Taylor's good, just too pricey
December 23
Washington Examiner columnist Rick Snider
"Jason Taylor doesn't stink. Taylor's two sacks and a forced fumble were game-changers in Washington's 10-3 victory over Philadelphia on Sunday. He spied on Eagles running back Brian Westbrook so well Taylor should have changed his number to 007.
It was a taste of what Washington has long expected since trading two picks to Miami for him in August. Maybe if Taylor hadn't been hurt early this season, perhaps if moved to the right side beforehand, let him stand up more on plays, Taylor could have replicated his sure Hall-of-Famer status from 11 seasons in Miami.
And there's the trap.
Taylor has valid excuses for a lackluster season. The compartmental syndrome suffered in week 3 when kicked in the leg was a nasty injury. It required surgery and could have ended his season and maybe career. He showed grit playing through it.
Maybe the Redskins should have flipped Taylor back to the right side where he has been long successful. It's just Andre Carter was already there coming off an 10 1/2-sack season. It was easier to plug in Taylor on the left despite league insiders believing the 34-year old was no longer physical enough to handle power runs in the smashmouth NFC East.
Still, the Redskins must be pragmatic about Taylor in 2009. He admitted not being worth his $8 million salary, and he was right. The Redskins can't be lured into keeping Taylor after finishing the season well."
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