The Effect of the Season Debut of a New Orleans Saints Defensive End
The New Orleans Saints have had, so far, “knock on wood”, a pretty good October. The end of the previous month, with four consecutive losses, foreshadowed the possibility that this would be another season to write off due to the resetting of the team due to changes with the head coach and starting quarterback. However, the start of the turnaround of their fortunes began with the activation of Mr. Taysom Hill to play in their next game following his recovery from a previous and season-ending injury. Next, uncertainty about the team’s home was dismissed when a deal was signed to keep the Saints in New Orleans for another 10 years, with the possibility of another two decades. The most important “sign” was their first victory with a score of 26-14 against the New York Giants while playing at the Superdome. This week, the defense improved with the signing of cornerback Michael Davis, and the other day, with activating DE Chase Young to play his initial game of the season. Let’s reintroduce ourselves to Mr. Young by looking back at his history in the NFL, leading up to being signed by his current team.
The professional football career of “Predator” began when he was drafted second overall in 2020 by the Washington Commanders. In his rookie year of starting and playing 15 games as a left defensive end, he made 32 solo tackles, 12 assists on tackles, seven and a half sacks, and four passes defended. These numbers were enough to earn him several accolades including being named a team captain, voted December’s NFC's Defensive Player of the Month and Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press and Pro Football Writers of America, selected as one of two rookies named to the 2021 Pro Bowl, nominated for the Best Breakthrough Athlete Award at the 2021 ESPY’s, and ranked 61st on the list of 2021’s NFL Top 100 Players. The remainder of his time as a Commander would be limited to 19 games due to an injury and recovery. Chase would end his era in Washington at the beginning of November 2023 with 30 solo tackles, 16 assists on tackles, six and a half sacks, and four passes defended. Young spent the remainder of that season as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, in which he would add another five solo and five assists on tackles, two and a half sacks, and during Super Bowl LVIII picked up one defended pass. Following the conclusion of the season, Mr. Young would be signed by his current team, the New Orleans Saints, where he would play all 17 games of that season. Between 2024 and 2025, “Predator” would increase his career stats with 21 solo tackles, 10 assists on tackles, five and a half sacks, and three passes defended, which would be enough for him to be signed for another season. While the team was practicing for their first regular game, Chase injured his calf, which kept him to be kept from playing until he recovered. Fortunately, he is ready to play and will be seen on the defensive line.
After his performance in his rookie year in New Orleans, Saints fans will be looking forward to seeing Chase’s return. The ongoing “reunion” of veteran players will continue to strengthen an already-tough defense and remind their competition that they won’t give up regardless of the score. The negatives that happened in September are behind them, which means the coaches and players need to continue to look ahead and focus on the next game. Preventing the opposing quarterback from gaining yards by running the ball, guarding well-known wide receivers, and avoiding conversions to first downs should be the top priorities of this defense. Fortunately, the activation of “Predator” will increase their odds of accomplishing these goals and further convince the players and fans that their season is just getting started.
