The Chase Young debate is over. His mom might even raise his grade to a B if he keeps this up.
The Washington Football Team has its most dominating rookie since quarterback Robert Griffin III led the team to the 2012 playoffs. Injuries undermined Griffin's career afterwards, but that first season was great. Linebacker LaVar Arrington was outstanding as a second overall pick in 2000. He made three Pro Bowls in six seasons before leaving over a dispute with the front office. Quarterback Norm Snead was even a decent No. 2 overall pick in 1961 before being traded for Sonny Jurgensen.
OK, fullback Riley Smith lasted only three seasons as the then-Boston Redskins' second pick in the NFL's inaugural 1936 draft. However, he went on to graduate from West Point and became a lieutenant commander in World War II.
Who needs No. 1 picks when second choices work out so well? Cincinnati was absolutely right to take quarterback Joe Burrow last spring at No. 1, even if his season ended in Washington with a blown knee. But Washington was absolutely right not to be tempted to trade down for several picks and take a special playmaker in Young.
Young's 47-yard fumble return for a touchdown was a game-changer against San Francisco on Sunday. With the offense struggling, Young put Washington ahead 13-7 with 58 seconds before halftime. Washington never looked back.
Related
The touchdown was remindful of Arrington scoring on an interception that ended Washington's 0-5 start in 2001. That team went on to finish 8-8. The most amazing part of that play? Arrington was knocked out of the game earlier, dreamed Sam Huff was telling him to get up in the locker room, grabbed his helmet and went in the game without permission to make the turnover.
Young also forced a fumble while netting two passes defensed, two quarterback hits, one sack and six tackles. I mean, they could've asked him to sell hot dogs in the stands if people were there, but otherwise that's a complete box score.
Young has a chance to be Washington's best defensive end since Dexter Manley in the 1980s. Now Manley was more of a brawler. Young can bang with the best, but his speed is so much better than Manley's. Young crosses the line faster than anyone since Arrington 20 years ago.
Related
This is another Sean Taylor, only on the line instead of the secondary, where Taylor gained a running start as a missile. Young does it from scratch a foot away from massive linemen. He suckered San Francisco by delaying his rush, let the tackle wander and then engulfed 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens in one move.
It only took Young half a season to figure it out when most players need a year or two. Forget sack numbers and watch his impact spill over on linemates. Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen have played the best ball of their careers over recent weeks. Montez Sweat has blossomed on the other end. These guys are toying with opponents.
It's all because Young is now leading. Earlier this season saw him looking around at times. Now he's more focused and teammates are following.
Whether this season ends in the playoffs is secondary to Young and the defense's development. Suddenly, they're looking like the unit expected and that may be enough to finally revive this franchise to its glory days in coming years.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.
Related
Related
