Dolphins Defensive End Jason Taylor took a lesson from Florida coach Urban Meyer. If you complain about the competition, you could increase the chances of getting what you want. Although deserving of defensive player of the year honors, Taylor helped fuel the demise of Shawn Merriman's candidacy when he spoke out about the Chargers' star's supsension. Others spoke out in agreement, which certainly sparked debate whether a player who missed time due to punishment should be eligible for postseason awards. It is refreshing to see the voters hold players' accountable for breaking rules. Merriman, despite a league high 17 sacks in only 12 games, finished a distant third to Taylor and Broncos CB Champ Bailey.
Unfortunately, the story will be about Merriman's cheating more so than Taylor's fine season. Miami may have played well below expectations, but Taylor made plays all over the field. His 13 1/2 sacks were only a tiny portion of why he earned the award. Despite playing mostly as a down lineman, he recorded two interceptions which he returned for touchdowns. Taylor the turnover machine did not stop there. He forced ten fumbles, along with two recoveries. He essentially touched the ball more often than Dolphins receivers this season. Departed coach Nick Saban can only dream he gets to coach this kind of talent at Alabama.
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Taylor's open criticising of Merriman gets me thinking about how the fans should deal with the steroid controversy. Can we automatically assume that Taylor never juiced simply because he decided to call out Merriman? Was that his intention all along?
I think you're missing the real story going on here. If we take for granted that Merriman, of the University of Maryland, is the best defensive player in the league, and did not win the award only because of the positive test, it is further evidence of the changing tide in ACC football. Clearly the Maryland Terps and Wake Forest Deacs have risen to the top of the conference, while the U and the FSU linger at the bottom, along with perrenial underachiever Virginia Tech. Who knows what to make out of this--clearly the ACC is a beacon of mediocrity.
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