Chase Young shines with record-breaking performance against Titans
Chase Young’s impact on the New Orleans Saints has been nothing short of remarkable. The 26-year-old defensive end, who joined the team ahead of the 2024 season, has proven to be a valuable asset. Young played a full 17-game slate last year, accumulating 5.5 sacks, but his journey has not been without its challenges.
Drafted second overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Young quickly made a name for himself as a Pro Bowler and the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. However, injuries plagued him during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, raising concerns about his durability. Despite these setbacks, Young showcased his resilience by appearing in all 16 games in 2023 and returning for all 17 games in 2024.
A breakthrough performance
This season began with a few missed games for Young, reigniting the durability questions. Yet, since his return, he has been on a tear that many deem the best stretch of his career. Entering last Sunday’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Young had recorded seven sacks, just half a sack shy of his personal best of 7.5.
In a spectacular display of skill, Young managed to sack Titans quarterback Cam Ward in the second quarter, establishing a new career-high of eight sacks for the season. But that wasn’t the end of his brilliance. This eighth sack was not just a standard takedown; it was a strip-sack that Young recovered and returned for a touchdown, adding a thrilling twist to his performance.
The Saints’ edge rusher continues to thrive, and his recent efforts have only solidified his reputation as one of the league’s premier defensive talents. With each game, Chase Young not only enhances his personal legacy but also plays a critical role in the Saints’ defensive strategy moving forward.
