Darrell Taylor didn’t know what to expect when the news arrived that the Seattle Seahawks were trading him. That team was the only one he’d known since getting drafted in the 2nd round three years ago. After 21.5 sacks over those three seasons, he felt he’d done enough to earn another year. However, a coaching change led to several system changes. New head coach Mike McDonald didn’t have any place for Taylor, which is why Seattle flipped him to the Chicago Bears for a 6th round pick.
The Bears needed pass rush help. They didn’t have enough depth behind Montez Sweat. Taylor has a strong track record for hunting quarterbacks. He filled a considerable void for them. The 26-year-old never could’ve imagined how his first game would unfold. Chicago fell behind 17-0 in the first half. Their offense couldn’t do anything. Taylor likely felt the game was over. However, an inspiring moment in the locker room led to a second-half surge that created a punt block touchdown and a pick-six touchdown to help erase the deficit for a 24-17 victory.
Taylor was in the middle of that, notching two sacks and a forced fumble that led to a crucial field goal to push the comeback. The defensive end let it fly when asked what he learned about his new team after that win.
“I learned that this team is resilient as fuck. I’m sorry that I’m saying that. But I have to. I learned this team is resilient as fuck. And everybody was in it. Nobody blinked an eye. Everybody was still excited. Any sudden change moment, we were ready to attack it. That just made me excited about everything we have going here.”
Darrell Taylor is already becoming a fan favorite.
Chicago has always loved players with out-there personalities who produce on the field and boast loads of character off it. Taylor clearly falls into that category. He doesn’t abide by the traditional way athletes are instructed to speak with the media. He’s his own person and wasn’t afraid to tell it like it is. His words also weren’t wrong. Only three teams in NFL history have overcome a 17-point deficit without the benefit of an offensive touchdown. The Bears have done it twice, first with the Monday Night Miracle in 2006 and now again last Sunday.
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Everybody knows how that win 18 years ago sparked the Bears’ eventual Super Bowl run. It might be premature to assume the same will happen this time, but there is no question it’s had a gigantic impact on the locker room. Darrell Taylor has only been around for a few weeks and is already showing the energy and intensity the Bears push in the locker room every year. It is no wonder the team liked him. They knew he could be a sparkplug they were missing. His comments suggest he is eager to assume that role.
It is unnecessary for Taylor to use those words.
What’s next, unmarried intercourse? The marijuana?? Children are watching him.
@Dr. Melhus – Almost nothing since? DomRob has done a grand total of nothing since that first game in the slop against Trey Lance; nothing! He should not be on this team. Taylor looks different. He actually looks like a legitimate stud on the edge—fast, quick, good use of hands, and able to read and react to run/pass. The big knock on him in Seattle is he couldn’t defend the run. Watch the tape, he did a great job against the run as well. Yes, it’s just 1 game, but there is actually something on that side of the line… Read more »
I guess I can handle a barbaric Hyena as long as he is strip sacking the QB.
Shoot, Doc. If he has 5 sacks by week 7, I’ll be excited.
Ryan Poles is really quietly building up the DE position with young up and coming players. No big name overpaid guys like Yannick do nothing NG, who everyone was clamoring for. I said many times Poles wasn’t doing that again. Thankfully I got that one right. Excited for the future with Taylor and Booker. Both ascending players. DeMarcus Walker also played like his hair was on fire….D line really coming along.