The unbridled enthusiasm of youth—in the form of a talented rookie—may serve as motivation for a couple of grizzled veterans when Washington and Tampa Bay meet on Saturday for the playoffs.
Washington’s star rookie, Chase Young, perhaps unintentionally called out Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady, also known as maybe the greatest player the league has ever seen.
“Tom Brady!” Young gleefully exclaimed as he left the field following Washington’s victory over Philadelphia on Sunday night. “Tom Brady, I’m coming! I want Tom! I want Tom.”
The 43-year-old Brady, whose penchant for snark is well-known, has yet to comment on Young’s invitation, but Brady’s 68-year-old coach provided instant reaction during a Zoom call on Monday.
After praising Washington, Bruce Arians—he of the colorful language and “no risk-it, no biscuit” attitude—warned Young. “We’ll have our hands full, but it’s one of those games where you better watch what you wish for.”
There is little doubt the Cincinnati Bengals made the right choice selecting Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, but there is virtually no doubt Washington made the right choice with Young at No. 2.
Young, 21, is a defensive captain who collected 44 tackles (32 solo), 7.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.
“He’s a hell of a player,” Arians said. “Making him a captain as a rookie speaks volumes. … He’s a handful, but so is (Montez) Sweat, (Daron) Payne, the rest of those guys.”
Brady is a six-time Super Bowl champion who holds a 30-11 career postseason mark. He’s also becoming very comfortable in the Tampa offense, firing 12 touchdown passes with only one interception in his past four games. The 43-year-old finished the 2020 season with 40 TD passes and 12 picks.
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