It’s widely expected Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young will be named Defensive Rookie of the Year. However, that has not stopped Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians from campaigning for his rookie safety Antoine Winfield.
In Sunday’s divisional round playoff game against the New Orleans Saints, Winfield forced a fumble of Jared Cook that shifted the momentum of the game in the third quarter.
Following Tampa’s 30-20 win, Arians vouched for Winfield as Defensive Rookie of the Year while throwing shade at Young.
“Can’t say enough about him,” Arians said of Winfield, per Bucs’ staff writer Carmen Vitali. “To me he’s the Defensive Rookie of the Year. Seven and a half sacks isn’t anything to what he’s done.”
Winfield has had a stellar rookie season. The second-round pick started all 16 regular season games for the Buccaneers. He had 94 tackles, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one interception.
Yes, Young had 7.5 sacks, but his impact on games were much more than his sack totals. He also had three forced fumbles and 10 tackles for losses. The second overall pick was also the highest-graded defensive rookie (87.2) in the league this year by Pro Football Focus.
It’s understandable for Arians to campaign for his guy. But, as an NFL coach, he knows basic stats aren’t the only measurable among pundits.
But, it appears Arians is getting used to throwing barbs at Young. Ahead of last week’s wild card playoff meeting, Arians warned Young be “careful of what you wish for” after the young pass rusher said he wanted Tom Brady.
After the Bucs’ win 31-23, Arians proclaimed Washington’s pass rush “didn’t scare us.”
Despite Arians’ verbal efforts, Young is expected to be named Defensive Rookie of the Year. All he is doing is adding motivation for Young, as Washington hosts Tampa Bay next season.
