http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-01-20-all-decade-defensive-ends-jason-taylor_N.htm Jason Taylor was 2006 Defensive Player of the Year, the 2007 Walter Payton Man of the Year and a 2008 runner-up on Dancing With the Stars. But there's an even greater achievement within the 6-6, 255, All-Decade defensive end's long reach that the Miami Dolphins game-changer has earned in the the estimation of a Hall of Fame quarterback and a three-time-Super Bowl-winning head coach. "Boy, hearing that is very humbling, it means a lot particularly coming from guys like Warren Moon and, obviously Bill Belichick, who I have an immense amount of respect for," Taylor said.
I totally feel you on that. You never really know with these voters. Jason has taken over games all alone. That's can be pretty tough to do for a defensive player. Gosh, I mean, I remember several years back where (correct me if I'm wrong) he sacked Brady 3 times in the first 3 plays of the game (or maybe it was 2 out of the first 3). Was friggin' awesome!
He is 11th ALL TIME in sacks 1 away from 10th and 6 away from 7th place ( ahead of the other Taylor)...that alone will get him in..Plus he has more Defensive TDs than any other DL in history (9) and I think the record for Picks plus crapload of fumbles...Jason has a decent year next year and its a lock...Its already a lock imo.
Talking about taking control of games, I remember when the bears were trying to go undefeated and we went 4-12 that year, but I think it was 2 Jason Taylor interceptions (one with a td) and 2 big sacks that sealed the game for us.
I think he might want to play a couple more years. He definitely has some juice left to play at a high level.
No matter what we think, and of course we believe he is a 1st ballot guy, its that lack of hardware that makes him different that Kurt Warner. Warner gets in on his 1st time, Taylor waits to 2nd or 3rd time. Its just the way it works. Marino was a special case, so no need to bring him up.
I don't think a Super Bowl trophy means as much for a defensive player as it does for a QB, at least not in terms of HOF standards. JMO.
Getting in on the 1st ballot, yes I think it does. Look at the 1970-74 Dolphins. Many Pro Bowls, best defense in the league for 3 or 4 years, and yet only 1 of those guys has gotten into the HoF period. And it can be claimed he got in based on his years as a Patriot not a Dolphin.
Ah, but there are many who think the hole in the middle of Warner's career is enough to keep him out of the HoF for the immediate future. He and Jason Taylor are in the same boat. Both have the talent and the necessary accomplishments, but they have perceived mitigating circumstances. I think JT will eventually get in. What I'm more curious about is whether or not Zach Thomas will make it. IMO, he should.
Hmmm. Difficult. Man, I love me some Zach, but that's just a toughie. All depends on what the "experts" who vote think. I honestly do not know that he gets in unless its waaay down the line. Really tough....
