Brady, Bucs ready for Young, Washington
LANDOVER, Md. – Running off the field after Washington clinched a spot in the playoffs, Chase Young couldn’t contain his excitement about who’s up next.
“Tom Brady!” Young yelled. “Tom Brady, I’m coming. I want Tom! I want Tom!”
Young and NFC East champion Washington will get Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday night in the wild-card round as a home underdog. Young’s first NFL playoff game is Brady’s 42nd and first not in a New England Patriots uniform, a chance for the 43-year-old to add to his career accomplishments.
“Nothing is given – you have to earn everything,” Brady said. “We’re going up against a division winner and a team that’s very talented. Certainly on defense they have a lot of playmakers, so we have to put it all together. In order to advance, you have to play good football.”
Tampa Bay (11-5) has done that with Brady, riding a four-game winning streak since its bye week. Washington (7-9) won the league’s worst division thanks in large part to Young’s stellar rookie season and quarterback Alex Smith’s leadership two years since severely breaking his right leg.
Brady’s postseason resume is welldocumented: 30 victories, six Super Bowl championships – double Washington’s franchise history – with 73 touchdowns and 35 interceptions. Young is fired up to take his shot at Brady after leading all rookies with 71/2 sacks.
“I’m excited to go against the best,” Young said. “You think I’m not going to be excited to play against the G.O.A.T.? Then you’re tripping. And that is what it is. I’m excited to play against Big Tom. I’m not going to apologize for saying I want Tom. No. I want Tom Brady. I want every quarterback I play against.”
Getting to Brady early and often with a front four of Young and fellow firstround picks Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne is Washington’s best, if not only, chance to pull the upset. Washington’s defense has feasted against the pass this season, so the Buccaneers are ready.