Taylor (Jacobs) to Start in 2005?

I'm guessing that Dyson or McCants will be going over the middle...

Ramseyfan, I think you answered your own question as to why Jacob's production hasn't matched his hype thus far in his career. The injuries he suffered in 2003 were a bigger setback than most people realize. Those injuries happened at a critical time in his development. As far as 2004, I think it's a shame that the coaching staff spent so much time last season trying to get Rod Gardner to step it up (hoping his trade value would rise), when Jacobs probably would have been a much better #2 receiver all along.

I'm looking forward to seeing Jacobs compete for a starting role this summer, and I fully expect him to win out. Moss and Jacobs have the tools to be a pretty dangerous starting wide receiver tandem, assuming Gibbs follows through on his promise to open up the offense this season.

As far as where the Times got the idea that Gibbs wants Jacobs to step up and become a starter this year, Jody Foldesy spends quite a lot of time at Redskins Park asking questions, so he's probably referring to some things Gibbs has said when asked about the depth at wide receiver-- particularly in relation to Jacobs-- since the departure of Coles and the presumed departure of Rod Gardner. You may be able to dig up a quote or two on Jacobs from one of Gibbs' news conferences earlier this offseason. I'm not sure if Gibbs spoke the exact phrase "I want Jacobs to step up and be a starter" (Foldesy probably would've quoted him if he did), but I seem to recall him speaking pretty strongly about Jacobs as a potential starter in 2005.Joe do you realy think Gibbs only played Gardner to increase his trade value? That would not make sense because if Garner would have performed better last year I don't think we would be trying to trade him. Why do you think we are still hanging on to him at this stage in the game do we even have a chance to receive any value for him?

I'm really looking forward to seeing Jacobs in the starting lineup. I think we could see big things from him this year.


We have yet to really see the up-side of T. Jacobs. I've looked for his inclusion in games, only to see #87 (50/50) in instead. Up to this point, I (we've) only had disapointment by 50/50.

Taylor Jacobs = Gary Clark, it's no coicidence they both wear/wore 84.

This guy will light it up this season.

Gary Clark besides being a great WR, was one tough SOB. I remember Gary Clark not backing down from anybody.
Toughness and Taylor Jacobs have not been introduced yet. I hope TJ turns into a great WR.....but there were whispers about TJ"s lack of toughness coming out of Florida and he has not done anything to prove those whispers wrong.
Also, TJ getting a start or two in the preseason does not mean very much. He is still an unproven player. I would not be surprised to to see the proven WR's (Moss & Patten) play more come game 1, if Jacobs can not stay healthy or fails to impress.
TJ's ability to stay healthy will be the #1 determining factor if he is to be a major contributing WR in 2005.

I think Jacobs will do okay, but what I really dont understand is why the reciever that led the team with tds in 2003 didnt get any playing time in 2004 when our reciever corps couldn't find an open spot in an endzone all year. I know some of it had to do with not being able to determine if a coverage was clear or not by QBs, but it seemed to me like DMac gave us a vertical target in the endzone in 03, and thats something that none of our other recievers can offer. With no addition of some former basketball star tight end or anyone that can get over the top of a safety or LB in Goal Line, it would seem that a taller guy, or at least one with some "ups" would be a pretty big concern.

Gary Clark besides being a great WR, was one tough SOB. I remember Gary Clark not backing down from anybody.
Toughness and Taylor Jacobs have not been introduced yet. I hope TJ turns into a great WR.....but there were whispers about TJ"s lack of toughness coming out of Florida and he has not done anything to prove those whispers wrong.
Also, TJ getting a start or two in the preseason does not mean very much. He is still an unproven player. I would not be surprised to to see the proven WR's (Moss & Patten) play more come game 1, if Jacobs can not stay healthy or fails to impress.
TJ's ability to stay healthy will be the #1 determining factor if he is to be a major contributing WR in 2005.


Good post, Defensewins. I think that hits it on the head.

I also think that Dmac could really help things, but he's got to step up and impress. I wonder if the Dyson signing is to challenge Dmac with some competition at camp--someone to light a fire under his ass in practice and to show him how a pro prepares.

If so, Gibbs seems to be doing a lot of that lately.

Gary Clark besides being a great WR, was one tough SOB. I remember Gary Clark not backing down from anybody.
Toughness and Taylor Jacobs have not been introduced yet. I hope TJ turns into a great WR.....but there were whispers about TJ"s lack of toughness coming out of Florida and he has not done anything to prove those whispers wrong.
Also, TJ getting a start or two in the preseason does not mean very much. He is still an unproven player. I would not be surprised to to see the proven WR's (Moss & Patten) play more come game 1, if Jacobs can not stay healthy or fails to impress.
TJ's ability to stay healthy will be the #1 determining factor if he is to be a major contributing WR in 2005.

Never heard anyone questioning his toughness in college? He never had a football injury before the NFL.