Redskins Rookie Taylor Finds Comfort on Field

Redskins safety Sean Taylor has shown that his playmaking abilities were not left in college as he has two interceptions and one forced fumble in two preseason games. (Ron Schwane - AP)

Although Taylor didn't speak to the media for the first two weeks of training camp, he was at ease interacting with fans and signing autographs after each practice.

"When I came from Miami, I was never a person where they always had a microphone in front of my face but nonetheless I gave interviews," Taylor said. "And just coming to a new city, I don't want to be the one that's in the media every day saying I'm the best player and I can do this and I can do that."

Taylor added: "You just have to get to know me. I'm a good guy, man. It's hard for me to take trust in people. . . . In a perfect world everybody would be trustworthy. But everybody isn't, so I take precautions."

Taylor made his NFL preseason debut on the second unit during Washington's 20-17 victory over the Denver Broncos on Aug. 9. In a game replete with penalties and other gaffes, Taylor showed polish as the Redskins best performer, intercepting two passes despite limited playing time.

During a 23-20 loss to the Carolina Panthers last week, Taylor sparkled after entering the game in the second quarter, viciously tackling tailback DeShaun Foster to force a fumble that was recovered by Carolina.

The performances haven't catapulted Taylor into a starting role, which he will almost certainly capture by Sept. 12, Washington's regular season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedEx Field. Taylor's rare combination of size, speed and strength appear to make him a can't-miss prospect.

"Nobody questions his physical gifts," Williams said. "He's got to get into the mental part of the ball game at this level."

Entering his third NFL game back home, there's no doubt that Taylor has made great strides on and off the field.

"People that have been around me know that I'm a player who plays the game with a passion," Taylor said, "and I go out there and give all I have and I do nothing more than love the fans and love the team I play for.

"Life is a learning process. Everybody learns."