BAMAPHIN 22
FinHeaven Elite
Broadening the frame to include all players, I would depose that only Dan Marino was better or more accomplished at what he did.
One man's view of this franchise's 10 greatest players:
1. Marino; 2. Taylor; 3. Larry Little; 4. Larry Csonka; 5. Zach Thomas; 6. Mark Clayton; 7. Bob Griese; 8. Dick Anderson; 9. Nick Buoniconti; 10. Bob Kuechenberg.
The case that I omitted someone would be easier to sell me on than the argument I am rating Taylor too high. It might be too soon for some fans to see it, though. The divorce might be too raw, especially for that sizable faction of Dolfans who see Taylor in villain's clothes as he exits. As selfish for wanting out.
True enough the way Taylor left the Dolphins was neither neat nor sweet, but he's in good company. The franchise's twin titans, Don Shula and Marino, didn't exactly leave on their own terms and smiling, either. Csonka was called a traitor once, too, for jumping leagues.
Pain, anger, regret -- all of those things will fade, and let us more clearly see what we have lost in Taylor: the best we ever had at what he does. I believe he will make the Pro Football Hall of Fame someday, especially if his career continues productively in Washington beyond just one more season.
Taylor would be the only Dolphins defender other than Buoniconti to reach the Canton, Ohio, shrine, and Nick, history books remind us, was an established, seven-year Boston Patriots star before ever coming to Miami.
http://www.miamiherald.com/616/story/614240.html