The New Orleans Saints face a massive test in their season opener against the Detroit Lions. The head to head matchup between Chase Young and Penei Sewell is the greatest representation of the game on an individual level. Like the team as a whole, Young is aiming to prove he can build on last season.
Between the Saints and Young, Young may have the taller task in front of him. At least the Lions are searching for a bounce back season and are full of question marks. There's no questions about Penei Sewell, and what he can do.
Sewell's name holds weight, so Saints fans didn't need anything to emphasize the challenge in front of Young. They got it anyway when Sewell was voted as the best offensive tackle in the league by coaches, scouts and executives.
Chase Young could announce his arrival with a strong performance versus Penei Sewell
Young is essentially a left side of the offensive line-exclusive pass rusher. He lined up on the other side of the line of scrimmage for just for 13 of his 542 snaps.
Typically, this would lead to Young avoiding Sewell. However, the Lions are flipping their All-Pro tackle from right tackle to left tackle this offseason, setting him and Young on a collision course in Week 1. If there was any question about Sewell, it would be if he can make that switch.
Sewell is a mountain, but not impossible. Offensive linemen don't get a lot of statistical recognition, but two of the most popular tell two different stories for Sewell.
PFF credits Sewell with just 2 sacks allowed last season. On the other hand, his 89.6% pass rush win rate didn't land in the top 40 for his position. Young is great at generating quick pressure, so he could be able to turn those pass rush wins into sacks.
Just one sack would make a statement when Sewell only allowed two a season ago. It may not "win" him the matchup, but it's still notable. It's not supposed to be an easy matchup, so wins are amplified based on who you're facing.
Sewell is an absolute mauler in the run game, so that should be a fun matchup as well. If Young is able to get some noticeable wins in the pass rush though, this will feel like an arrival on a national stage for Young. He's aiming to show his double digit sack season wasn't a flash in the pan, and starting the season with a sack against Sewell is the best start he can ask for.
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