Can Chase Young of the New Orleans Saints Translate His Preseason Success to the Regular Season?
The New Orleans Saints' 2024 preseason showcased a mix of promising performances and raised questions about the team's readiness for the regular season. One of the standout players was defensive end Chase Young, a key offseason acquisition who showed flashes of brilliance. As the Saints prepare for their regular-season opener, the big question remains: can Young sustain his preseason success when the games start to count? His ability to maintain this high level of play could be a pivotal factor in determining the overall success of the Saints defense this season.
Chase Young's Preseason Performance
Chase Young arrived in New Orleans with high expectations after signing a one-year, $13 million deal in March 2024. The former Ohio State star and second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft had a roller-coaster stint with the Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers, where injuries limited his impact. However, his preseason performances with the Saints have reignited hopes that he can return to his Defensive Rookie of the Year form. This season offers Young a fresh start, and the Saints are counting on him to anchor their pass rush and bring much-needed consistency to their defensive front.
In the limited snaps he took during the preseason, Young was a disruptive force on the defensive line. His ability to pressure the quarterback was evident, especially in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers, where he consistently beat his blockers and recorded multiple pressures. This was a glimpse of the talent that made him one of the most feared pass rushers in the league during his rookie season. If he can maintain this level of performance, Young could become a key playmaker for the Saints defense, helping to set the tone early in games.
Challenges Moving into the Regular Season
While Young's preseason showing was encouraging, translating that success to the regular season will be a different challenge. Preseason games often involve facing backup offensive linemen and vanilla offensive schemes, which are far less complex than what he'll encounter against starting units in regular-season games. Additionally, Young's health will be crucial. His career has been marred by injuries, and maintaining his physical condition throughout the grueling 17-game regular season is a significant concern.
The Saints' defensive line depth is another factor that could influence Young's performance. With veterans like Cam Jordan and up-and-coming players such as Payton Turner in the mix, the Saints have the luxury of rotating their defensive ends to keep them fresh. This depth should benefit Young by allowing him to play fewer snaps at a high intensity, reducing the risk of injury and fatigue. Moreover, the varied skill sets within the rotation can create favorable matchups for Young, potentially boosting his impact in critical moments of the game.
The Saints' Defensive Outlook
For the Saints, Young's impact could be the difference between a good defense and a great one. Last season, New Orleans' defense was solid but lacked consistent pass-rushing prowess, especially off the edge. Young's ability to collapse the pocket and force hurried throws can elevate the entire unit, leading to more turnovers and giving the Saints offense better field position. Young’s potential impact goes beyond just his individual stats. If he can consistently draw double teams, it will free up other defenders like Cam Jordan and linebackers Demario Davis and Pete Werner to make plays. This could transform the Saints' defense into one of the league's elite units.
Young’s Next Challenge
Chase Young's preseason success is an encouraging sign for the New Orleans Saints, but it is far from guaranteeing regular-season dominance. The key for Young will be maintaining his health and consistency against top-tier competition. If he can do that, the Saints’ investment in him could pay off in a big way, potentially making their defense a force to be reckoned with in 2024. The first test for Young and the Saints will come on September 8, when they face the Carolina Panthers in their season opener. All eyes will be on whether Young can carry his preseason momentum into a game that counts.
