When Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn was asked which player has impressed him most in the early stages of training camp, he was quick to heap praise on Jason Taylor. The star defensive end, recently acquired from the Miami Dolphins for a pair of draft picks, has fit right in with the Redskins, giving the team and its fans hope that they've finally solved their lingering pass rush problems.
While some have questioned his commitment to football in light of his recent "Dancing with the Stars" appearance, Taylor lives to sack the quarterback. And few players in the NFL get to the QB as consistently as the 33-year-old Taylor, who boasts a staggering 117 sacks in his 11-year career. Despite his advancing age, he shows no signs of slowing down, notching 11 sacks last season on a dismal Dolphins squad. He's primed and ready for another strong season. The only dancing he intends to do in Washington will occur while celebrating big plays.
Taylor's appearance on the celebrity dancing show caused him to miss Miami's entire off-season program. The decision angered Miami's front office, particularly Bill Parcells, but it has done little to affect his stamina. Taylor has jumped right in with the Redskins, taking all reps at training camp and demonstrating his trademark speed and power on each play. If anything, Taylor's dancing experience may have only improved his footwork, making him even more dangerous when rushing the passer. That's terrible news for quarterbacks, but it could have Redskins fans dancing for joy.
