The reason I feel Sean Taylor is the most valuable Redskin and soon to be best player in the NFL comes down to two games from last season: Week 10 at Tampa Bay, and the first round of the playoffs at Tampa Bay.  The first game the score was a 36-35 Redskins loss.  Sean Taylor was injured and did not play.  The second game was a 17-10 win.  Sean Taylor did play.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpZ0Dyy5uDU

In the first game Brunell threw for over 200 yards and two scores, Portis ran for 144 yards and one score, and the Moss/Cooley duo combined for 10 catches and 155 yards.  In the second game Brunell threw for 41 yards, Portis ran for 53 yards and the Moss/Cooley duo combined for four catches and 30 yards.  Why then, did the Redskins lose the first game and win the second?  The answer is simple: Sean Taylor. 

In the first game Chris Simms was throwing the ball around like his dad Phil used to.  His receivers were getting open at an alarming rate and he torched the Redskins secondary for 279 yards and three touchdowns.  Without Taylor in the secondary roaming around and putting fear into every receiver on the field, the passing game was easy for the Buccaneers.  In the second game however, Simms struggled to get anything going all day long and despite the poor offensive performance by the Redskins they were able to win the game.  A win that put the Redskins in the second round of the playoffs. 

Aside from the fact that Taylor is a ball hawk, recovering fumbles in two straight games for touchdowns, touchdowns that won both games, his mere presence on the field changes the way offenses have to game plan.  Receivers are scared to cross the middle for fear of becoming the recipient of a mind numbing blow, or even worse, alligator arming a pass because of the thought of Sean Taylor lurking. He has the ability to shut down half, or even the entire field.  He is a safety with linebacker size and sub 4.4 speed. He hits really really hard all the time.  In an early training camp scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens Sean Taylor put this hit on Mike Anderson... http://www.youtube.com/watchv=cncs76D8D_M  ...After the scrimmage when asked about the hit on Anderson, he called it routine.

As a Florida State Seminole I know all to well Sean Taylor(former Miami Hurricane) and his ability to completely shut down an opposing offense.  Against the Seminoles in the rain he did everything from intercept passes, sack the quarterback, and even down a punt on the one yard line. His entire Hurricane career he dominated the Seminoles, a team which year in and year out puts talent on the field.  He is on the verge of dominating again. 

Last year he shut down two premier athletes at their position, Randy Moss and Antonio Gates.  He delivered big hit after big hit and big play after big play.  Entering just his 3rd year in the NFL Taylor has yet to enter his prime.  The third year is usually the breakout year for rising players.  Ed Reed rose to elite status after his third year. Expect Sean Taylor to do the same, maybe even more.  If you feel the need to write me off as a homer, go ahead, but just be sure to watch this video...in its entirety first.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA61sF2OrsA&mode=related&search=