by the fifth day of training camp practices, the first in pads.

He’s ahead of schedule according to Saints head coach Dennis Allen. “Once he met with the doctors when we got here on the 22nd, and he was cleared by the doctor for full participation, so I think at that point we probably accelerated this timeline just a little bit from where we probably initially thought it would be or potentially could be. I like where he’s at right now.”

Young only worked in team drills for three pass-rushing snaps, which Allen said was by design. They want to see Young knock off the rust and get used to hitting other people again before they hand him a heavy workload: “We’re going to continue to be smart with him. Each day you’ll see him ramp up more and more every day.”

Allen said it was a team effort — credit belongs not just to the doctor who performed the surgery and the Saints training staff who helped him recover, but to Young himself for his aggressive, disciplined approach to rehab.

“He did everything that our training staff asked him to do, to a ‘T,'” Allen said. “He worked extremely hard at it. Man, I’m excited about seeing what he can do.”

Motivation was the concern for Young as a free agent. He was criticized for taking plays off after his high-profile trade to the San Francisco 49ers last season and not giving his best effort on every down. But Allen sees a player who is driven to succeed. Young may have not lived up to his draft status as a former second overall pick, but this prove-it deal with the Saints could earn him a life-changing contract in 2025. He’s working hard to earn it, and that’s great news for the black and gold.

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Carl Granderson is the Saints’ surest thing at defensive end

There’s a lot of question marks at defensive end for the New Orleans Saints, but Dennis Allen says Carl Granderson isn’t one of them:

Carl Granderson has earned the full trust of Dennis Allen. In his interview after Day 3 at New Orleans Saints training camp, Allen was asked to clarify a sentiment from a previous interview. He expressed concerns about each of the Saints defensive ends, singling out Cameron Jordan, Chase Young, Isaiah Foskey and Payton Turner.

Do you see someone missing? When asked about Granderson’s exclusion, Allen made it clear this wasn’t a memory lapse.

“Carl has earned the right to be someone we’re really going to count on,” Allen said. If that wasn’t clear enough, Allen took it a step farther and named the questions marks and variables surrounding all other players at the position.

“Carl’s a guy who just continued to improve,” Allen added.

This speaks volumes about the view of Granderson inside the locker room. He’s coming off the best year of his career. In 2023, he set career highs in sacks (8.5), tackles for loss (14) and quarterback pressures (58), leading the team in each category. Granderson  hit double-digit tackles for a loss for the first time in his career, and he’s looking to achieve that same accomplishment with sacks this upcoming season.

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Commanders coach Dan Quinn talks the importance of a strong pass rush

Dan Quinn stresses the importance of a strong pass rush.

The Washington Commanders struggled to rush the quarterback last season after trading away Montez Sweat and Chase Young. While the trades gave Washington some excellent selections in the 2024 NFL draft, they left them extremely thin at a critical position.

This offseason, the Commanders started over. The changes began with the coaching staff. Dan Quinn took over as head coach. Quinn, one of the NFL’s best defensive coordinators, gets his second shot as a head coach. Coming with him from Dallas is new defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.

Quinn and general manager Adam Peters knew changes were needed on the roster, particularly at defensive end. Following Quinn and Whitt from Dallas were Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler. The Commanders also signed Clelin Ferrell, formerly of the 49ers.

Quinn’s teams have always been successful rushing the passer and he expects that to continue with Washington, regardless of who is coming off the edge.

Ahead of Wednesday’s first training camp practice, Quinn explained the importance of a strong pass rush.

“Affecting the quarterback is, has to be at the top of what you wanna do defensively, right behind taking the ball away and tackling well,” Quinn said.

“You don’t always want to be able to have to bring five or six to generate pressure and pass rush. So, when you can get there with four and affect the quarterback and get him out of the pocket, or, you know, change where he has to go, set his feet, that’s what we’re looking for.”

It didn’t matter how many pass rushers the Commanders sent last season; they couldn’t get near opposing quarterbacks. That will change under Quinn. A strong pass rush goes hand in hand with taking the ball away.

While Washington may not have an elite pass rusher, Quinn couldn’t be more excited to coach defensive tackles Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen and Johnny Newton. Those three will play a key role in the Commanders’ ability to rush the passer in 2024.

Dennis Allen expects Alvin Kamara, Chase Young to practice at Saints training camp

Dennis Allen expects Alvin Kamara and Chase Young to participate at the first Saints training camp practice on Wednesday:

The New Orleans Saints will formally kick off their 2024 training camp with the first day of practice on Wednesday, July 24, and head coach Dennis Allen is expecting strong attendance. Two big names who have been the subject of a lot of speculation are both going to be on the field: Alvin Kamara and Chase Young.

“Every indication that we’ve gotten is that he’s going to be out here practicing tomorrow, so that’s what we expect,” Allen responded. “We’re looking forward to working with him, you know? I think having him out here, and having him practice, and having him work, that’s beneficial for all of us. Obviously with the new system and new offense, I think that’s important. And yet I think we all understand there’s a business aspect to the game of football. But every indication that we’ve gotten is that he’ll be out here practicing tomorrow.”

A conventional holdout would have been very expensive for Kamara, so it’s not too surprising that he’s reported for camp while negotiating a new deal with the Saints. The question is whether he’ll limit his participating as a “hold-in” but it doesn’t sound like that’s something Allen is anticipating. Kamara’s spot on top of the depth chart isn’t as secure as you’d think given Kendre Miller’s big-play potential, so it’s important the veteran shows he’s as great a fit in Klint Kubiak’s offense as everyone hopes.

And what about Young? The Saints’ big free agent acquisition underwent neck surgery the day after he signed his one-year contract, but his recovery progressed better than expected, and he isn’t going to miss any time at training camp after all. Allen added that while the Saints will monitor his reps out of an abundance of caution, he’s going to be active for the first day of practice.

“Chase Young will participate in some form at practice tomorrow. We have three players, Tanoh (Kpassagnon), Nephi (Sewell), and Juwan Johnson, those three players will not be practicing tomorrow. Everybody else on the roster will be practicing in some form or fashion. Some maybe a little bit more limited coming off injury and things like that, but everybody else is going to be practicing tomorrow,” Allen said.

Kpassagnon suffered an Achilles injury training this offseason and is likely out for the year, but that hasn’t been confirmed yet. Sewell is still recovering from a knee injury he sustained during Dec. 31’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And Johnson is on the mend after requiring foot surgery in May.

Allen confirmed that wide receiver Chris Olave may also be limited at practice while dealing with a back issue, but it’s not serious and he’s expected to take on a heavier workload as camp progresses. Ryan Ramczyk is done for the year on the physically unable to perform list. But for the most part the Saints are starting camp healthier than many other teams around the league.

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Saints made under-the-radar moves with high ceilings this offseason

The free agency and draft additions may not have made the most noise, but they could still be impact moves for the Saints next season:

After going over the New Orleans Saints best offseason additions, one thing became abundantly clear. The Saints’ biggest acquisitions are under-the-radar moves with a high ceiling for the team. Taliese Fuaga, Willie Gay Jr., Kool-Aid McKinstry and Chase Young all fall into this category

There can be an argument made against Fuaga and McKinstry. Fuaga was a first-round pick, but he was smothered underneath some of the bigger name offensive tackles drafted ahead of him. Still, he’s a great fit in the system and has the potential to be a cornerstone of the offensive line.

McKinstry comes from Alabama, but he wasn’t even the first cornerback selected from his team. He was also drafted in the second round to a team with two clear starters at the position. He is in position to be a starter in 2025 at a premium position. When NFL analysts had time to look back at how teams valued players after the draft, neither McKinstry nor Fuaga made it to New Orleans in hypothetical do-overs.

The Saints also picked up two more defensive playmakers in free agency. For different reasons, the signings of Young and Gay flew under the radar. Young is talented but he is at a crossroads in his career. He has to deliver on the promise in his athletic potential. If he does, the Saints could have a more productive and faster pass rush in 2024.

Gay also brings speed to the defense, best used against the pass. At the second level, it’ll help neutralize dump off passes to the flats. The lack of defensive speed makes these 3-yard gains become explosive plays. The Saints’ heavy man scheme opens them up to this, but Gay’s speed will help in these situations when the secondary’s back is turned.

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Montez Sweat was ‘angry’ when he was traded from Commanders to Bears

Montez Sweat discusses his emotions after the Commanders traded him to the Bears.

The Washington Commanders had always planned to extend the contract of 2019 first-round pick Montez Sweat. Throughout his first four seasons, Sweat was solid and dependable. But he always left you wanting a little bit more.

Last season, the Commanders decided to move on from Sweat, sending him to the Chicago Bears at the NFL trade deadline. Why? Washington was going nowhere in the last year of an old regime and its first year under new ownership.

It also helped that the Bears’ offer of a second-round pick would be a top-40 pick.

Sweat’s situation was different than Chase Young’s situation. The Commanders had no interest in a long-term deal with Young but had always wanted to retain Sweat. Before his trade to the Bears, Sweat led Washington with 6.5 sacks. That was good enough to lead the team for the entire season.

After his trade to Chicago, Sweat had six more sacks, which also led the Bears. Yes, Sweat led two teams in sacks last season, which was good enough to earn a trip to his first Pro Bowl.

The Bears rewarded Sweat with a new four-year deal worth $98 million for his excellent play.

In an interview with Dan Pompei of The Athletic, Sweat reflected on his trade from Washington to Chicago. He wasn’t happy about it.

“I was shocked,” he says. “In disbelief.”

Sweat reflected on a text from then-head coach Ron Rivera to meet him in his office to discuss the trade.

“I was very emotional,” he says. “I was angry and probably said some things I wanted to take back. Maybe.”

Sweat acknowledged that the fear of starting over scared him.

“It felt like somebody kind of gave up on you, like you aren’t good enough anymore,” Sweat said.

Things worked out for Sweat. While the Commanders could use him, the Bears are likely one year ahead of Washington in their rebuild. Sweat’s value was at an all-time high, and owner Josh Harris agreed to the deal, giving the next regime a high second-round pick and potential building block.

 

Saints spend top-10 pick on Penn State DE Abdul Carter in 2025 mock draft

It’s still too soon to accurately project the 2025 NFL draft, but Abdul Carter could be a good match for the Saints if they’re picking early again next year:

It’s still too soon to accurately project the 2025 NFL draft, but Penn State star Abdul Carter could be a good match for the New Orleans Saints if they’re picking early again next year. That was the case in this projection from Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy, which had the Saints picking at No. 8 overall.

Carter has the size the Saints covet at a listed 6-foot-3 and 259 pounds, and he comes from a program that’s sent several great pass rushers to the NFL. Defensive ends Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac were both top-100 picks this spring, which opened the door for Carter to move outside after initially playing off-ball linebacker. That was also the case for Micah Parsons, who was picked at No. 12 back in 2021.

And like Parsons, Carter is seen as a versatile defender who can make plays in coverage or rush the quarterback from a two-point stance. He needs experience playing on the line of scrimmage with his hand down but he has Pro Bowl potential if he can keep learning and developing.

He could make sense for the Saints. They haven’t gotten enough production out of high draft picks like Payton Turner and Isaiah Foskey or old pros like Cameron Jordan. The hope is Chase Young can transform the group this year but he’s working his way back from neck surgery and is only signed to a one-year deal.

But if the Saints are bad enough this fall to be picking at No. 8, it’s because Derek Carr bombed in Klint Kubiak’s offense. The ramifications for that could be big — how could Mickey Loomis sell fans on a fourth year with Dennis Allen at head coach if the Saints go 7-10 (like last year’s team picking at No. 8, the Atlanta Falcons), giving Allen a 23-28 record with New Orleans? If you include his Las Vegas Raiders run, as you should, Allen’s career record would be 31-56. That’s a win percentage of .356, which would be sixth-worst out of the 128 head coaches who have worked 87 or more games in NFL history.

Neither Allen nor Carr should be in the Saints’ plans if this is where they end up, and letting a new head coach draft a new quarterback should be their priority. It would be great if Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler is ready to compete for the job by this point but there’s no guarantee that either of them will be ready for it. Hopefully the Saints are so successful in 2024 that we aren’t worrying about things like this in the 2025 draft.

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Ranking the Saints’ five best offseason additions: No. 3, Chase Young

Chase Young ranks third in our list of the Saints’ biggest offseason additions. He can transform the defense if he even gets close to his ceiling:

Chase Young is entering a pivotal season in his career with the New Orleans Saints. He signed a one-year deal with them this offseason, and his sky-high ceiling earned him the third spot on our list of the five best additions of the offseason.

Deciding between Young and linebacker Willie Gay Jr. was the most difficult part of this exercise. Ultimately, Young got the nod over Gay because of his ability to transform the Saints defense. The Saints defensive line has struggled to rush the passer in the past two seasons despite continuously investing at defensive end in the draft.

New Orleans changed their route and dipped into the free agency pool this year. He is a former Defensive Rookie of the Year who was projected to be a sack machine. He never quite reached that expectation, but showing flashes of being productive rusher. He matched his career-high 7.5 sacks last season, but his total was front loaded at the beginning of the season.

If Young can remain productive all season, he has the ability to hit double-digit sacks. The last Saints player to do that was Cameron Jordan in 2021.

The Saints lean towards big, physical defensive ends who don’t usually get to the quarterback quickly. Young breaks that mold and adds a quickness to the trenches. His speed transforms the defense by giving the team an ability to rush four down lineman more often and more effectively. This allows you to deploy more men in coverage on pass play.

He’s in a prove-it year, so it can go either way for Young. We’ll lean towards the positive projection for the sake of the list. At his best, Young has the potential to give New Orleans an impact player on each level of the defense with other new pickups helping out at the second level and on the back end.

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