JPM36 wrote:I consider the "core" guys to be the guys we build around. The foundation of the team.
Sean Taylor was the 5th overall pick in last year's draft and had an outstanding rookie season, establishing himself as a punishing hitter with way above average cover skills. He might also be one of the 5 best athletes in the entire NFL. Sure he looked a little green from time to time but what rookie doesnt?
To say he isn't a core guy on this team is ridiculous.
And Shawn Springs should be on everyones list too. He became the 3rd player in NFL history to lead a team in picks and sacks and did so on a defense that was ranked #2 in the NFL. He also shut down the immortal Terrell Owens not once but twice this year (with Taylor's help of course) He is definitely part of the Redskins foundation.
the only way for me to debate you on this issue is that I think Gibbs means core as in a guy who will be on the team the next 10 years. A good, consistent, solid team guy. This is no given for Sean Taylor. I can easily see Sean going the way of Bailey and likely Smoot. Before the season even started, he was bitching about his contract. This may not turn out to be the real Sean, but we don't know that. Until he starts showing signs of maturity and loyalty, we won't be able to tell if he's a core guy or not.
Also, Springs is a borderline core guy to me. I think he probably is, but I don't know enough about his work ethic and attitude to determine that. As far as I can tell, he is a core guy though.