Ike Taylor Eyes Hawaii

[.GR]

Ike Taylor wants to travel "across the water" and become the first Steelers cornerback to reach the Pro Bowl since Rod Woodson in 1997.

The Steelers have a long tradition of elite cornerbacks, dating to Hall of Famer Mel Blount.

Taylor realizes he has big shoes to fill.

"Rod Woodson went to the Pro Bowl as a returner, cornerback, safety," Taylor said. "Mel Blount changed the game. They put in the five-yard rule (because of Blount). Everybody knows them.

"It's about that time (for me). I just want to be one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL."

Taylor, 28, is entering his fourth season as a starter. His role is expanding this season as coach Mike Tomlin plans on moving him to right cornerback to better utilize his one-on-one coverage skills.

Most of the NFL's elite receivers now line up opposite the right cornerback. Some of the receivers Taylor will be matched against this season include Andre Johnson (Texans), Braylon Edwards (Browns), Chad Johnson (Bengals), Plaxico Burress (Giants), Reggie Wayne (Colts), Randy Moss (Patriots) and Terrell Owens (Cowboys).

Taylor knows he won't receive a better opportunity to prove he belongs among the league's top cornerbacks.

"I've talked about going across the water (to Hawaii) for the longest (time). It's to the point where something's got to change. That's just how I feel," said Taylor, who led the Steelers in interceptions and was second on the team in tackles and passes defensed in 2007.

"People say, 'Ike can be that lock-down corner, but ... there's always a but. I get tired of hearing those buts."

Taylor knows the only way to silence his critics is to pad his interception total.

Taylor has seven career interceptions but admits he should have more.

Earlier in his career, Taylor may have thought too much about his assignments. Over time, the game has slowed down for Taylor, allowing him to utilize his talent.

"I want to get a feel for the game and analyze what (opponents) are doing early," Taylor said.

Taylor always had the physical skills. He ran a 4.24 in the 40-yard dash this summer while training at Walt Disney's Wide World of Sports - a time that would make him the fastest player on the Steelers, not to mention one of the fastest in the NFL.

To put Taylor's performance in perspective, Tennessee rookie Chris Johnson clocked a 4.24 at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, the fastest time in combine history.

Now-retired Deion Sanders ran a 4.27 at the combine. Woodson was right behind Sanders at 4.28.

Taylor, a fourth-round draft pick in 2003 who wasn't invited to the combine, posted his mind-numbing time this summer following a dare.

"When he got out to the track, some of the guys were talking smack," said Tom Shaw, the speed and conditioning coach at Walt Disney's Wide World of Sports.

"(Minnesota Vikings safety) Darren Sharper told him he couldn't run a 4.3 without warming up. Ike didn't stretch, didn't do anything. He just got out there and ended up cruising to a 4.24."

Taylor was able to transfer the running skills he perfected in Florida to the football field. His daily battles against Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes were the talk of training camp.

One of the tallest cornerbacks in the league at 6-foot-2 and weighing 195 pounds, Taylor helped Holmes perfect ways to escape the jam at the line of scrimmage.

Conversely, Taylor concentrated on keeping up with the elusive Holmes.

"He's stronger, he's faster, and he's worked on his hands like crazy," Taylor said. "I don't think anybody can take him one on one."

Taylor was being modest. He gave as good as he got against Holmes. The rest of the NFL should take note.

Wow, I didn't know Ike run a 4.24. WOW!

 

[JoshHoward5]

Of course he wants to be a pro bowler. Everybody does. >_>

 

[A.E]

Ike Taylor is no Rod Woodson. A solid defensive back...but has a hard time covering that #1 Receiver more times than not.

I believe Marvin Harrison still pwns Ike Taylor.

 

[Phenomenal TJ]

Harrison's not going to be pwning anyone for too much longer.

 

[A.E]

Harrison's not going to be pwning anyone for too much longer.

Please...just because he lost a step with age, which is natural, doesn't make the guy garbage.

What is with people forgetting how good this guy is? Why? Because of arthroscopic knee surgery?

 

[Phenomenal TJ]

Please...just because he lost a step with age, which is natural, doesn't make the guy garbage.

*sigh*

When and where did I say he was garbage? I didn't. So, don't put words in my mouth.

What is with people forgetting how good this guy is? Why? Because of arthroscopic knee surgery?

Name three receivers that have had arthroscopic knee surgery and still been just as good as they were prior to it. You can't can you?

Harrison's good, but he's no longer an elite receiver. Last year proved that. Plus, he's not exactly the epitome of class that we once thought he was, now is he?