Jason Taylor today named Lineman of the Year

[DOLPHAN]

Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor today was named the NFL Alumni Association’s Defensive Lineman of the Year. This is the second career NFL Alumni award for Taylor as he was voted Pass Rusher of the Year following the 2002 season. His selection marks the sixth time since 1998 that a Dolphin has captured an NFL Alumni award, and the ninth time overall.

Taylor led the Dolphins and was fifth in the NFL with 12 sacks in 2005, marking the fourth time in his career he has reached double-digits in that category. He also tied for the team lead in fumbles forced (four) and fumbles recovered (2) and led Miami defensive linemen with 77 tackles and 11 passes defensed. In the Dolphins’ season-opening win against Denver, Taylor returned one of those fumbles 85 yards for a touchdown, the fifth time he has done so in his career, tying Jesse Tuggle for the most in NFL history.

The Pittsburgh native led a defensive line that allowed just 3.7-yards per rush, the seventh-best figure in the league. That unit also spearheaded a fierce pass rush that was second in the NFL with 49 sacks, tying a team record, three of which were safeties, also a team record. Taylor became the first Dolphin ever with two career safeties when he sacked Oakland QB Kerry Collins in the end zone on November 27. That was one of his three sacks on the day, which along with a fumble forced, fumble recovery and pass defensed, earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week accolades.

Taylor, was recently recognized with his fourth career Pro Bowl selection.

[Unlucky 13]

Im suprised at the selection, but proud as well. Perhaps they looked at JTs overall body of work with run stoppage and passes defensed, and not just at sack numbers. Its refreshing, since its so uncommon.