Taylor

[illdefined]

Originally Posted by Winskins

The end of this article might help explain some of Taylor's difficulties this year: Redskins Pay Price For Moves - washingtonpost.com

here:

"By signing Archuleta, the Redskins decided that last year's starter at his position, Clark, was expendable. Clark's departure for the Steelers has left a void in the locker room, Redskins players say, and has particularly affected safety Sean Taylor, whose play has faltered this season.

Taylor has had considerable off-field issues since being drafted in 2004 -- including arrests for DUI and felony gun charges (he was convicted of neither) -- and Clark, a devoted family man, was said to be a positive influence.

Taylor would often eat at his house and play video games with Clark's children, team sources said. On the field, Clark had mastered the defense and would talk constantly with Taylor, aligning him, shouting directions, helping him anticipate the next play.

At least two veterans have called Clark this season for suggestions on how to reach Taylor, team sources said, and believe Taylor's problems in coverage and making in-game adjustments are directly related to Clark's departure.

"When you have a guy that's a little bit distant or introverted, sometimes it only takes one out of 53 guys to reach him," said one veteran Redskin, asking that his name not be used. "Ryan was that guy for Sean, and it's a big loss. Now Sean is trying to teach Adam and help him along, but that's not who he is. He's a guy you just need to get pointed in the right direction on the field, make sure he knows his assignment and let him go after the ball."

Clark's agent, Joel Turner, said that had the Redskins offered something close to Pittsburgh's deal -- $7 million over four years with $1.65 million guaranteed -- at any point in the 2005 season, Clark would have remained in Washington. Keeping Clark at that rate also would have given the team additional money under the salary cap to add a top place kicker or linebacker."


Tragic. absolutely tragic.

and people here still disparage Clark while he was here, except for one stiffarm, everything said about Ryan Clark was positive last year..