7 tough matchups awaiting Russell Okung in 2020

Chase Young (Week 16 on Carolina Panthers schedule)

The Carolina Panthers make the trip to Washington to take on the Redskins and former head coach Ron Rivera in week 16. The game might not mean much from a record perspective. But it will be a good chance for both sets of teams to settle some scores.

Russell Okung’s tired body will be forced to deal with one of the brightest prospects to come out of college in recent memory. Former Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young was taken by the Redskins No. 2 overall and he has a ceiling that could completely transform the fortunes of the franchise in years to come.

Young is so athletically gifted it is almost scary. He is strong, quick, has exceptional footwork, and seems to have a real nous for getting to the quarterback at will. There is a big chance he can make the Pro Bowl during his rookie season and is going to be one of the more exciting players to watch in 2020.

After a long, hard season that might result in a winning record for the Panthers. This is the sort of matchup that Okung could quite frankly do without.

Much will depend on his health by this point as to how he gets on against a gifted first-year pro. And to make matters worse, Young will have almost a full season of experience under his belt before he tests his skills against the left tackle.

This might be the last time we see Okung in a Panthers’ uniform. There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding his long-term future. And he might not see much of the field in week 17 if the organization has nothing to play for.