Ron Rivera thinks Chase Young learned big lesson in 2021

Chase Young’s second NFL season was nowhere near as successful as his first, and his coach thinks that will serve as a wake-up call.

Ron Rivera said Wednesday he believes Young learned that he cannot simply coast on talent, and described the campaign as an “awakening” for the former No. 2 pick.

“For Chase, it was a little bit of an awakening, a bit of a realization,” Rivera said, via Matthew Paras of the Washington Times. “For us, hopefully, the realization of that we hadn’t arrived has set in. Just showing up is not good enough.”

Young was scrutinized as the season went on for skipping voluntary workouts last spring. The Washington Commanders defensive lineman wound up collecting just 1.5 sacks in nine games, leading some to wonder if he had been as focused as he should have been.

Earlier in the offseason, there were even rumors that Young could be trade bait in the right circumstances. While that’s unrealistic, the message has clearly been sent that Young needs to do more in year three of his career.

Photo: Sep 26, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young (99) looks on prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports