WPost Email: Taylor Has Been Solid But Not Shocking

[MTK]

Redskins safety Sean Taylor made riveting tackles that jarred the ball loose from offensive players. The rookie from the University of Miami swooped in front of hapless receivers to snag interceptions. During training camp, Taylor looked like a Pro Bowl safety with three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, and two forced fumbles.

Things haven't come as easy in the regular season. Taylor didn't start in the first two games. Even after he replaced Andre Lott in the starting lineup, Taylor hasn't made any of the big plays that became routine during preseason. Taylor is looking for his first NFL interception.

But Taylor has been solid, mixing typical rookie mistakes with strong play. Gregg Williams, Washington's assistant head coach-defense, is happy with the rookie safety's development through five games.

"I'm really pleased with his progress," Williams said after Thursday's practice. "Hopefully, as he gets more and more comfortable, you'll see some difference-making plays."

Instead of judging Taylor by highlight-film plays, Williams chooses to look at the rookie as someone who has been successful by not allowing big plays.

"I always smiled about that -- early in the year, fans or players, or people that don't do what we do every day say, 'Coach how are you going to get [the Redskins] in position to make a big-time play," Williams said. "I'm trying to keep young guys from giving up plays. I'm trying to keep young guys from costing the team.

"He's done a tremendous job in that respect, because as a young guy there is a lot of pressure to make sure you step in there and know what to do. And you don't cause a big play against us. And he hasn't. He's done a very good job of that."

-- Nunyo Demasio

[4TH RING]

I think a lot of us expected him to come in here and instantly become a gamebreaker, after what we saw him do in his first three pre-season games. Then we played the rams and he came back down to earth. College & N.F.L. two very different levels.

I think the fact that he did'nt start in the season opener hurt his confidence. I think Williams was pounding into his head the fact that he had to tackle better and respect the speed of the N.F.L. game, so initialy he struggled.

Bottom line is he's a rookie. Williams knows how to get the most out of his players. The potential is there ( 6-2 230 lbs. ) runs like a corner, hits like a linebacker and he's only getting better. Come Dec. 26 I would't want to be a cowboy reciever going over the middle. PAYBACK!!!!

[Brute44]

I think that this could be the week that Taylor makes that big play. :smashfrea

[4TH RING]

I have that same feeling, with all the injuries I think he'll step up. I just want him to get revenge for the hits on Gardner & Coles. That's why I reffered to the cowboys game.

[offiss]

Taylor is the last player I would worry about, it's only a matter of time!

[bedlamVR]

I think this would be an amazing week for Taylor to have a big week with all the injuries we have out there we are missing most of our game breakers, not just the game breakers but most of the key players also including either of our starting safties from week one, Bowen & Lott, anyone who lines up at right tackle (Jansen, Brown, Jones), special teams will not be so special without Morton or Hall, Washington is the last man standing from our projected LB corps , Daniels, Warner, Big Joe are all banged up or missing from the D line and while the Offence is more healthy but is a none factor.

[SUNRA]

I almost forgot about him since the preseason. He should have been in the run for Rookie of the Year but Roethlisberger will probably get it since Roy Williams is injured. Sean Taylor has to settle down and make the key tackles on third down. If he's not forcing a INT he should be forcing a fumble. He will progress mentally as the season reaches the eigth week.

[That Guy]

roth and roy are offensive players, whether they get it or not won't affect who gets defensive player of the year in any way... and taylor has been so focused on creating fumbles that he's missed tackles

he's looking a lot like a rookie, but i'm hopeful he'll regain his monster form soon.

[Daseal]

Last game he was a solid tackler. The game against the boys and Browns he didn't look very good. The Ravens he was a solid tackler (I believe he led our team) and played well. He's been one step behind the whole season. Once he catches up, watch out!

[Gmanc711]

As long as hes not getting completley burned every single week, I guess he's not doing bad. He's only a rookie and I can already see some improvement in him throughout the season. I really think the guy is going to be a monster playmaker for us, and I dont expect him to do a TON this year, but I think we will see some flashes of whats to come. All in all hes been solid, so no complaints here.