Saints DE Chase Young is excited about Staley’s defense after thriving in similar scheme in the past

When thinking about the Saints’ main pieces on defense, one of the first names that comes to mind is defensive end Chase Young.

The scheme Brandon Staley runs (3-4) is similar to what Young played in during his rookie year with Washington. A five-down defense.

It was arguably his best campaign. He finished with 7.5 sacks, which is tied for the most he’s ever tallied in a season.

“Ain’t no more side stepping, matching tight ends, just get off the ball and punish them. Put them in the hole, or get in the hole. It eliminates a lot of thinking,” Young said. “You’re just setting edges and if you’re not, you’re just getting to the ball.”

His prior experiences in a similar scheme make him optimistic about this year.

“Playing those wide nines, setting the edge, it will be fun. They giving us the ability to fly,” Young said.

“His ability to play on the edge will be a huge advantage,” head coach Kellen Moore said. “He is explosive in the pass rush game and will be a big part of this defense,” head coach Kellen Moore said.

During last year’s offseason, he was recovering from neck surgery. But now he’s fully healthy.

“Feel a lot stronger, my body just feels good. Nothing is hurting or lingering,” Young said.

This offseason, Young and the Saints agreed to a three-year, $51 million extension. Even though he received a nice payday, he’s still hungry.

“I have high standards for myself. I know there’s more for me to get.”