49ers general manager John Lynch discussed the Chase Young trade and where the 49ers stand at the midpoint of the season after three straight losses during a conference call with reporters on Wednesday morning. Here are some key quotes.
Lynch first addressed what attracted them to Chase Young and how the deal with Washington came together.
“Ultimately we felt like this would give us a boost. We really like Chase's film. We liked where he was, seemingly from a health standpoint. Obviously, as with any player, all these deals which are agreed in principle are contingent upon passing a physical so he’s got to clear that hurdle today, but he's been playing. So, that's kind of how it went down.”
Young has played in seven of eight games this season for the Commanders but his health has been a question mark after an ACL injury in 2021.
"I kept turning on the tape and you know, like 75, 64, those are a lot of snaps," Lynch said. "And so, I think the proof is in what's translating on the field. He’s been playing a lot and looking really good. So, there's preliminary medical stuff where they send medical files and all that and then the last step is him flying out here today and doing the actual physical. So, we hope that all goes well, but it sure looks like he's been healthy based upon what he's been doing on the field.”
In a surprise development, the 49ers pass rush and defense as a whole has been underwhelming through eight games. Lynch was asked about Chase Young's ability to help get the d-line going and help the 49ers defense get back to their lofty standards.
"We all go into the Bye week and like I said, everyone has to look inward. We've got to figure this out. We know we have a requisite talent not just to be good, but to be really good. And that's incumbent upon everyone to bring that to the table. And there's many times I’ve got no problem because those guys know it. We put a lot of resources there. Those guys need to be not just good, they need to be really good and dominant and wreak havoc and all those things. And I feel like it's on its way and we need to do that. And that takes everybody.”