Taylor Fitting In Well With Redskins

July 25, 2008 at 1:43 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |

Taylor Fitting In Well With Redskins Since being dealt to the Washington Redskins a day after training camp started, soon to be 34 year old DE Jason Taylor has fit like a glove. Find out why fantasy IDP owners should really take a solid look at Taylor in 2008, and why team defense owners should now look to the Redskins as a sleeper defense.

Our sources tell us that Jason Taylor is absolutely thrilled to be with the Redskins. Even though he tried to play it off like it wasn’t a huge deal to leave Miami, we hear the veteran feels like a rookie again, and is ready to do whatever it takes to help his new team win in 2008. While “whatever it takes” could mean playing a bit of outside linebacker on occasion, make no mistake about it - Taylor is a defensive end. He’ll be listed as a DE/OLB, but will man the left defensive end spot to start games, which means that all IDP leagues should count him as a D-End, hands down. This means that his fantasy value has definitely risen as a result of this trade. Not only should Taylor once again be an IDP force, but he also brings an element of versatility that the Redskins’ defense has lacked for a long, long time - a consistent pass rushing threat. Look for Taylor and RDE Andre Carter to put consistent pressure on opposing QBs, making life easier on their young defensive backs, and putting the overall defense in a much better position in 2008.

DeSean Jackson’s Outlook - Fantasy owners will all agree on the fact that gaging the potential of rookie wide receivers is extremely difficult. While Philly second round speedster DeSean Jackson has taken slack from many fantasy owners this off-season, due to his size (6′0″, 166), our sources say he has the speed and talent to actually eventually become a legit deep threat at the wide receiver position. Don’t look for the Cal product to do much on offense in 2008, as he’ll take over return duties, but dynasty owners shouldn’t rule him out as a potential threat in 2009 and 2010. We hear that his teammates believe if he adds some chest muscle, he can definitely be a solid pro wide receiver.

Brian Westbrook Unlikely To Hold Out - Our sources tell us that even though Philly RB Brian Westbrook is reportedly unhappy with his current contract situation, he won’t hold out. Sources close to the team tell us that Westbrook is focused on winning and being a good teammate first and foremost. Even though he believes he deserves more money, his way of getting a new deal will be to report to camp on time and show his dedication to the team. Either way, we’re not worried about Westy’s fantasy value in 2008. He’s a top five seasonal pick in PPR leagues.

Jason Garrett To Remain In Dallas In 2009 - Despite the fact that he’s certainly talented enough to field other head coaching jobs following the 2008 season, our sources tell us that Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett will remain in his current post heading into 2009, regardless of what happens with the team, and current head coach Wade Phillips after this season. There has been speculation that this will be Phillips’ last season in Dallas as head coach, and that Garrett will be his replacement, but our sources have momentarily squashed that talk. Apparently, Garrett is a phenomenal self-evaluator, and doesn’t yet feel he’s ready for an NFL head coaching gig - as a result, he’s not likely to put pressure on owner Jerry Jones to make something happen. Nor is he likely to leverage other offers against Jones to encourage him to get rid of Phillips and make him the team’s front man. Garrett knows he’ll eventually be an NFL front man, but isn’t in a rush to make it happen. This is solid news for Tony Romo, who will continue to become a great NFL signal caller as long as Garrett is guiding him.

Orlando Pace Ready For 2008 - After missing most of the 2008 season with shoulder surgery, Rams veteran left tackle Orlando Pace is reportedly 100 percent healthy as he reports to camp this month. This is phenomenal news for the entire Rams offense, which - like it or not - all starts up front protecting Marc Bulger’s blind side.

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