Chase Young leads the way for Washington in the playoffs | NFL News

Chase Young, the second pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is a top contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors; Watch Seattle Seahawks at Washington Football Team, live on Sky Sports NFL from 6 p.m. Sunday

Chase Young had an extremely impressive rookie season in Washington

When you look at the Washington football team and their turnaround that saw them go from 2 to 7 at the top of the NFC East with four straight wins, that centers on their defense – and particularly one man.

Chase Young has put together an extremely impressive rookie campaign. The No.2 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft appears to be the main contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year, amassing 35 total tackles, three forced fumbles and 5.5 sacks already this season.

But can his excellent performances inspire Washington in the playoffs as they seek to take control of the East – starting with a visit from the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, live on Sky Sports NFL from 6 p.m..

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Super Bowl winners and playoff contenders face off in what is sure to be an exciting NFL hat-trick on Sunday night on Sky Sports

Ron Rivera’s high expectations

After being drafted by Washington, the all-star Ohio State player received praise from head coach Ron Rivera, who compared him to Von Miller and Julius Peppers, both of whom have amassed over 100 bags in their respective careers.

It’s easy to categorize the defensive end as just a passer, but he’s so much more than that. Young looks more like a dominant defensive tackle Aaron Donald, but lined up just at the end of the line, than a Von Miller.

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Highlights of Washington’s trip to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers in NFL Week 13

Young is downright destructive and makes an impact at every level of the game. And those who only look at Young’s stats might be able to spot the resemblance to that of three-time Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt, who finished his rookie year with 48 total tackles and five and a half sacks.

Likewise, during his freshman year, Watt was able to inspire the Houston Texans in their very first playoff appearance. Young is set to see Washington in the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

Big games of choice # 2

Young’s numbers at this point in the season are somewhat modest, but his games on the best moments of the season are staggering. Against the Cincinnati Bengals earlier in the season, Young hurtled down the line of scrimmage and hit Joe Burrow to the goal line, forcing a fumble and stopping a potential touchdown.

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Highlights of Washington’s trip to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers in NFL Week 13

The 2019 All-American unanimous was again just two games later. This time he slipped a blocking attempt by Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron and, flying into the backfield, he was able to catch up with running back Benny Snell as he tried to dive into the end zone in the fourth goal from the meter line. .

But Young booked his best NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 14. He racked up six tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble.

His biggest moment came when he picked up a loose ball in midfield and left everyone behind to score his first career touchdown. The athleticism of the defensive end is truly incredible and he was in the spotlight here.

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After recovering from a fumble, Chase Young ran for 47 yards for a touchdown as Washington beat San Francisco

Young’s introduction inspired the change

When Washington added Young to a defensive line that already had former first-round draft picks Montez Sweat, Da’Ron Payne, Jonathan Allen and Ryan Kerrigan, it was clear they were building something on the defensive end of the ball for. complement their young. offensive talents.

But it was hard to predict the kind of turnaround that happened: Last season, Washington placed 27th in passing defense and total defense. Far from their current situation this year.

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio has the unit playing at a much higher level. They now rank in the top 10 in every major defensive category, including fourth in total yards and third in allowed passing yards.

Placing Young on the opposite side of last year’s 26th overall pick, Sweat left the offensive coordinators in a ‘pick your poison’ situation. They cannot drag their offensive line to both sides and therefore Sweat or Young will find themselves in an individual situation. With Young receiving the majority of the attention, it helped elevate the game for his teammates. The two defensive ends lead the team in sacks, Sweat racking up an impressive nine-and-a-half so far.

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Washington’s Kamren Curl intercepted a pass thrown by San Francisco quarterback Nick Mullens for the first time, returning him 76 yards for a touchdown

Improving front presence also had a major impact in secondary school. Rookie Kamren Curl has received some attention recently, and rightly so – he added a second defensive touchdown against the 49ers when he returned a 76-yard interception home.

Young has received several admirers this season, and we can see why. The defensive end was the only major addition to Washington’s defense during the offseason, his introduction causing them to suddenly jump into the top 10 of those defensive categories.

If they make the playoffs, it will be because of their defensive improvement. It might not be all Young, but it’s easy to see the impact he’s had on the Washington football team.

Next up is a major test of their playoff qualifiers in the form of the Seattle Seahawks’ number two ranked offense – live on Sky Sports NFL starting at 6 p.m. Sunday.

Russell Wilson and his colleagues will certainly push this impressive defense to its limits. But it gives Young, Sweat and Curl the perfect opportunity to show that, if they make the playoffs, they’ll be a handful for any opponent.