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Taylor's memory survivingtime test

November 28, 2009 12:35 am

BY RICH CAMPBELL

ASHBURN

A sheet of Plexiglass preserves this lasting tribute to the former Redskins safety, who died two years ago yesterday from a gunshot wound he suffered in his Miami home. The locker bears Taylor's nameplate across the front, just like every other stall inside the room. Inside are his practice jersey, some equipment and a game ball--just as they were two years ago.

Against that backdrop, Moss spoke about the second anniversary of Taylor's death. He and several other players said the team didn't mark the occasion as a group, but some did on their own.

"I didn't do nothing special," Moss said. "I don't like to go back to it. I speak to him when I can, mostly every day, so it's not like this particular day is different."

"I have my little thing that I do personally every year to pay my respects to Sean," running back Rock Cartwright added. "He's definitely missed. There's a not a day that goes by here when I don't think about him."

Players marveled at the notion that two years have passed since Taylor was killed at age 24 during what police believe was a botched robbery attempt. The Redskins have undergone some significant changes in that time. Not only did they hire head coach Jim Zorn last season, 22 of their 53 players didn't play with Taylor.

"Time flies," Cartwright said.

The organization spraypainted Taylor's No. 21 on a grassy area at FedEx Field yesterday and invited fans to leave flowers, cards and signs in memoriam.

As for Taylor's locker--which also is preserved inside FedEx Field--count Cartwright among those who is glad to see that tribute continue.

"He was a big part of this organization," he said. "It should never be taken down, regardless of who the coach is or whatever players are here."

ROGERS A STARTER AGAIN

Cornerback Carlos Rogers will start in place of DeAngelo Hall against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, head coach Jim Zorn said. Hall will miss the game due to a sprained knee he suffered last Sunday against Dallas.

Rogers was demoted from the starting lineup for one game following his benching in the first quarter of a win over Denver on Nov. 15. That isn't providing him with an extra motivation, though.

"I'm not going into the game with an attitude of showing you," Rogers said. "I know I can play, and they know it, too. I've just got to take advantage of my opportunity. All I've got to do is put something good on film."

Rogers will have a chance to redeem himself against Philadelphia wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who beat Rogers with a double move for a 57-yard touchdown in the Eagles' 27-17 win over Washington on Oct. 26.

Losing Hall figures to be a significant detriment for a Redskins defense that is tied for last in the NFL with only six interceptions. Hall has accounted for four of those.

It seems increasingly likely that Washington also will be without defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (sprained left ankle) for the second straight week. He missed all three practices this week, and his availability will be determined on Sunday morning, Zorn said.

THOMAS NOW A RETURNER

Wide receiver Devin Thomas said he expects to take all of the Redskins' kickoff returns against Philadelphia. Primary returner Rock Cartwright will start at running back, and letting Thomas return kicks would help decrease the pounding on Cartwright.

Thomas' 25.7-yard average on three returns this season is about three yards greater than Cartwright's. On Thomas' season-long 38-yard return against Dallas last week, he showed some impressive speed and an ability to break tackles--attributes that Cartwright hasn't consistently displayed in that role.

"It's just another opportunity for me to get that ball and make a big play," Thomas said. "Of course, you know I'm ready for that."

DEFENSE VOWS CONTROL

The Redskins defense will emphasize the importance preventing big plays against Philadelphia on Sunday because of the two they surrendered during their first meeting this season.

The Eagles gained only 262 yards of offense in a 10-point win in Washington last month, and 124 of those were accounted for on two long touchdowns--a 67-yard run and 57-yard catch, both by receiver DeSean Jackson.

"We have to make them be patient, run the ball, use their control passing game and not the big shots," safeties coach Steve Jackson said.

Washington would be well-served if free safety LaRon Landry could duplicate his standout performance from last week's loss against Dallas.

Landry played one of his best games of the season. He fulfilled his deep responsibilities in the passing game, didn't miss tackles in the run game and even doled out a few hits on some receivers running down the field.

"[Landry] has instincts and the natural ability to be a strong, aggressive guy, but as a free safety, you've got to be more calculated, and you've got to be more risk-taking, but in the right time," secondary coach Jerry Gray said. "You can't just waste a lot of bullets, and I thought he did a great job of not wasting plays like he did the week before."

The Eagles scored 13 of their points off turnovers in the first meeting, so Washington's defense believes it can limit them by sticking to a similar game plan.

"Good teams really don't make [wholesale] changes, and we're not going to make a [wholesale] change on defense, and I don't think they're going to make a [wholesale] change on offense," Gray said. "Whoever schemes the best is going to win those games."

INJURY UPDATE

Fullback Mike Sellers hurt his hamstring early in yesterday's practice and sat out the rest of the session. Zorn believes he will play on Sunday.

Tight end Todd Yoder (toe) and linebacker H.B. Blades (knee) were limited in yesterday's practice but are expected to play.

Rich Campbell: 540/735-1974
Email: rcampbell@freelancestar.com