Why Willie Young Is the Chicago Bears’ Most Pleasant Surprise After 3 Weeks
Published by Ross Read on September 23, 2014
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears spent big money bringing in former Oakland Raiders defensive end Lamarr Houston. They opened up their pocketbook for former All-Pro Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen. But former Detroit Lions pass-rusher Willie Young has been the most pleasant surprise.
Young came into the season with six career sacks in four years of service with Detroit. Going into Monday night’s game with the New York Jets, Young had three sacks through three games.
Young’s relentless motor has shown up through three games so far. He’s done an outstanding job attacking the football and showing off the kind of speed that allowed him to lead the league in quarterback pressures last year.
At 29-years-old, Young is starting to come into his own as a feared pass-rusher in the NFC North. The former seventh-round pick from North Carolina State has improved each season and has garnered more playing time as the season has progressed.
It’s been nothing but hard work and a humble attitude for the man once famously known for for taunting New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in a preseason game.
Young’s confidence is growing with each game as he becomes more than just a rotational backup.
Allen and Houston will continue to get the starting reps, but Young’s ability to get after the quarterback is a skill head coach Marc Trestman and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker Jr. cannot ignore.
The Bears have Aaron Rodgers, Matt Ryan, Cam Newton, Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford, Drew Brees and Tony Romo on the upcoming schedule. Some of the league’s premier passers will need to be slowed down, and Young has to get more snaps.
It hasn’t just been a one-dimensional attack for Young. He’s been good in his pursuit toward the ball against the run and has been one of the team’s major catalysts on defense in slowing down sideline-to-sideline plays.
It’s safe to say Young has outplayed both Allen and Houston to start this season. If this trend continues, it won’t matter who’s making the big bucks right now, because Young will win out in the end.
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