Redskins trade for Jason Taylor (updated)

[GhettoDogAllStars]

Those of you who think JT is too old to contribute in a BIG way are crazy. You don't just lose everything you had because you are one year (day) older. It happens slowly, and from what I've seen, JT has not yet begun to decline. I mean, look at Daniels -- the guy's 35, and not even worthy to stand in JT's shadow. Yet, he has been a great player for us -- for more than just one year -- and we got him in his 30's.

Just because a guy is over 30 doesn't mean squat. It means even less when you're talking about a future HoFer.

IMO, there is no more influential position on defense than DE. When you can add *one* guy, and receive a greatly improved defensive unit as a result, then you do it -- especially for a 2nd rounder. So, think of it this way: would you trade a 2nd rounder to make our entire defense better, and get a beast of a pass rusher in the process? Of course.

Also consider that JC won't have to score as many points, if our defense can limit opponents better than last year. That's invaluable.

If JT stays healthy, he makes our *entire* team better.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by GhettoDogAllStars

Those of you who think JT is too old to contribute in a BIG way are crazy. You don't just lose everything you had because you are one year (day) older. It happens slowly, and from what I've seen, JT has not yet begun to decline. I mean, look at Daniels -- the guy's 35, and not even worthy to stand in JT's shadow. Yet, he has been a great player for us -- for more than just one year -- and we got him in his 30's.

Two things, although I largely agree with what you said that decline is a gradual process.

Some players really do fall off the face of the earth. Think Warren Sapp in 2007, or Curtis Martin in 2005. Sapp had a rejuvenated year in 2006, but was a shell of his former self this year. Martin hit the wall and was never effective again after leading the league in rushing in 2004.

The other thing is, we gave up something significant to get him, so even gradual decline could indicate that we got the short end of the stick. Sure, Taylor could absolutely take a backseat role after 2008, and provide some key pass rush off the bench, but we certainly didn't give up a 2nd so we could move him to the bench after a season.

Clearly we made an investment in Taylor and we need him to produce big time. But as you mentioned in your post, a pro bowl year is hardly out of the question.

[GhettoDogAllStars]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Two things, although I largely agree with what you said that decline is a gradual process.

Some players really do fall off the face of the earth. Think Warren Sapp in 2007, or Curtis Martin in 2005. Sapp had a rejuvenated year in 2006, but was a shell of his former self this year. Martin hit the wall and was never effective again after leading the league in rushing in 2004.

The other thing is, we gave up something significant to get him, so even gradual decline could indicate that we got the short end of the stick. Sure, Taylor could absolutely take a backseat role after 2008, and provide some key pass rush off the bench, but we certainly didn't give up a 2nd so we could move him to the bench after a season.

Clearly we made an investment in Taylor and we need him to produce big time. But as you mentioned in your post, a pro bowl year is hardly out of the question.

I would say that Sapp's 2006 year was kind of exceptional. In the five years preceeding 2006, Sapp averaged 5.2 sacks. He got 10 in 2006, and 2 in 2007. So, I would say he gradually declined, and it started happening the last three years he was with Tampa. Oakland just somehow managed to get one last good year from him -- even after his decline.

As for Martin, he was injured in 2005, but he definitely wasn't playing well before that happened. Yeah, he pretty much fell off.

I think a lot has to do with the position as well. It seems more likely a RB will fall-off immediately, rather than a QB, safety, DE, etc.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by GhettoDogAllStars

I would say that Sapp's 2006 year was kind of exceptional. In the five years preceeding 2006, Sapp averaged 5.2 sacks. He got 10 in 2006, and 2 in 2007. So, I would say he gradually declined, and it started happening the last three years he was with Tampa. Oakland just somehow managed to get one last good year from him -- even after his decline.

That's a good point. Maybe the on field production masked a continual decline in physical skills.

Maybe it's possible that Taylor's skills are already declining, but if it is, I certainly can't find any statistical evidence of it.