To no one's surprise, Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young has been named the Associated Press 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The 21-year-old became the first player in Washington's franchise history to win the award after receiving 42.5 votes from a panel of 50 NFL media members. It was a total landslide, as Young held a wide margin over Jeremy Chinn, Patrick Queen and Antoine Winfield.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting
Chase Young 42.5 votes
Jeremy Chinn 4.5
Patrick Queen 2
Antoine Winfield 1 https://t.co/5dcRYDSz6O— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) February 7, 2021
The former Ohio State standout singlehandedly transformed the Washington Football Team into a premier defensive unit in his rookie season and was a big reason behind their surprising 2020 NFC East title. The second overall selection of the 2020 draft led all rookies with 7.5 sacks this season, as well as four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
After returning from a leg injury, Chase Young led Washington to a 5-2 record to close out the season and take over the division. His massive hit over top pick Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 remains as one of the best defensive highlights of the campaign.
Young has been a godsend for Washington's defensive-minded head coach Ron Rivera and coordinator Jack Del Rio. In that splendid seven-game stretch, Young recorded four sacks, eight QB hits, four passes defended, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. And of course, who can forget that epic touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 14?
He was voted NFC defensive player of the month for December, aligning himself with Kirk Cousins as only the Washington player to get the distinction. Young's defensive prowess even earned him a spot in the 2021 Pro Bowl, alongside fellow rookie Justin Jefferson.
Earlier, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was named the Offensive Rookie of The Year.
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