The Washington Commanders had a forgettable season in 2021. There were injuries, COVID-19 outbreaks and the team received very little from its free agent and draft classes. Perhaps most disappointing for Washington was its defense.
Everyone expected Washington’s defense to be the one constant in 2021; however, the unit struggled throughout the first half of the season. Unfortunately, the face of those struggles was often second-year defensive Chase Young.
Fair or not, when fans or media members discussed Washington’s defensive struggles, Young’s lack of sacks was often a topic of discussion. The 2020 NFL defensive rookie of the year had just 1.5 sacks before a knee injury in Week 10 ended his second NFL season.
Young underwent knee surgery in late November to repair a torn ACL. He appeared and spoke to the media at exit interviews after Washington’s final game but has remained quiet for the most part.
Last week, Young joined ESPN’s John Keim on his podcast, titled the “John Keim Report,” and spoke on his recovery, the new name, uniforms and Joe Burrow.
Young, who is training in Colorado this winter, discussed his recovery.
“It’s coming along great, man,” Young said. “I’m already squatting 225. I am already one-leg squats with weight on my back on the knee I hurt. I’m jumping; it’s going great.”
Commanders’ fans certainly hope Young follows a similar path to former college teammate Nick Bosa. Bosa won defensive rookie of the year in 2019, then tore his ACL in 2020 and returned with 15.5 sacks in 2021. Young has the potential for a similar return.
Later, Keim asked Young about the new uniforms, for which he is a big fan.
“The white one is clean,” Young said. “I know every away game we have this year; I am going to love that clean unless we got an alternate. I think the black is my favorite, but the white one and the burgundy one, I will like seeing those when we play.”
And the name?
“I would say the name grew on me,” he answered. “Just seeing the jersey, seeing how things came together, what we’re going to stand for, just being from D.C., I’m ready to go ‘Take Command.’”
Young was on record in November that he didn’t like some of the potential names, including the Commanders. Young may still not like the name, but he understands if the team wins, it doesn’t matter. And he really does seem to like the uniforms.
Young’s latest update on his health is an encouraging one for Washington. For the Commanders to take the next step in 2022, they need a healthy Young back on the field.