WATCH: Commanders DE Chase Young Records First Sack Since 2021
The Washington Commanders are happy to have defensive end Chase Young back against the Denver Broncos.
Late in the third quarter, Young recorded his first full sack since Week 5 of the 2021 season. Here's a look at the play ...
Young suffered a neck stinger against the Cleveland Browns in the preseason — another set-back in his full-time return to the field after tearing his ACL Nov. 14, 2021. He returned for the final three games of 2022 after being sidelined for 405 days, and now Young has set goals for what he wants to work on in his 2023 season debut.
"Basically, everything," Young said. "I'm trying to check all the boxes off, just make sure that mentally I'm prepared to go in all phases of the game."
Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99) on the field before the game between the Washington Commanders and the Cincinnati Bengals at FedExField.
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
At his peak, Young is one of the hardest pass-rushers to handle in the NFL. He racked up 44 tackles and 7.5 sacks en route to winning the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year and being named a Pro Bowler. Since then, in 12 games, Young has recorded 31 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Young feels like he's back to the level he was at prior to his injury woes.
"Yeah, definitely," Young said. "I haven't stopped working. Every day, I still was trying to perfect my craft and just keeping my head down."
It's unclear if Young will be on a snap count for his season debut, having only three regular season games under his belt since Week 10 of 2021. However, any snaps with Young out there is better than no snaps.
It won't be all on his shoulders to perform, either. He'll be rushing alongside one of the best top-to-bottom defensive line units in the NFL in Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and Montez Sweat.
If they take blocking assignments, Young could get an easier rush lane to quarterback Russell Wilson. If Young gets a double team, then each of the other three are in one-on-one blocking situations.
Young said, in addition to seeing how he responded to contact, time allotted to healing was a factor in determining when he'd be able to make his return.
"I'm feeling good, so time to play," Young said.
The Commanders trail 24-21 late in the third quarter.
