Authentic Athletix

One of the most overlooked stories of the preseason is unfolding in Washington, where defensive tackle Phil Taylor is on track to earn a spot in the Week One starting lineup after two years out of football. His new head coach wasn’t even aware that Taylor was out of football. “I was in Cincinnati for three years when he was at Cleveland and I know what a force he can be at nose [tackle],” coach Jay Gruden told reporters on Saturday. “He was tough to deal with, he really was.

RICHMOND — Ever since the Washington Redskins’ Mike Shanahan-mandated switch to the 3-4 defense back in 2010, the nose tackle position has resembled somewhat of a revolving door. Albert Haynesworth didn’t fit, injury toppled Ma’ake Kemoeatu. Barry Cofield manned the post for three years before injury derailed him as well. Terrance Knighton made an impact in his lone season with Washington in 2015, but not consistent enough of one for the team to want to resign him. And the Re