TAMPA, Fla. — Washington rookie defensive end Chase Young couldn't hide his joy as he ran off the field Sunday night. Washington clinched the NFC East division and a date with the Buccaneers in the first round of the playoffs.
"Tom Brady, I'm coming! I want Tom! I want Tom!" he yelled, as he ran into the tunnel after beating Philadelphia 20-14.
Before the season, Young said he couldn't wait to sack Tom Brady now that he made it to the NFL. The Bucs quarterback welcomed the rookie's enthusiasm.
"Chase is a great young player. He went to Ohio State, so naturally, I think the Ohio St./Michigan thing wears on him a little bit," Brady said with a smile. "We’re prepared for a tough challenge. It should be a fun game."
Washington is second in the NFL in total defense, and they have 47 sacks this season, fifth-most in the league. The Bucs have only allowed 22 sacks, third-fewest in the league.
"Our expectations for ourselves are very high," said Bucs offensive lineman Ali Marpet. "I think we are always critical on how we can do things better. Hopefully we can start playing our best football."
Brady says he feels confident every time he takes a snap with his o-line.
"We got a great relationship. We’re gonna build it, keep working at it," he said. "I think we’re going up against one of the biggest challenges we’ve faced all year. We gotta step up to that challenge, and hopefully, we’re ready to meet it. I certainly love going to battle with those guys up front."
The Bucs (11-5) and Washington (7-9) kick off Saturday night at 8:15 p.m.
