Slowly but surely, Taylor finding niche

By Joseph White

The Associated Press

ASHBURN

Jason Taylor, still trying to find his way to grocery stores and dry cleaners in his new Northern Virginia surroundings, said he hasn't noticed the Washington Redskins fans who are proudly wearing his burgundy and gold No. 55 jersey.

As for his "Dancing With the Stars" fans? Well, he couldn't avoid them if he tried.

"You'd be surprised," Taylor said. "Whether it's older ladies or middle-aged women or young girls, the show reached a lot of people. Everywhere I go. I was at the gas station last night and a lady and her daughter said 'Hello' and 'You were great on "Dancing with the Stars."' They don't know I play football half the time, which is fine."

One month after his arrival, Taylor admitted he is "still trying to fit in" with his new teammates after spending 11 years with the Miami Dolphins.

"I'm not at ease yet," Taylor said. "I feel a little more comfortable, enjoying the guys."

Taylor ate lunch Tuesday with Clinton Portis and Shawn Springs, exchanging stories about their experiences with different teams. He has been peppering Portis with questions about the area, asking the running back for directions and such.

But one of his most important developing relationships is with fellow defensive end Andre Carter. Taylor (11 sacks last season) and Carter (10.5) should form Washington's most imposing pass-rushing tandem since Marco Coleman and Bruce Smith in 2000. Comparisons have already been made to the Michael Strahan-Osi Umenyiora combo that helped lead the New York Giants to a Super Bowl title last season.

"I think there's the start of a chemistry, but it takes time to develop that," Taylor said. "The more you can play together, the better that chemistry is. The biggest thing is I think we're similar in a lot of ways. I think we can both bring the pressure off the edges."

Taylor and Carter have frequently switched sides on the defensive line - sometimes they do it in practice without telling the coaches - so offensive tackles are going to have to study both players. Needless to say, no offense can constantly double-team both.

Taylor said he and Carter are comparing notes as they move back and forth between right end and left end in their limited preseason action.

As a veteran of six Pro Bowls and a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Taylor is expected to provide locker room leadership, but he needs to get a better pulse of the team's psyche before saying too much.

"I think people get the idea of being a leader a little messed up," Taylor said. "A leader just doesn't come in and start saying things and breaking chalkboards and throwing bottles around the locker room. It starts with your play. I'm not a big rah-rah guy. That's high school stuff, the pregame talks and 'Win one for the Gipper.'

"I'd rather go out there and play hard and show them the way to do it. There comes a time where you have to stand up and grab someone by the facemask and get things going - and that just comes naturally. I think when you talk too much, you lose credibility. When you do the right thing, your words carry a lot more weight."

Taylor said the trade from the rebuilding Dolphins to a potential playoff team has invigorated him. Before the trade, he was considering retirement after this season but, after the deal, he said he plans to fulfill his current contract and play two more seasons.

Asked Tuesday if he'd be with the Redskins next year, he said: "I have no idea. I hope I'm here tomorrow. It's a day at a time in this league.

"Life is so short, so I'm going to enjoy this media session and go get ready to practice and enjoy that - and hopefully see you tomorrow."