4 Washington players the Panthers should be concerned about
By Dean Jones
Chase Young – DE
Chase Young came into the NFL as the No. 2 overall selection in 2020 and the potential to be the best pass-rushing prospect in recent memory. The former Ohio State standout is a physical phenom with elite explosiveness and even though things started slowly during the adjustment process, the defensive end now seems to be hitting his stride at just the right time.
There seems to be some real momentum where Young is concerned. He was somehow selected to the Pro Bowl ahead of Brian Burns despite his exceptional campaign with the Carolina Panthers and although the second-year-pro looks set to miss out through injury, his adversary will look to make his presence felt and prove he is deserving of the spot.
There will be plenty of responsibility on the shoulders of Taylor Moton when it comes to preventing Young from getting into the backfield consistently. The right tackle has been at the top of his game over the season and has dealt with some accomplished edge rushers flawlessly thanks to his rare blend of size, power, and quickness.
Moton will need to be at his best to thwart Young, who comes into the game with 5.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, and 16 pressures this season. There is nothing to suggest the lineman isn’t more than capable, but generating early momentum will be crucial.