Each time I read a comment about Young's work ethic "issue", the "issue" is more exaggerated than the last.
He doesn't "take plays off", he isn't "lazy", he doesn't "not give 100% effort", his play isn't lackadaisical, and he doesn't need to "make what's between his ears match his ability". His professional reputation and the 13M he just received say otherwise.
Here's what is observably true, IMO: it is extremely rare that he chases down broken plays. When he loses a rep, he is not chasing the ball carrier if he's on the opposite side and is more than 10 yards away. When his defense is gassed from being on the field too long, he's super sluggish and it's more noticeable because he's billed as an elite pass rusher. With all that being said, when the ball is snapped and his rep begins, you're getting 1000% elite play up until he makes a sack or loses that rep.
To me, it doesn't look like a work ethic issue, but more of a stamina issue. It could also be self-preservation as to not subject his 13M dollar body to the risk of injury trying to make a play with a low probability of doing so. I don't completely agree with last one, but neither equate to being lazy or having poor work ethic IMO