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Notebook
Taylor Looks Like He Belongs With First String

By Jason La Canfora
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, August 22, 2004; Page E06

MIAMI, Aug. 21 -- Safety Sean Taylor's homecoming to south Florida on Saturday night provided the rookie with an instant highlight as he earned his first start in the Washington Redskins' 17-0 victory over the Miami Dolphins at Pro Player Stadium. Taylor, the fifth overall pick from the University of Miami, made an impact in his first two exhibition games, when he was with the reserves, and he was moved ahead of free safety Andre Lott into the starting lineup against Miami.

As usual, Taylor quickly made his mark. He was all over the place on the Dolphins' first drive, chasing down ball carriers. Early in the drive wide receiver Chris Chambers caught a pass in front of Taylor, and the rookie was called for an illegal contact penalty that negated a third-down sack by Antonio Pierce and gave the Dolphins a first down. Taylor would more than atone for that mistake, however, as he single-handedly stalled the Dolphins' drive.

After Chambers caught a pass between the hash marks in Washington territory, Taylor cracked into him, leading with his shoulder. Chambers fumbled the ball and Taylor scooped it up and headed upfield. Chambers remained on his back for several minutes and was eventually helped to his feet by a teammate.

Coach Joe Gibbs was duly impressed, saying: "He covers a lot of ground and he's a playmaker back there. We're really pleased; we think we got ourselves a real good one there."

Taylor has made a big play in every appearance with the Redskins, picking off two passes and returning one for a touchdown in his debut, and forcing a fumble last Saturday against Carolina. He is slated to be the Week 1 starter after beginning training camp with the third string.

"It's working out pretty smooth right now -- I just have to take it step by step, and making plays is part of that," said Taylor.

Trade Winds Blow

The Redskins inquired about Miami pass-rushing specialist Adewale Ogunleye before the Dolphins agreed to trade the unsigned restricted free agent to Chicago in exchange for wide receiver Marty Booker and a third-round pick, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Redskins officials denied approaching the Dolphins about Ogunleye -- a player they have long coveted who would fill a need on the defensive line -- but owner Daniel Snyder contacted agent Drew Rosenhaus and was willing to meet the $12 million signing bonus Ogunleye is demanding, according to the source, but the Redskins did not have the personnel available to fill Miami's needs.

The Bears were still negotiating with Rosenhaus into the night, trying to agree to terms, as Miami extended a deadline by which Chicago had the right to negotiate with the player. Should it fall through the Redskins could make more offers, but lack the proven offensive players the Dolphins covet after losing star running back Ricky Williams (retirement) and wide receiver David Boston (season-ending injury). Washington can dangle draft picks, but the Dolphins are seeking immediate help.

Washington's defensive line turned in a strong performance, preventing the Dolphins from moving the ball and consistently pressuring the quarterback, something it failed to do last season.

Harris Makes Debut

Cornerback Walt Harris made his debut for the Redskins. He was coming off of major knee surgery at the time he was signed in the offseason and returned to practice last week. . . . Cornerback Shawn Springs left in the first quarter suffering from a stomach virus and did not return. . . . Wide receiver Laveranues Coles suffered a minor rib injury and linebacker Kevin Mitchell suffered a minor hand injury. . . .

Linebackers LaVar Arrington (knee sprain) and Mike Barrow (tendinitis in knee), wide receiver Darnerien McCants (ankle), tight end Fred Baxter (knee), cornerback Rashad Bauman (hamstring), linebacker Chris Clemons (hamstring), wide receiver Cliff Russell (hamstring) and running back Ladell Betts (hamstring) did not accompany the team to Miami. Arrington is expected to return to practice Monday, while Barrow, another starter, has been out for most of camp.