 Jags Run at Respectability Jacksonville All-Pro running back Fred Taylor begin the year in full reach of one of the glitziest personal milestones imaginable. He may well end it in part possession of something many would argue is far more impressive. Taylor, who now finds himself just 190 yards shy of becoming only the 21st player in league history to rush for 10,000 yards, may no longer be the best back on his own team. And it's that recognition and acceptance of such a potentially sobering reality that is quickly turning him and his Jaguars into all the rage this young NFL season. How much so? Consider that behind Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew more than a few onlookers are predicting the Jags (4-1) have an undeniable shot at knocking the Super Bowl defending champs Indianapolis Colts from the ranks of this season's undefeated on Monday night. Behind that dynamic duo, not only do the Jags rank among the league leaders in rushing this season, they ran up 375 yards on the ground against the Colts just last year. The end result? Try a 44-17 thumping of Indianapolis in what easily rated as Peyton Manning and company's most one-sided loss of the year. “The thing we really want to do is taste what Indy's been tasting," said Taylor. "They've been on top. We said Kansas City was that test, then last week we said Houston was that test. This is the test. This is the early season moment we've been waiting on. This is going to define this team a little bit more. It's going to show our character." All those questions about Taylor were answered long ago. Viewed by many as an undersized back since coming out of Florida at just 6-2, 228 pounds, Taylor has consistently shown what heart and determination can account for when added to the equation. It's that same attitude and level of mentoring that has unquestionably made Jones-Drew transition that much easier. “I've never been the selfish type in my life," Taylor explained. "I've always been the giving and sharing person. That's just me. That's my makeup. I'm not worried about a young guy pushing me out. I love competing. I love playing football. "I'm going to play until I get tired of playing,” he added.” It's not going to be because someone pushed me out. I still have some time left. If it happens to happen, I'm a role player. I'll do anything for the team. It doesn't bother me." And now the Jags, Drew chiefly among them, are reaping all the benefits of Taylor's makeup. Come Monday night at Municipal Stadium, the Indianapolis Colts don't figure to be nearly as fortunate.
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