Taylor: Jags might be better in L.A.

ESPN.com news services
December 23, 2009


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor says the Jaguars might find themselves in Los Angeles and jokingly said he was putting in a bid for a job.

Taylor, who played with the Jaguars from 1998 until being released after the 2008 season, challenged Jaguars fans during a conference call on Wednesday by saying the team probably would be better off moving.

"Sometimes the truth hurts," said Taylor, who gets his first crack at his old team after missing 10 games with an ankle injury when he and the New England Patriots host the Jaguars Sunday. "It can be played either way in that the fans want the team to stay there, they have to show that they want the team to stay there."

Taylor, participated fully in practice Wednesday for the first time since being sidelined, said the league has made it clear a team eventually will be in Los Angeles and because of attendance problems, the Jaguars might be the choice.

"I don't know what's going to be a decision maker or breaker but you look at average attendance and whatever have you at the end of the day they're going to find a team to take out there," he said. "I don't want to offend anyone. Never do, but you've got to be realistic."

Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said his former back has always been one to speak his mind.

"Fred has always been a great interview because he speaks straight from the heart and he's not trying to be politically correct," Del Rio said. "That's what he feels and it's entertaining reading."

As far as any potential move goes, Del Rio said he will support whatever decision team owner Wayne Weaver makes.

"I'm an employee of his," Del Rio said. "Whatever he wants to do, my personal feelings are not part of it, my duty is to do the best I can in my role as head coach."

Before suggesting a possible move to Los Angeles, Taylor found himself in a sparring match with Del Rio.

Taylor, who is Jacksonville's all-time leading rusher with 11,271 yards, drew a rebuff from Del Rio after a Florida Times-Union report. Taylor said there is plenty of veteran leadership leading the way in New England, more film watching and quizzes with the Patriots than he experienced with the Jaguars.

"I saw [Taylor's comments], and I said that's really great because he pointed out the leadership there shows the way and I think he was referring to veteran players," Del Rio said. "So, that's what we're looking to instill in our veteran players, and evidently he wasn't that veteran leader here having our guys watch the tape. So, we're going to work on getting the veteran leaders that are now here to have our guys watching more tape because he provided the blueprint."

Even though both Del Rio and Taylor say they have no hard feelings, the player said the comment stung.

"A smidgen," he said. "A little piece of me didn't" like it.

Taylor explained he didn't mean the Patriots had a hold on all film watching and the quizzes come from coach Bill Belichick's style. He also insisted he wasn't taking shots at Del Rio.

"Never, never, never," he said. "I would never take a shot at him. You never burn bridges. Why would I burn bridges? I would never say that even if I felt that way. I have no problems with Jack, I really don't."

Taylor says him the tone of his comments were lost in the translation.

"It's kind of like a text message," Taylor explained. "He didn't hear my tone, he didn't know if I was laughing or joking. He didn't hear any of that."

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Rookie Focus: Brian Orakpo a rare bright spot for Redskins

By Tom Pedulla
December 23, 2009


It has been another chaotic, disappointing season for the Washington Redskins, who dropped to 4-10 after Monday night's loss to the New York Giants.

Bruce Allen, recently hired as general manager, is considering changes that could include the ouster of head coach Jim Zorn. Vinny Cerrato, executive vice president for football operations, has already emptied his office after too many free agent signings and draft choices were unable to fulfill their billing.

While the body of work may have been lacking, Cerrato could not have been more correct when Washington drafted Brian Orakpo 13th overall with the hope that the versatile defensive end and linebacker would add bite to the Redskins' pass rush. He paces all rookies with 11 sacks and has quickly become one of those players that quarterbacks must account for at all times.


USA TODAY takes a closer look at Orakpo:

THE PLAYER

Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 260

Hometown: Houston

College highlights: Swept Nagurski Trophy (nation's top defensive player), Lombardi Award (top lineman) and Hendricks Award (top defensive end) for the University of Texas in 2008. Unanimous first-team All-America selection last year. Concluded Texas career with 132 tackles (93 solo), 22 sacks, 38 tackles for a loss, 62 pressures, six passes defensed, six forced fumbles and one fumble recovery despite battling knee injury throughout 2007 season.

Scouting report: Greatest asset is rare strength he possesses. Named nation's top workout warrior by ESPN. Bench presses 515 pounds, squats 600 pounds and power cleans 380 pounds. Has lightning-quick jump off the line of scrimmage. Strong tackler. Had reputation during college career of not playing at top speed all the time.

Quotable: "The thing about Orakpo is this — he's mature. He's so much more mature than any other rookie I've had in years…This guy walks in here and he prepares like a man." —Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache, quoted by WashingtonPost.com

THE PERSON

Role model: "My mother, Gloria Orakpo, for the hard work she put in her whole life. She came from Nigeria and started life all over again. She's been a strong point in our family."

Favorite off-field activity: "I watch every movie I can. I like action movies. Casino, with Robert DeNiro, is one of my favorites."

Greatest strength: "Probably my maturity. I'm able to handle situations at a young age and be successful doing so."

Greatest weakness: "Maybe being a little too blunt and not knowing how to hold stuff back."

On sacks: "I would like to be winning and getting sacks as well. That's the downfall in this thing."

On exceptional strength: "My Nigerian genes, I like to tell people. Basically, it's just working hard, putting in a lot of time in the weight room."

Redskins future: "I think our future is bright regardless of the circumstances. We have a new general manager and next season I think there is going to be a push to be one of the best teams in the league. We have a team that doesn't quit."

Life after football: "I was thinking about some administrative type of job in football."

NFL dream: "At the end of the day, I want to be in the conversation as one of the premier pass-rushers of all-time in this league. It's a tall tree to climb, but we'll see."

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