NEW ORLEANS — Chase Young faced off against his former team, the Washington Commanders, on December 10, 2023, though it wasn’t quite the homecoming he had envisioned. Playing as the defensive end for the New Orleans Saints, Young performed admirably, notching two tackles, including two sacks, but the day ended on a bitter note as the Saints fell to the Commanders, 20-19, at the Superdome.
Drafted second overall by Washington in 2020, Young's return to the franchise stirred emotional memories. The stakes were high, particularly for Young, who aimed to showcase his talents after being released by the team following the previous season. When the Saints kicked off against the Commanders, the tension was palpable; Young longed to prove Washington made a mistake by not extending his contract.
Young's performance on the field was notable. He recorded his first multi-sack game since joining the Saints, contributing significantly to the defensive efforts and demonstrating his ability to pressure the quarterback. This was also part of young's resurgence, having accumulated his fifth and half sack this season. Commanders rookie offensive tackle Brandon Coleman was the match-up all eyes were on, as he had to rise to the challenge Young presented.
“Will the rookie be ready for Young, who will no doubt want to show Washington they made a mistake?” was the question some analysts raised. Coleman, having earned the starting role after being drafted 67th overall, needed to be on guard against Young's aggressive playing style. Yet it appeared Coleman held his own against the formidable opponent, which mustered up optimism for the Commanders’ offense.
Throughout the game, Young fueled the enthusiasm of Saints fans with palpable energy, particularly as he stepped out for the pregame coin toss. While he is not designated as one of the team's captains, his presence was warmly welcomed. The crowd seemingly understood the significance of this matchup, and Young took it upon himself to channel their excitement onto the field during the game.
Despite Young's personal triumphs on the field, the game’s outcome sparked mixed emotions for him. “It feels good,” said his former teammate, Commanders guard Sam Cosmi, reflecting on their past moments together. “There’s nothing but love there. He was chill the whole time.” Young maintained his characteristic composure, channeling any emotional turmoil through determined gameplay. He recognized the important role he played, whether he was competing against former teammates or fitting within his new Saints defensive structure.
The battle between the two teams was tightly contested, highlighted by young talents on both sides of the field, including Marshon Lattimore, who celebrated his victory with the Commanders. Lattimore, who spent his early career with New Orleans, found himself jubilant following the win over his old teammates. “It’s the best feeling. On to the next now. We won; now it’s on to the next,” he exclaimed, encapsulating the high emotions of the game for players on both sides of the field.
For Young, the loss could be painful, particularly after such significant individual performance. He recorded ten pressures last week against the New York Giants, indicating he is making strides back to the defensive prowess he demonstrated during his rookie season. Of course, this also adds another layer to the rivalry, as Young showed no signs of animosity toward the Commanders, focusing rather on the task at hand.
Young’s two sacks added excitement to his performance and provided the high point of the Saints game, forcing Washington's quarterback to remain on alert. Yet, the immense challenge and pressure resulted from competing against his former team, and the missed opportunity for victory became glaringly apparent as the clock wound down.
Looking forward, Young faces challenges of his own, as he navigates the ups and downs of pro football and life post-Commanders. The match served as more than just another game; it was his chance to reconnect with the energy and spirit of the fans who had cheered him on from the start. Now as he steps forward with the Saints, the lessons learned through this experience will surely influence his drive and determination.
Despite the disappointment of falling to his previous organization, Young showed he’s still got the skill and passion necessary to succeed. The match against the Commanders may become one of those defining moments for Young as he seeks to shape his identity with the Saints and recover his formidable reputation within the league.
This game signaled growth and opportunity for both Young and his teammates, as they continue to explore what lies beyond this challenging season.
