Dave Wannstedt knows why Jason Taylor was swept into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first try and nothing was more evident than that fifth game of the 2000 season.
“Dick LeBeau was coaching in Cincinnati, the first season at Paul Brown Stadium,” recalled Wannstedt, then Miami Dolphins coach. “They had the lead with two minutes to go in the half. We were not playing well. I said, ‘Somebody has to step up and make a play!’ “
Consider it done.
“The next series, they drop back to throw. Jason sets up the tackle, uses his speed and smarts, comes underneath him, hits Akili Smith, causes the fumble, picks it up and runs into the end zone for a touchdown.