Scouts Inc. On Jason Taylor

ESPN - NFC East (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfceast)

Since I've been e-mailing back and forth with the talented Keith Kidd of Scouts Inc. about Jason Taylor, I thought some of you guys might like to eavesdrop. Keith had a lot to say about how Taylor will make the Redskins a better team, but he's a bit concerned about the Pro Bowler lining up at left defensive end.

"Taylor played last season on the right side and sometimes was used as a stand-up outside linebacker in Miami's 3-4 system," Kidd wrote recently. "But [Andre] Carter is an undersized end who is best suited to play on the right side as well, and it would be difficult to move him to the left side because his lack of size would make him vulnerable against the run, especially considering that most teams run to their offense's right side. The Redskins no doubt would like Taylor to play with his hand in the dirt and simply rush the passer from the right side, but he could end up playing on the left side on rushing downs and moving to the right side in passing situations. Regardless, Taylor's experience and versatility should allow [defensive coordinator] Greg Blache to resolve the issue early in camp."

Keith also said that Taylor still has a lot of quickness and deceptive power when he makes contact with blockers. He also has exceptional footwork -- especially if he hears salsa music. I also found it interesting that Keith thinks Taylor's presence will allow Blache to be a lot more creative with his coverage schemes. It's like I've always said, Blache will flat out scheme you to death.

Keith also said that Taylor still has a lot of quickness and deceptive power when he makes contact with blockers. He also has exceptional footwork -- especially if he hears salsa music. I also found it interesting that Keith thinks Taylor's presence will allow Blache to be a lot more creative with his coverage schemes. It's like I've always said, Blache will flat out scheme you to death.[/I]

that's true. taylor is very good in coverage. carter's not bad himself, either.

Jason Taylor is a great player. The only thing that concerns me if I was a Skin fan is, how many very good players have gone to Washington and their career went South. Just saying don't jump on my back. Think about those big names you guys have signed over the years.

Not jumping ValleyRanch, but I think he has a little more left than his brother-in-law who is slated to start at ILB for Dallas. I think this is completely different than Bruce Smith playing to get the sack record. As a side comment, I'd say that Dallas has made bigger FA splashes recently (TO, Pacman, Tank "shoot em up" Johnson, etc..) with fewer Playoff victories.

Jason Taylor is a great player. The only thing that concerns me if I was a Skin fan is, how many very good players have gone to Washington and their career went South. Just saying don't jump on my back. Think about those big names you guys have signed over the years.

I think this is good point, however the circumstances were different this time. In other situations, good players such as Bruce Smith, Deion Sanders, and more recently Adam Archuleta were brought here when Snyder wanted to buy his way into a SB, and they were given huge contracts once they got here. In most of these situations, I feel that these players had little to prove and just wanted a big payoff. In Taylor's case, we brought him b/c of need, he didn't sign a big contract, and he has a lot to prove.

Jason Taylor is a great player. The only thing that concerns me if I was a Skin fan is, how many very good players have gone to Washington and their career went South. Just saying don't jump on my back. Think about those big names you guys have signed over the years.

Like Shawn Springs? Clinton Portis? Santana Moss? Marcus Washington?

Like Shawn Springs? Clinton Portis? Santana Moss? Marcus Washington?


I will give you Marcus Washington because he has done better.

Heck Id even give you Clinton Portis although his two best seasons were with Denver and the fact that the Skins gave away the best corner in the NFL which is not exactly bright could have turned out worse. Has Clinton been worth the trade? Can someone give me an honest answer. hmm that would be a good topic.

Shawn Springs played decent from what I have seen, but his career never bloomed like the hype that he received coming out of Ohio.

Santana Moss good first year nothing tooo huge afterwards, but he is not a disappointment.

I will give you Marcus Washington because he has done better.

Heck Id even give you Clinton Portis although his two best seasons were with Denver and the fact that the Skins gave away the best corner in the NFL which is not exactly bright could have turned out worse. Has Clinton been worth the trade? Can someone give me an honest answer. hmm that would be a good topic.

Shawn Springs played decent from what I have seen, but his career never bloomed like the hype that he received coming out of Ohio.

Santana Moss good first year nothing tooo huge afterwards, but he is not a disappointment.

Did that trade hurt us? I would say in all fairness that the trade has worked out pretty even for both sides.

a good pass rusher always = better secondary play. its pretty simple. and the one thing Taylor does well is rush the passer. and VRG, Dallas also wanted Taylor. i read that they offered Roy Williams and a pick for him. would that change your opinion of him?

I will give you Marcus Washington because he has done better.

Heck Id even give you Clinton Portis although his two best seasons were with Denver and the fact that the Skins gave away the best corner in the NFL which is not exactly bright could have turned out worse. Has Clinton been worth the trade? Can someone give me an honest answer. hmm that would be a good topic.

Shawn Springs played decent from what I have seen, but his career never bloomed like the hype that he received coming out of Ohio.

Santana Moss good first year nothing tooo huge afterwards, but he is not a disappointment.

Clinton has absolutely been worth the trade, but it's been discussed ad nauseum here already so I won't rehash it