 |
 |
 |
|
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -Fred Taylor has been around the NFL long enough to dispel conventional notions.
Yes, the Jaguars rank near the bottom of the league in yards rushing, have only two offensive touchdowns and, not surprisingly given those stats, are 0-2.
He couldn't care less. The 11-year-veteran won't even use old cliches to motivate his younger teammates as they embark on a new mission Sunday.
"Must win, it's the stupidest phrase ever invented," Taylor said. "Why would you want to lose at anything?"
Besides, this is Indianapolis, the team Jacksonville has been chasing for half a decade in the AFC South.
The Colts have won five straight division titles, with Jacksonville finishing second three times in that span. The Jags never envisioned this year's quest to dethrone Indy would include so many early obstacles.
-Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, the vaunted one-two running tandem, have combined for 97 yards rushing and one touchdown in two weeks. A year ago, they were getting that much in a half.
-They've already lost both starting guards, Vince Manuwai and Maurice Williams, for the season because of injuries, and the offensive line was so depleted, Jacksonville re-signed veteran Chris Naeole this week.
-That staunch run defense? It's struggling, too. Opponents are rushing for 106 yards per game.
Just numbers to Taylor.
Now comes the high-stakes poker game. Win and the Jags are back in the division chase and tied with the Colts (1-1). Lose and they're two back in the loss column and down a chip in the head-to-head matchup that could break a tie at season's end.
Taylor isn't worried.
"I'm enthused," he said. "I'm excited we're going up there. We have young guys in there, but they're not backing down from anyone. It's my job as a veteran leader to reiterate it, 'Hey, we have to go, we have to go, you're all we've got.' "
