3 dream scenarios for Commanders during 2022 season

2. Chase Young Rediscovers Rookie Form

Commanders fans shouldn’t expect Young to hit the ground running in 2022. Recovering from November ACL surgery, it’s possible the former No. 2 overall pick begins the season on injured reserve, which would knock him out for the first four games. As one of the franchise’s most important young assets, there’s no reason to rush Young back into the lineup until he’s fully recovered from the operation.

With that said, Young’s performance (whenever he returns) will be analyzed under the largest of microscopes after his lackluster 2021 when he managed just 1.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and four QB hits in nine games before the injury.

We maintain the notion that Young performed better than his frontline stats suggested, but he has to be more productive. Plain and simple.

It’s not crazy to say 2022 is a huge year for Young, as the Commanders will have to decide whether to exercise his fifth-year option next offseason. That seems like a no-brainer, obviously, but what if he suffers another injury or struggles getting after the QB again? The front office might have to consider its options.

Again, that’s highly unlikely, but it’s currently a question and that could not be said after Young’s representative rookie year. If the former Ohio State superstar can rediscover that form and assert himself as one of the game’s best young defenders, the Commanders’ future will suddenly look incredibly promising.

It would also put an end to the debate whether he was worth the second overall selection. Who wouldn’t love to see the haters put in their place?