Taylor (Jacobs) to Start in 2005?

The Washington Times reports that Gibbs is eager to see Taylor Jacobs in the starting lineup in 2005 - a move that would likely bump recent free-agent acquisition David Patten to #3 on the Redskins' wide receiver depth chart.

I'm not sure where the Times is getting this information, but it's something many Warpathers have speculated would happen. Moreover, it's no real surprise considering that Jacobs was projected as a mid-first round pick in 2003 and was given heaps of praise by Champ Bailey, Mark Brunell, and Fred Smoot. In 2003, Champ Bailey said Jacobs was the best route-runner on the team. In 2004, Mark Brunell was quoted as saying that Jacobs was the most polished 2nd year wideout he's ever seen. In 2004, Fred Smoot said that Jacobs has the potential to be a big-playmaker.

Despite being picked in the early-to-mid second round of the 2003 draft and the praise he has drawn from teammates, Jacobs has yet to demonstrate his abilities in regular-season games. In his rookie season, Jacobs was inactive for eight games and posted a mere 3 catches for 37 yards and one touchdown. In 2004, Jacobs was inactive for one game, appeared in 15 games, and started 4 games catching 16 passes for 178 yards. Jacobs's best game in 2004 was in Week 17 against the Vikings where Jacobs posted 3 receptions for 56 yards (18.7 ypc) with a career-long 45 yard reception.

Perhaps Taylor's lack of production in his rookie and sophomore seasons can be attributed to Taylor's injury in 2003 and the 2004 coaching staff's desire to see if Gardner could step it up. Ultimately, I don't know why Jacob's production hasn't been great, but I for one would like to see Jacob's production match his hype. If Jacobs were to come on strong, I'd be much more confident in the receiving corps (Moss, a rising-Jacobs, Patten, Thrash, McCants, Dyson, Brown) and the offense as whole.

No question about his rout running. I've seen the guy and he is on point and smooth with his cuts, outs and slants. I'd definitely like to see him start. I mean, there is no reason why he shouldn't! Now if only he could keep healthy.

since we dont really have a stand out #1-2 WRs, there's nothing to object to... since we'll be doing a lot of 3 WR sets now, moss/jacobs/patten sounds fine to me...

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.

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

Judging by his 40+ yard catch alone, you could just see a glimpse at how good he can be. Poor receivers don't make moves like that.

I've been excited about TJ from the minute we stole him in the draft. I'll be thrilled if this is the year he finally has a chance to break out (and I believe it will be).

I am excited to see this guy in action. He seemed to make alot of his few opprotunities this past season. It sucks that his rookie season was so injury ridden, because I think that really put him back. I think he should and iwll be starting this season.

i knew that it was only a matter of time before this florida guy made a name for himself. he is fast and quick he can make the tough catches like he did for the gators, he will be a future playmaker which need to get cp running like he did at the "u" and for the broncos.

I'm ready to make Jacobs our surprise breakout player this year. I remember watching him when he played for UF, and you could tell that he has all the tools to be great receiver.

I'm almost conifdent that he'll breakout this year.