They spotted the changes in the offseason, starting a whisper campaign about what might follow. Sean Taylor paid closer attention. He worked out more. He watched his weight.
Once more the predictions followed: Taylor would have a big year. This time, they didn’t use the word if.
And for all the changes the Redskins made defensively — they have four new starters — it’s the changes in Taylor that has elevated this unit to one deserving of a No. 3 ranking.
“We’re seeing the transformation in his play from last year to now,” Redskins reserve safety Vernon Fox said. “It has a lot to do with his preparation in the offseason and his commitment to changing a lot of things. ”
Taylor, who does not like to talk to the media and declined to be interviewed this week, leads Washington with four interceptions. He picked off Green Bay’s Brett Favre twice — and nearly did it five times. No Redskin has had more than seven interceptions in a season since 1987.
The addition of rookie safety LaRon Landry has allowed Taylor to focus on coverage. The improved pass rush and corner play has helped. And the corners have used having Taylor on their side to their benefit.
“You can push your receiver into the middle,” corner Carlos Rogers said. “Not a lot ofteams will try you over the middle with a guy like that.”
Taylor’s instincts are more pronounced because he’s playing more in coverage. His tackling has improved — last year, he was among the league leaders in missed tackles. Some of that stems from taking better angles. Some stems from natural maturation.
“He’s a whole lot different,” Rogers said. “Sean is Sean; he doesn’t talk to nobody. But on the field he’s taking on more of a leadership role. Sean is talking up more about what’s going on for all of us. There are very few guys he’ll talk to on this team, but I talk to him a lot. He’s been to the Pro Bowl; I’m trying to get there.”
Assistant head coach/defense Gregg Williams said Taylor doesn’t boast to others about how early he arrives to Redskins Park or how late he stays.
“He’s one of my favorite guys, maybe the favorite guy, because there’s give and take in his game,” Williams said. “The things he asks me and [safeties coach] Steven Jackson are subtle things; some coaches wouldn’t ask me those things. He’s on the cusp of having a real good run here.”
