Beefed-up Jason Taylor ready to play if injured Roth isn't

[BAMAPHIN 22]

Taylor, a seven-time Pro Bowler, signed a one-year deal worth a maximum of $1.5 million - the salary of a veteran backup - because he expected to serve primarily as a pass-rushing complement to outside linebacker Joey Porter.

But Taylor, who turned 35 Tuesday, has added 12 pounds of muscle - he now is 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds - and has shown he can handle the demands of playing the run on the tight end's side of the ball.

"He can be an every-down player in this defense," coach Tony Sparano said. "Jason is one of those guys, no different than Joey, that on third down, they find the energy somewhere. The good pass rushers usually do.
"(But) he has done a nice job on first and second down of late."

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/dolphi...1c_roth_0902.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=46

 

[Canadianfishfan]

I bet you dollars to doughnuts Jason Taylor is going to light it up this year. I wouldn't be surprised if JT plays this year and maybe next and calls it a career.. but expect him to play lights out on his way out.

 

[DuderinoN703]

Sounds good to me JT

 

[nyjunc]

Adding 12 lbs doesn't concern you for a player who has built his career on speed and quickness?

 

[levv151]

Adding 12 lbs doesn't concern you for a player who has built his career on speed and quickness?

not one bit...I can't wait until he picks off dirty Sanchez and takes it to the house...hopefully in NJ too!!!

 

[SabanHater]

12 lbs of muscle isn't going to slow him down dramatically. he looked pretty damn good in the preseason games. He still has the burst.

 

[nick1]

Adding 12 lbs doesn't concern you for a player who has built his career on speed and quickness?

he has played before at the same weight why would it be a concern?

 

[Deus Ex Dolphin]

Adding 12 lbs doesn't concern you for a player who has built his career on speed and quickness?

I don't think JT will be able to keep the extra weight on, as he tends to drop as the season goes on. I do wonder if he loses a half step with the extra weight, but he might try some different techniques to balance that out.

Am I concerned? Not really, I feel like Taylor is more likely to have a good "bounce back" year. I do think he would be MOST effective as a pass rush specialist though, so I wish Roth was healthy and ready to go on run downs so Taylor could save his energy for getting to the QB.

 

[SabanHater]

not one bit...I can't wait until he picks off dirty Sanchez and takes it to the house...hopefully in NJ too!!!

 

[finfan75]

It will concern Mark Sanchez :)

 

[MP-Omnis]

I just hope Taylor gets his ring. That would be something.

 

[nyjunc]

he has played before at the same weight why would it be a concern?

He's older now too.


What I gather is nothing concenrs dolphin fans, you will steamroll the league en route to a 16-0 season. congrats on the upcoming Super Bowl.

 

[greasyObnoxious]

He's older now too.


What I gather is nothing concenrs dolphin fans, you will steamroll the league en route to a 16-0 season. congrats on the upcoming Super Bowl.

lol

seriously, Taylor bulking up is not that much of a concern. he still has a quick step. he's shown that during the pre-season. now run defending is an issue in my book. Kellen Winslow was able to block Taylor one-on-one at times. that's a definite no-no.

 

[SamTodd]

adding 12 lbs of MUSCLE is a good thing. its healthy for him. rather have a beastly OLB than a frail one. if anything it makes him stronger, faster and more durable. lol @ jets fans.

 

[dreday]

A man with his stature should carry 12 pounds of muscle pretty well.Might even make him better.