ASHBURN, Va. – When he made it to the playoffs he was safe, Washington defensive end Chase Young clarified what he wanted: to Tom Brady and it’s a wish that hasn’t changed days later, even when his statement caused controversy.
After last Sunday night’s game in which Washington secured the NFC East title, Young was caught on camera saying, “Tom Brady, Tom Brady, there I go! I want Tom! I want Tom! “.
“I’m excited to go against the best. The job of the media is to create controversy. If they know me, they know I get excited in every game,” Young said. “Tom Brady, do you think I’m not excited to play against the best in history? I’m not going to apologize for saying I want to (beat) Tom. No, I always want the quarterback I play against.”
Young will have his chance against Brady when Washington receives a visit from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday night in the Divisional Playoff Round.
In the season, Young, the second overall collegiate pick in the past draft, recorded 7.5 catches and led Washington by four forced loose balls and returned one by touchdown. He is seventh in the league with a 22.5 percent victory in quarterback pressures, according to ESPN Stats & Information and in the last seven games, he is second in that category with 26.9 percent.
However, Brady has been caught only 21 times, the fourth lowest total in the league by quarterbacks who have started at least 15 games.
“Ask any defensive wing in the league who they want to capture and most might say Tom Brady,” Young said.
In recent days, Washington coach Ron Rivera said what Young said would become “controversial” for Tampa Bay.
“They’re going to have fun with that. One has to deal with the exuberance of youth, but that’s Chase,” Rivera said. “It embarrasses me, but at the same time, I smile, because Chase loves this sport. That’s what it’s about. That’s Chase. It’s the kind of players we want on the team.”
Brady, 43, didn’t bite the hook, though his face seemed to say it all in a video conference.
“(Chase) is obviously a great young player. We’ll have our hands busy with this defensive line, one of the best in this league. Chase is a great player. He was at Ohio State, so of course the Ohio State-rivalry Michigan also has a bit to do with it. I understand. We are ready for the challenge and it should be a fun game, “Brady said.
Young’s exuberance has been evident throughout the season with emotional pre-game and bench speeches while cheering on the offense. During a loss to Carolina, when substitute quarterback Taylor Heinicke replaced Dwayne Haskins, Young ran on the field in an offside time to motivate Heinicke.
Facing Brady gives Young one more chance to express his enthusiasm.
“I’m definitely excited to face the best player in history. It’s time to play,” Young stressed.
ESPN’s Jenna Laine contributed to this report.