ASHBURN, Va. – Once his move to the Playoffs was safe, Washington defender Chase Young clarified what he wanted: Tom Brady and it is a wish that did not change days later, even when his statement caused controversy.
After last Sunday’s game, in which Washington won the NFC East title, Young was caught on camera saying, “Tom Brady, Tom Brady, here I am! I want Tom! I want Tom! “.
“I am just happy to go against the best. The task of the media is to create controversy. If you know me, you know I’m excited about every game, “said Young. “Tom Brady, do you think I’m not excited to play the best I’ve ever played? I’m not going to apologize for saying I want to (beat) Tom. No, I always want the defender I’m playing against. “
The young man will be shot at Brady when Washington receives a visit from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday night in the playoff divisional round.
In the season, Young, the second collegiate team in the last draft, had 7.5 sacks and led Washington with four forced kicks and one returned for a touchdown. He is seventh in the league, with a 22.5 percent gain, according to ESPN Stats & Information, and in the last seven games, he is second in the category with 26.9 percent.
However, Brady was fired just 21 times, the fourth-lowest total in the league for defenders who have started at least 15 games.
“Ask any defensive end in the league who they want to capture and most could say Tom Brady,” Young said.
In recent days, Washington coach Ron Rivera has said that what Young said will become “controversial” for Tampa Bay.
“It simply came to our notice then. You have to take care of the exuberance of the youth, but this is Chase “, said Rivera. “It embarrasses me, but at the same time I smile, because Chase likes this sport. That’s what it’s about. This is Chase. They’re the kind of players we want on the team.
Brady, 43, did not take the bait, although his face seemed to say it all at a video conference.
“(Chase) is obviously a young player. We will have our hands full with that defensive line, one of the best in this league. Chase is a great player. He went to Ohio, so naturally the Ohio-Michigan rivalry has to do with that. I see. We are facing the challenge and it should be a fun game, “said Brady.
Young’s exuberance was evident throughout the season, with emotional speeches leading to games on the bench as he cheered offense. During a loss to Carolina, when backup defender Taylor Heinicke replaced Dwayne Haskins, Young ran out on the field in time to motivate Heinicke.
Taking Brady gives Young another chance to express his enthusiasm.
“I am definitely happy to face the best player in history. It’s time to play, “said Young.
Jenna Laine, ESPN, contributed to this report.