Fred Taylor News & Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

After 13 seasons, veteran back Taylor hints at retirement

April 12

NFL.com

"Running back Fred Taylor appears to be inching closer to a decision on his 13-year NFL career. Pat Dooley of the The Gainesville Sun tweeted Monday that Taylor told him he is "basically retired." Taylor last month told The Florida Times-Union that he's conflicted about retirement, and that last season's light workload -- 155 yards on 43 carries for the New England Patriots -- might have bought him an extra year or two in the backfield."

After 13 seasons, free-agent RB Taylor unsure about future

March 28

NFL.com

"Running back Fred Taylor isn't ready to call it quits. Taylor told The Florida Times-Union that he's conflicted about retirement, and that last season's light workload -- 155 yards on 43 carries for New England -- might have bought him an extra year or two in the backfield. After spending the past two seasons with the Patriots, Taylor will be a free agent if he decides to continue his 13-year NFL career."

Frustrated Taylor strongly suggests he's ready to retire

December 30

Boston Globe

"Fred Taylor has reported to Gillette Stadium every day, a smile on his face, ready to do whatever he can to help the Patriots. He has maintained a positive attitude amid one of his most trying seasons, and has done it so well he feels no one in or around the team has a true understanding of how frustrating his 13th NFL season has been. But to talk to Taylor, one gets the impression that this could be his last season. He said yesterday that the time for him to call it a career is "extremely'' close."

Odd times for Fred Taylor

December 23

Boston Herald

"Fred Taylor has seen just about everything over a career that has spanned 13 seasons and 151 games. But last Sunday against the Packers, he experienced something he'd never been through before. The Patriots veteran running back was a healthy scratch for the first time ever. "Ever," Taylor told the Herald, pausing for emphasis. "But there's time for a lot of firsts. Last week was my first time practicing in the snow. Yeah, I don't read into it any type of way, other than that's how the numbers count came about." Relegated to fourth-string thanks to sitting out most of the year with turf toe, the 34-year-old is realistic. Told some veterans would be insulted by such a situation (as"

Fred Taylor active for first time since Week 3

November 25

Boston Globe

"RB Fred Taylor is active for the first time since Week 3 when he suffered a toe injury. Safety Jarrad Page also is active for the first time after missing five weeks with a calf injury. The Patriots inactives include: DL Brandon Deaderick, OL Mark LeVoir (elbow), OL Rich Ohrnberger, OL Stephen Neal (shoulder), WR Taylor Price, DL Myron Pryor (back), CB Jonathan Wilhite (hip) and DL Mike Wright (neck/concussion)."

Fred Taylor buys some time

November 15

Boston Herald

"Maybe Fred Taylor [stats] was truly ready to play last night against the Steelers after missing the previous four games with turf toe-related issues on both feet. Maybe he wasn't. Maybe Patriots coach Bill Belichick figured going up against the best rushing defense in the league, Taylor's presence wouldn't be significantly better than the tandem of BenJarvus green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead. It's possible the game plan dictated one more week of rest, and having Taylor good-to-go next week against the Indianapolis Colts, a team that has struggled against the run. Heading into yesterday, the Colts were ranked 29th in rush defense, allowing 140.9 yards per game. Keeping the ball away from"

Fred Taylor won't toe the line

November 14

Boston Herald

"Fred Taylor's optimism didn't pave the way for him to see the field tonight against the Steelers. And guard Stephen Neal, who would have been blocking for the veteran running back, is a surprise scratch as well. The Patriots waited until late last night before announcing Taylor, Neal and nose tackle Myron Pryor all will miss the game. They join safety Jarrad Page as four of the inactive players. Taylor hasn't suited up since developing turf toe against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3. But he did practice this week on a limited basis. "Haven't been any setbacks, been a productive week," Taylor said Friday. "Do I think I could play? You're talking about the Steelers, man. Pittsburgh. In a good"

Fred Taylor's afoot in Foxboro

November 11

Boston Herald

"Fred Taylor [stats] stood in the middle of the throng of reporters, microphones shoved near his face. And the Patriots [team stats] running back, who stopped on the way to a weight-lifting session at Gillette Stadium, seemed downright giddy. "I'm excited just to be able to be here talking to you guys," said Taylor while conducting his first interview in a month and a half. A compliment for reporters? Hardly. As the Pats prepared to play the Steelers on Sunday night in Pittsburgh, Taylor was just considering the alternative. When he first went down with a toe injury in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills, Taylor believed he knew his reality. At 34 years old, battling turf toe, he cringed when"

Taylor ruled out because of toe injury

October 3

Boston Globe

"The Patriots will be without their top running back tomorrow night against Miami, as Fred Taylor yesterday was ruled out because of a toe injury. The 34-year old Taylor left the game against the Bills last week in the second half because of the injury, which had limited him in practice. This week, he missed all four days of practice. Asked Friday if Taylor's injury was serious, coach Bill Belichick said, "We'll see.''"

Fred Taylor not suited to play

October 3

Boston Herald

"The Patriots will face the Dolphins tomorrow night without running back Fred Taylor, a reality they prepared for all last week. Taylor, who has been battling a toe injury for two weeks, missed his fourth consecutive practice yesterday. The team officially ruled him out shortly afterward. That means Miami will see plenty of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who impressed last week with 98 yards rushing against the Bills. "However many reps you take, you still have to be ready," Green-Ellis said. That Taylor will miss the game is no surprise. Coach Bill Belichick had added Thomas Clayton to his running back group Thursday. Asked if that was related to Taylor's toe injury, Belichick said, "Yeah,"

Fred Taylor has proven staying power

September 17

Boston Herald

"Three years. That's how long Fred Taylor wanted to play in the National Football League. That was 12 years ago. It was 1998, and Taylor, a first-round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, was in his first NFL camp. He was 22, from Belle Glade, Fla. His coach, Tom Coughlin, was 52, and from the Stone Age. "After experiencing Camp Coughlin, I said I only wanted to play three years," Taylor said yesterday morning at Gillette Stadium. "And then I'd go home to little ol' Belle Glade and chill out there." As the events of the past 10 days have played out, Fred Taylor, having long since betrayed his three-and-out pledge, is very much at the center of things as the Patriots prepare for Sunday's"

Running start for RBs

August 22

Boston Herald

"The Patriots boasted two runs of 20 yards or more in Thursday night's preseason win against the Falcons, and both plays shared a similar characteristic. They featured downfield blocking commitment from a receiver. On Fred Taylor's 28-yard scamper, it was Julian Edelman who sprung him once he hit the hole and turned a moderate gain into a touchdown. On Sammy Morris' 20-yard score, he followed Brandon Tate to the goal line as the second-year receiver blocked his man for nearly 10 yards. "Oh yeah, runs like that definitely come from downfield blocking," Morris said. "I didn't see all of Fred's, but I know on mine, Brandon Tate and Sam Aiken did a great job of blocking, obviously. I think"

Fred Taylor a 'crazy' veteran

August 4

Boston Herald

"Checking in at age 34, with 12 NFL seasons already under his belt, only one thing has kept Fred Taylor driven through the current string of two-a-days Patriots coach Bill Belichick has cooked up for his players. "You gotta have a crazy button," Taylor said yesterday. "You gotta be able to press that button and just get up and do it. I mean, this is my 13th year, I'm blessed. I thank God for it, and the fact that I love playing football, that's why I'm here." Beyond the crazy button, the veteran running back, who looks to be fighting to keep his roster spot, has a routine down that's allowed him to meet the demands and rigors of camp every year. "The thing is, you gotta develop a routine"

Taylor a model camper

August 4

Boston Globe

"Fred Taylor knows what it takes to get through the mental and physical grind of an NFL training camp after surviving a dozen of them. It's a lengthy list. "You've got to develop a routine throughout camp,'' the former Jacksonville Jaguar said yesterday. "With the massages, with working with the training staff, the cold tubs, soaking in your room, [go to] sleep early, getting the proper amount of rest . . . protein shakes, eating right, I mean, fruit, veggies, whatever it is."

Redemption in mind

February 6

Boston Globe

"Running back Fred Taylor signed with the Patriots last offseason counting on making the same impact he had with the Jaguars for 11 seasons. Instead, he endured a season mostly watching from the sideline. "I feel like I let some people down, including myself,'' Taylor said yesterday at the Super Bowl media center. "But I've got another chance, another opportunity to prove myself.'' Taylor, who turned 34 Jan. 27, assumes he will return to the Patriots to finish his two-year contract. Any running back with 12 years of experience and 11,540 yards on his tires is seemingly a candidate for retirement."

Rested Taylor is eager to carry the load

January 6

Boston Globe

"After Oct. 4, the day his ankle rolled and he hobbled off the Gillette Stadium field, Fred Taylor sustained a jarring change to his daily life. Taylor had adhered to football's routine for all of his adult life, until it became embedded in him. This year, he swapped that for ankle surgery, cooped up day after day in the trainer's room. "How much can you ice?'' he said. With the tedium behind him, Taylor is grateful for having endured it. The Patriots could have placed him on injured reserve and ended his season. Instead, they kept him on the roster for the purpose he'll serve this week."

Fred Taylor ready to roll

January 6

Boston Herald

"The last time the Patriots played the Baltimore Ravens, Fred Taylor tore up his right ankle so badly he wasn't sure he would make it back before season's end, much less compete in the postseason. The veteran running back injured the ankle on his final carry during the Pats' Week 4 win at Gillette Stadium. Taylor had just come off a 100-yard game the previous week against Atlanta, and was poised to unseat Laurence Maroney as the lead back before suffering severe ligament damage in the ankle. With a passing game that's without Wes Welker, and a running game that can't trust Maroney at the goal line, the Pats could sure use the Taylor that existed before that fateful carry three months ago."

Gains by recovering Taylor

January 4

Boston Globe

"Fred Taylor continued his late-season resurgence with a solid performance in the Patriots' 34-27 loss to the Texans yesterday. Taylor missed 10 straight games recovering from surgery to repair ligament damage in his ankle suffered against Baltimore in Week 4. He returned to action last week against Jacksonville but didn't play until the fourth quarter, when he had 11 carries for 35 yards. Yesterday he was in for the entire game. "I felt pretty good, but I've still got a lot of work to do,'' Taylor said."

Fred Taylor makes some memories at reunion

December 28

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Patriots tailback Fred Taylor compared the first game against his former team to training camp in Jacksonville. Only this time, the temperature was more than 40 degrees cooler. "Looking across, it was like practicing again where you go all out, actually hit each other," Taylor said. "Only difference is in the real game, they get to throw you on the ground." The Jaguars did that to Taylor 11 times Sunday in a 35-7 loss to the Patriots. It was probably the best thing that could've happened to the running back, who hadn't played since October because of an ankle injury. Taylor didn't run wild on the Jaguars or score a touchdown, finishing with 35 yards rushing. The numbers were a far cry from"

Pats' Taylor listed as questionable for Jaguars game

December 26

Jacksonville Times-Union

"New England Patriots running back Fred Taylor is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against his former team, the Jaguars. Taylor has missed the past 10 games with an ankle injury. He participated fully in practices Wednesday and Thursday and on a limited basis Friday. Taylor spent 11 seasons in Jacksonville and is the Jaguars' all-time leading rusher. He signed with the Patriots as a free agent before the season. Defensive linemen Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren and offensive linemen Nick Kaczur and Stephen Neal are also listed by New England as questionable. All four missed last Sunday's 17-10 win at Buffalo. The Patriots will clinch the AFC East title with a win Sunday at home. The"

Taylor looks forward to running into (and past) ex-mates

December 26

Boston Globe

"Fred Taylor had a way of teasing his teammates when he was in Jacksonville. Shortly after Jack Del Rio left his post as the defensive coordinator at Carolina in 2003 to lead the Jaguars, he built a defense that would eventually rank second in the league. Taylor admitted he used the ranking to tease his teammates. "Hey, I would bust y'all up if I was somewhere else,' '' he recalled saying to the Jaguars' defenders. "Part of it is joking, but part of it is serious in me being confident in my abilities.'' Tomorrow, Taylor could get his chance. The Jaguars cut Taylor in February after 11 seasons and he signed with the Patriots. Taylor appeared poised to emerge as a frequent carrier for the"

For Fred Taylor, business strictly personal

December 25

Boston Herald

"Fred Taylor has had, shall we say, an interesting week. Once a proud member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, now an often ailing member of the Patriots, the veteran running back threw out a comment the other day about his new team watching more film than his old team. And then he submitted a lecture of sorts to Jaguars fans, suggesting they better step up and start supporting their team - or wave goodbye as the Jags make like Jed Clampett and move to Cal-i-forney. Fine. Players talk. Sometimes they say smart things, and sometimes they say dumb things. And there is this: Occasionally, they say things that are "taken out of context" by the bloodthirsty, headline-hungry, deadline-harried media."

Taylor: Wasn't trying to criticize Del Rio

December 24

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Running back Fred Taylor clarified his remarks about the Patriots looking at more film than the Jaguars in a conference call on Wednesday and said he didn't mean to criticize coach Jack Del Rio. "It's kind of a like a text message,'' he said. "He didn't hear my tone. He didn't know if I was laughing or joking. He didn't hear any of that. We'll talk. I have the utmost respect of him.'' Taylor, though, said a "little piece of me'' didn't like Del Rio's suggestion that he wasn't a veteran leader. "I thought I was by actions. I've always said I led by actions. Because he didn't hear the tone, the perception is "maybe Fred was talking down on us.'' I wasn't and I never will. I'm going to be a"

Fred Taylor defends comments about leadership, team move

December 24

Jacksonville Times-Union

"In a conference call Wednesday, running back Fred Taylor clarified his remarks about the Patriots looking at more film than the Jaguars and said he didn't mean to criticize coach Jack Del Rio. "It's kind of a like a text message," he said. "He didn't hear my tone. He didn't know if I was laughing or joking. He didn't hear any of that. We'll talk. I have the utmost respect of him." Taylor, though, said a "little piece of me" didn't like Del Rio's suggestion that he wasn't a veteran leader. "I thought I was by actions. I've always said I led by actions. Because he didn't hear the tone, the perception is, 'Maybe Fred was talking down on us.' I wasn't and I never will. I'm going to be a Jaguar"

Fred Taylor takes aim at Jaguars

December 24

Boston Herald

"Sometimes, reality hurts. Fred Taylor knows this all too well. When the Jaguars cut the face of their franchise after 11 seasons, telling him they were putting their faith in a younger model named Maurice Jones-Drew, he received an official letter announcing the team's intentions. He kept it. "It went something like I wasn't able to perform up to the level of the players around me," Taylor said yesterday on a conference call. "That was the only thing that kind of made me hold onto getting cut a little longer. It made it a little harder to swallow and it definitely motivated me." Now a Patriots running back trying to fight his way back from torn ankle ligaments, Taylor will face his former"

Fred Taylor defends comments about leadership, team move

December 24

Jacksonville Times-Union

"In a conference call Wednesday, running back Fred Taylor clarified his remarks about the Patriots looking at more film than the Jaguars and said he didn't mean to criticize coach Jack Del Rio. "It's kind of a like a text message," he said. "He didn't hear my tone. He didn't know if I was laughing or joking. He didn't hear any of that. We'll talk. I have the utmost respect of him." Taylor, though, said a "little piece of me" didn't like Del Rio's suggestion that he wasn't a veteran leader. "I thought I was by actions. I've always said I led by actions. Because he didn't hear the tone, the perception is, 'Maybe Fred was talking down on us.' I wasn't and I never will. I'm going to be a Jaguar"

Jack Del Rio questions Fred Taylor's barbs about film study

December 23

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio wasn't going to let Fred Taylor get the last word Tuesday on the question of whether the New England Patriots watch more film than the Jaguars. In an interview in the Times-Union, Taylor said, "There is a whole lot of veteran leadership across the board [in New England]. There's more film study across the board. ... I thought we watched a fairly decent amount of film [in Jacksonville]. But I guess I didn't." When Del Rio was asked about the comments, he had obviously read them, giving an answer that suggested Taylor didn't provide leadership when he was with the Jaguars. "Fred's always been a great interview. He really has, and I think he pointed to one of the"

Taylor steps closer to the playing field

December 19

Boston Globe

"Although Fred Taylor was listed as questionable on the Patriots' injury report yesterday, coach Bill Belichick believes the veteran running back was close to getting back on the field, possibly tomorrow at Buffalo. "Well, he's closer every day,'' Belichick said when asked about Taylor's status. "He started practicing last week and this week he got better every day.'' Taylor, who hurt his right ankle against Baltimore Oct. 4, confirmed as much after limited participation in a bone-chilling practice at Gillette Stadium."

Tayloring to Patriots' needs

December 19

Boston Herald

"Fred Taylor struggled to come to grips with his injury-prone reputation early in his career. Each ailment that yanked the running back off the field left him deep in thought. "I used to always ask, 'Why?' " the 12-year veteran said. "Now, I realize it's all part of the game." Taylor has been sidelined since Oct. 4 with torn ankle ligaments. He has missed the Patriots' last nine games. In his first extended interview since he went down on his final carry against the Ravens, Taylor yesterday sounded cautiously optimistic about a potential return tomorrow against the Bills. "I feel real good," said Taylor, who gained 201 yards on 45 carries with two touchdowns before having surgery. "It's"

Taylor will wait for another day

December 6

Boston Herald

"Fred Taylor left the Patriots locker room saying he wasn't sure if he'd make the trip to South Florida. He joked that he "might" see everyone when the Patriots play the Dolphins today at 1 p.m. Yet thanks to ankle ligaments that the running back tore in early October, he only practiced for the first time on Friday. Coach Bill Belichick had said his status still was up in the air as of late Friday. "I'd say it's a little bit of a question mark," Belichick said. "What happens between Friday and (today), it could go three different ways really." Yet late last night, the Pats officially shut the door on Taylor returning. The team announced he was inactive, one of five players not making the"

Positive strides for Taylor

December 5

Boston Globe

"Coach Bill Belichick viewed Fred Taylor's return to practice yesterday much in the same manner as Sammy Morris's return to game action Monday night against the Saints: both were positive developments for the running game. "It was great to have Fred back out there and Sammy, too,'' Belichick said after Taylor was spotted during the media-access portion at Gillette Stadium. Taylor has been out with a right ankle injury since the Patriots' 27-21 victory over the Ravens Oct. 4. He had surgery four days after the game to repair a torn ligament."

Fred Taylor boosts spirits

December 5

Boston Herald

"After returning to practice for the first time in two months, Fred Taylor's bag was packed at the base of his locker. The Patriots running back no longer limps when he runs, after rehabilitating the ankle ligaments that he tore late in the victory over the Ravens on Oct. 4. And for the first time since he underwent surgery, Taylor was listed as doubtful, not out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins. Will he play? "I'll talk when I'm healthy," said Taylor, who later joked he "might" see reporters in Miami. In all seriousness, he said, "I don't know" when asked if he's traveling. The intrigue will continue until the final word comes 90 minutes before tomorrow's 1 p.m. kickoff. But to"

Fred Taylor rushes in, out

November 28

Boston Herald

"Running back Fred Taylor returned to the locker room yesterday, making his first appearance in front of reporters since tearing ligaments in his ankle in early October. The veteran underwent surgery following a Week 4 win against the Ravens and has not practiced since. He politely declined to answer questions yesterday, saying, "I'm zipped up for a while, man. Sorry." A reporter told Taylor he had plenty of questions. "Everybody does," Taylor said. The 33-year-old Taylor was not limping, nor was he encumbered by a brace. At the base of his locker sat a playbook. Taylor has 201 rushing yards on 45 attempts with two touchdowns in four games."

Jaguars wish Patriots' Taylor a fast recovery

October 10

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Fred Taylor's departure from Jacksonville doesn't mean his former teammates aren't thinking about him. Taylor, now with the New England Patriots after spending 11 seasons with the Jaguars, underwent ankle surgery on Thursday and is expected to miss most of the season. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio and running back Maurice Jones-Drew wished Taylor a speedy recovery. "He was playing well for them, so I personally was hurt," said Jones-Drew. "To see what he was doing out there with that offense was nice. He had a tough break. But I know he wouldn't want anyone to feel sorry for him. I'm just going to pray for him and hope he can start playing again soon." Taylor, 33, sustained the ankle injury"

They'll take opportunity, run with it

October 10

Boston Globe

"A day after learning that running back Fred Taylor would be out indefinitely following surgery on his right ankle, a consensus formed yesterday among those Patriots directly affected by the injury. Personally, it hurts not having a solid, veteran rusher who has earned respect around the NFL. Professionally, injuries are part of the game, so the focus remains on the next opponent. The one bonus? More carries are now available."

Ankle surgery grounds Fred Taylor indefinitely

October 9

Boston Herald

"In the past, Fred Taylor bristled at his reputation of being injury prone. One more injury won't help. The Patriots' leading rusher had surgery yesterday to repair torn ligaments in his right ankle, a close friend of Taylor told the Herald last night. The veteran running back will miss at least Sunday's game at Denver, and his timetable to return isn't known. Contrary to reports that his season is in jeopardy, Taylor last night told a close friend he believes he will be back this season. Taylor, who returned to his Boston-area home after the surgery, told his friend the procedure took two hours. He will know more about his playing status after meeting again with doctors. Taylor was injured"

Source: RB Taylor needs ankle surgery

October 8

ESPN.com

"The New England Patriots are preparing for life without their leading rusher, as Fred Taylor's injured right ankle will require surgery, according to a source close to the situation. The surgery is not expected to sideline Taylor for the season, assuming there are no complications. Taylor injured the ankle on his final carry of Sunday's 27-21 win over the Ravens, a 3-yard rush in which he came up hobbling after charging hard into the middle of the Baltimore defense. He has been held out of practice the past two days. The 33-year-old Taylor, who is in his first season with the Patriots after spending the first 11 years of his career with the Jaguars, has been instrumental in helping provide"

Taylor is looking forward to running into Lewis again

October 4

Baltimore Sun

"When apprised that Ray Lewis termed their relationship "a great rivalry,'' Fred Taylor flashed a knowing smile. "Yeah, it's old school,'' said the Patriots running back. Does it go back to the college gridiron, when Taylor was at Florida and Lewis at Miami? "Nah, it doesn't go back to college,'' said Taylor, "because we didn't have the opportunity to play the 'Canes when I was there. I would've loved it.'' Today Taylor will get the opportunity to meet Lewis again on an NFL stage when the Ravens and Patriots square off at Gillette Stadium. "I think both of us being Florida-bred guys, we loved each other and we hated each other,'' said Taylor. "It's been [about] respect, first. He'll bang"

Taylor is looking forward to running into Lewis again

October 4

Boston Globe

"When apprised that Ray Lewis termed their relationship "a great rivalry,'' Fred Taylor flashed a knowing smile. "Yeah, it's old school,'' said the Patriots running back. Does it go back to the college gridiron, when Taylor was at Florida and Lewis at Miami?"

Decade-long rivalry pits Lewis against Taylor again

October 2

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis and New England Patriots running back Fred Taylor need no introductions. From 1998 through 2001, they regularly bumped heads when the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Ravens both played in the old AFC Central. In the early days, the Jaguars would torture the Ravens' defense with quarterback Mark Brunell and receivers Keenan McCardell, Jimmy Smith and Taylor. It wasn't until 2000 that the Ravens started to turn the series around. But Lewis hasn't forgotten Taylor. In six career games against the Ravens while with Jacksonville, Taylor rushed for 510 yards, gaining 4.4 yards a carry. Taylor had two big games against the Ravens in 1998 and one in 2002. Taylor"

Leading role suits Taylor

September 29

Boston Globe

"The Patriots might still be planning to go with a running back by committee, but Fred Taylor has established himself as the chairman of that committee following his 21-carry, 105-yard performance Sunday in a 26-10 win over the Falcons. Taylor's 21 carries were four more than he had in the first two games of the season combined. The 33-year-old joked yesterday that the Advil and Tylenol had worn off, but he said it's fun to get into a groove on the ground like he did Sunday. "Yeah, honestly,'' Taylor said. "I think more importantly the win is always the best part of it, but as a running back you definitely want the carries, you want the touches, and I guess bottom line you want to be able"

Fred Taylor makes statement

September 29

Boston Herald

columnist Karen Guregian

"On Sunday, Fred Taylor brought back memories of a time not so long ago when the Patriots [team stats] had a legitimate feature back named Corey Dillon who carried the rock every week and left no worries about an effective running game. There was no backfield committee when Dillon was here. He was the committee. He got the ball, taking handoffs every quarter, and occassionally got a breather. Taylor? Thus far, he's been the second back in, taking the baton from Laurence Maroney every week. But when Maroney tweeked a thigh in the 26-10 win against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium, Taylor took on a heavier load. With more carries, the NFL veteran in his first season with the Pats"

Taylor plenty swift

September 28

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"The difference between today's NFL and the one Fred Taylor feasted on for most of his 11-year career are obvious. Taylor thrived in the era of the feature back. James Stewart was the man in Jacksonville when Taylor arrived there in 1998, then Taylor took on the role, putting together seven 1,000-yard seasons. But with the way the game's morphed, running back has become more of a two-man operation. Taylor saw it happen his last few years in Jacksonville as Maurice Jones-Drew emerged. "I was the starter,'' he said. "But I was a complement to Maurice.'' When he arrived in New England in the offseason, Taylor knowingly accepted the split gig as part of the job. "In this day and age,'' Taylor"

Unheralded defense unit stifles Falcons offense

September 28

Boston Herald

"Forget the fact that the Patriots [team stats] entered the game with the third-ranked defense in the NFL. We can all pretty much agree that rating was misleading. Let's face it: With Atlanta and its high-powered offense coming to Gillette Stadium yesterday, the matchup against the Patriots defense made you cringe, didn't it? Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White, Michael Jenkins. This was easily the best offense the Patriots had faced in three games, and stopping it seemed like a tall order for the injury/trade/retirement-depleted defense. This had mismatch written all over it. For starters, it didn't look like the Pats had anyone with the right body type or credentials to"

Fred Taylor runs with bigger role

September 28

Boston Herald

"Fred Taylor has been around the NFL long enough to learn a few things. So when the Patriots running back saw the swarm of reporters surrounding his locker after yesterday's 26-10 win against the Falcons, he knew his time flying under the radar was finished. After two relatively quiet games to start the season, Taylor broke out, rushing 21 times for 105 yards and a touchdown. It was a performance that brought back memories of the 12-year veteran's time in Jacksonville, where he established himself as one of the league's top backs. Taylor's time in Jacksonville came to an end in February when he was released following a season in which he was limited by a thumb injury. The Pats signed Taylor"

Patriots come clean

September 28

Boston Herald

"The clouds never entirely lifted on a dreary, wet day. But amid the gray and the rain was a glimmer of light reflecting off the soggy turf at Gillette Stadium. Faced with early criticism in this young season, with the quarterback fending off more questions than he has in years, the Patriots [team stats] answered in emphatic, straight-forward fashion. They drummed the Falcons, 26-10, yesterday, using a physical running attack to build the lead, and then watching Tom Brady [stats] close it out with a 36-yard touchdown strike to Chris Baker. It was not perfect. And it may not erase the memory of the stinging loss to the Jets. But the wisdom comes in the same grizzled fashion as Fred Taylor"

Fred Taylor begins new chapter with Patriots

September 11

Boston Herald

"Fred Taylor spent the final three games of last season languishing on the Jacksonville Jaguars injured reserve list with a thumb injury. If there is one way to tell if the Patriots running back is amped for Monday's opener, it is this: "I was even excited for the preseason," said Taylor, the 12th-year veteran. "I'm just happy to get back to football. Period. I'm even more excited now that the live bullets are starting to fly. This should be fun." The newest addition to a deep running back group, Taylor came to the Patriots with hopes of kick-starting a distinguished career that went slightly stale with the only team he ever played for. Jacksonville's all-time leading rusher will do so on"

Doctor just what Fred Taylor ordered

August 28

Boston Herald

"Fred Taylor wouldn't mind a new nickname. The Patriots running back came up with it himself. "I'm like the doctor," said Taylor, entering his 12th NFL season. "I'm on call. Whenever my number is called, I'm ready. That's what I am these days. And I do house visits." Lab coat, stethoscope and all, Taylor is looking to continue his forward progression against the Redskins tonight. The 6-foot-1, 228-pounder had seven carries for 26 yards against the Bengals last week, and he'll likely split carries with Laurence Maroney at FedEx Field. "Of course, I can do better," Taylor said. "But last week was just an opportunity where I got out there. I went on (injured reserve) the last three games last"

Fred Taylor no blast from the past

August 23

Boston Herald

"Heading into his 12th NFL season, Fred Taylor may know more about his own running style than anyone else. He can easily explain what made him a quality back with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It's not speed, though he can still run. And it's not power, though he's busted more tackles than he can count. Instead, the reason for Taylor's success - and what made Patriots coach Bill Belichick bring him to Foxboro - is that he creates yards when none seem to exist. "Even if it's not blocked up all the way, I have to make something happen," said Taylor, the 33-year-old who is slated to make a reported $3 million in 2009. "That's the reason they brought me here. I can make things happen if something"