The Washington Commanders are 7-6, and contrary to what many expected when the season began, they actually have a real shot at making the playoffs.
They currently hold the final wild card spot in the NFC, and they have managed to get there by winning six of seven games during a hot streak in October and November.
Washington will face a stiff test on Saturday when it will visit the San Francisco 49ers, a team that is in first place in the NFC West and has a seven-game winning streak.
Luckily, the team is expected to get a big reinforcement back, as pass rusher Chase Young is expected to make his season debut.
#Commanders DE Chase Young will be active for Week 16 and make his season debut on Saturday.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 22, 2022
He has been out since suffering a torn ACL in Week 10 of the 2021 season, and Commanders fans couldn’t be that much happier about his return.
If Chase Young does this on Saturday, I’ll get a 99 tattoo. pic.twitter.com/rm88WiNdPI
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorFB) December 22, 2022
CHASE YOUNG IS IN FOR SATURDAY AGAINST THE 49ers pic.twitter.com/tymqzH8DHM
— Barstool DMV (@Barstooldmv) December 22, 2022
Great 24 hours for the Commanders:
– 4 Pro Bowl players
-Jeremy Reaves viral video
-Chase Young’s return
-Snyder sellingHopefully we can get a stadium update soon.
— 7-9-1 (@WashingtonMoes) December 22, 2022
On the other hand, some 49ers fans are downplaying Young’s return and the impact he may have on Washington.
Not worried. Chase Young sucks https://t.co/kulZ2j4sXY
— Alex (@SadNinersFan_) December 22, 2022
Can Young Slow Down Brock Purdy?
With Jimmy Garoppolo out due to a foot injury, Brock Purdy, the last player chosen in April’s NFL draft, has filled in very well at quarterback for San Francisco.
It will be Young’s job to pressure Purdy and try to rattle him, but it won’t be easy, as Purdy has looked poised beyond his years.
Furthermore, Young will have to overcome star offensive tackle Trent Williams, who will be starting in the Pro Bowl.
In honor of Chase Young making his season debut this weekend, let’s take a look at Trent Williams repeatedly stonewalling Chase the last time these two went at it. 🦍 #49ers pic.twitter.com/0Fy0K9EJ1S
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) December 22, 2022
The defensive end was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 after posting 7.5 sacks, four passes defended, 12 QB hits and 10 tackles for loss.
But doing some of that against the 49ers won’t be easy, especially given he hasn’t played since Nov. 14, 2021, which means he’ll likely be out of shape and out of rhythm.
NEXT: 2 Changes The Commanders Should Make This Offseason