The phrase “Chase Young Sucks” has been uttered by frustrated fantasy football owners and NFL fans alike. The Washington Commanders’ defensive end entered the league with sky-high expectations after a dominant college career at Ohio State. However, his performance in the NFL has been a mixed bag, leaving many to wonder if he can live up to the hype. This article will delve into Chase Young’s career, analyze his strengths and weaknesses, and explore the reasons behind his struggles.
A Star is Born: Chase Young’s Meteoric Rise
Chase Young Dominating in College
Chase Young burst onto the scene at Ohio State, quickly establishing himself as one of the most feared defensive players in college football. His combination of size, speed, and technique was virtually unmatched, allowing him to consistently wreak havoc in opponents’ backfields. In his final season with the Buckeyes, Young recorded an astounding 16.5 sacks in just 12 games, earning him unanimous All-American honors and finishing fourth in Heisman Trophy voting. His performance captivated the nation and made him the consensus top prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Washington Comes Calling: High Hopes and Early Success
The Washington Redskins, now Commanders, selected Chase Young with the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The team and its fans were ecstatic, believing they had landed a generational talent who would anchor their defense for years to come. Young hit the ground running in his rookie season, recording 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles, earning him Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He quickly became a fan favorite and seemed poised for superstardom.
The Sophomore Slump and Beyond: Injuries and Inconsistency Plague Young
Chase Young Being Helped off the Field After Injury
Unfortunately for Young and the Commanders, his promising career hit a snag in his second season. After a relatively quiet start to the year, he suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 10. This injury not only sidelined him for the remainder of the season but also cast a shadow of doubt over his future.
While Young returned to the field in 2022, he wasn’t the same dominant force. He struggled to regain his pre-injury form, managing just 1.5 sacks in 11 games. The injuries, coupled with the pressure of living up to his draft status, seemed to weigh heavily on the young star.
So, Does Chase Young Suck? A Deeper Dive into the Numbers
The question of whether Chase Young “sucks” is a complex one. On one hand, his raw talent is undeniable. He possesses all the physical tools to be a dominant defensive end in the NFL. On the other hand, his production has been inconsistent, and he has yet to make the game-changing impact many expected.
It’s important to note that Young is still young and developing. He has shown flashes of brilliance, and it’s too early to write him off as a bust. However, he needs to stay healthy and find a way to consistently translate his physical gifts into on-field production.
The Road Ahead: Can Chase Young Live Up to the Hype?
Chase Young Training Intensely
Chase Young’s future remains uncertain. He has the potential to be a dominant force in the NFL, but he needs to overcome the adversity he has faced early in his career. If he can stay healthy, regain his confidence, and refine his technique, there’s no reason why he can’t live up to the hype that surrounded him coming out of college. However, the clock is ticking, and he needs to start showing significant progress sooner rather than later.