Sunday, August 25, 2024

Proof That Darrell Taylor Is A Bigger Steal Than You Think

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Last year, the Chicago Bears traded a 6th round pick for guard Dan Feeney. Nobody thought much of it at the time. It was purely a depth move. This year, they did the same thing, sending a 6th rounder to Seattle for edge rusher Darrell Taylor. It would be easy for people to have the same reaction. He’s nothing more than a depth option. However, people should know by now that all trades aren’t created equal. There are good reasons to think that Taylor will not only have a much bigger impact than Feeney but could be an outright steal.

For one, the former 2nd round pick has been productive. He has 21.5 sacks over three seasons in the NFL. That is not insignificant. It means he should be able to get you around 5-6 sacks every year. That is everything you could want from a rotational pass rusher. Where it gets interesting is in one key detail. Joining the Bears means Taylor will play in a 4-3 defense for the first time since his rookie year in 2021. That is something the man himself admitted he is excited about.

It isn’t hard to understand why.

Darrell Taylor is at his best in attack mode.

When the Seahawks drafted him, he played under defensive coordinator Ken Norton, who ran a 4-3 system. Taylor had 6.5 sacks, 8 QB hits, and 36 pressures. A year later, Norton was fired. His replacement, Clint Hurtt, shifted the team to a 3-4 defense. That meant Taylor had to play outside linebacker instead of defensive end. While he did have 9.5 sacks in 2022, he only had 27 pressures and 4 QB hits. Last season wasn’t any better, with 5.5 sacks, 3 QB hits, and 27 pressures. Part of the problem was the new scheme gave him around 40 fewer rush opportunities per year, reducing his overall impact.

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That won’t be the case in the Bears’ defense. Matt Eberflus runs a Tampa-2 variation that demands the defensive line constantly shoot gaps, disrupting the opposing backfield. That is where Darrell Taylor is at his best. His quickness, burst, and athleticism make him a challenge for tackles when he gets up the field. Chicago likely recognized that when they pursued the trade for him.

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Chubbs23
Chubbs23
Aug 25, 2024 9:33 pm

Another actual review of woke Sally: If you have any chance NOT to take this required course from Sallie, take it. This guy is a joke, his “method” is rambling on vaguely and superficially dancing around concepts of IR, totally unprepared for class sessions. Plays the sympathy card come every professor review time,(2nd class I’ve taken)and hands out a brutal final to kill your grade.

Dr. Steven Sallie
Dr. Steven Sallie
Aug 25, 2024 3:58 pm

Actual only has one l letter not two genius.

Rocketrider
Rocketrider
Aug 25, 2024 3:44 pm

Lies sally? Got this review off the Rate my professor .com anyone can look it up. No lies. Just the facts. But you can’t handle the truth. I read what the students said. “Luckily for BSU, this guy is gone! Unfortunately, this did not happen until after I took his class.”

Tred
Tred
Aug 25, 2024 12:11 pm

I think the two trades that Poles made this week are reasonable. I think that these players represent needed depth, and you can make an argument that the price wasn’t too high. But like any other move by any GM, you can only really judge them fairly in retrospect. If we win, then all is good. If we lose, or fail to take a meaningful step towards being a championship team, then these moves will be looked at as trading away draft capital for no purpose. It’s that simple. It’s always that simple. Winning makes you a genius. Failure makes… Read more »

Last edited 9 hours ago by Tred
Hehateme30
Aug 25, 2024 10:30 am

I like this trade. Bears have other pics in the sixth round to use as they see fit be at a trade or a draft. Taylor himself says he’s happy and excited to be back playing in a 4-3 defense. I like this trade. Bears have other pics in the sixth round to use as they see fit be at a trade or a draft. Taylor himself says he’s happy and excited to be back playing in a 4-3 defense because that means he’ll be moving forward. Clearly, he excelled as a rookie in Ken Norton’s 4–3 defense. I do… Read more »

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