Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 21 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 21?
Three players stand out above the others, deserving recognition. They are Sean Taylor, Terry Allen and Earnest Byner. Personally, I have no doubt Sean Taylor possessed the most physical ability and, barring injuries, would have become the best in franchise history wearing No. 21.
But this is about who accomplished the most in franchise history wearing No. 21, so here we go.
Sean Taylor (2004-07), in his four Washington seasons, intercepted 12 passes, defended 43 passes, forced 8 fumbles, and had 2 quarterback sacks. Taylor was credited with 305 tackles (243 solo, 62 assists), including 6 for a loss, and 2 QB hits. He is perhaps known for his two biggest plays which both occurred in the 2005 season. Against Philadelphia in the season finale, Taylor picked up a fumble and raced 39 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown. In the playoff game at Tampa Bay, Taylor again picked up a fumble and returned it 51 yards for a touchdown helping Washington defeat Tampa Bay. Taylor’s life was tragically cut short in 2007 when he was shot/murdered in his own home by intruders and died a few days later. Taylor was voted one of the 80 Greatest Redskins in 2012. His jersey was retired during the 2021 season.
1/1/2006 — @Redskins defeat the Eagles 31-20 at Philadelphia, capping off a 5th straight victory to end the season and clinching a playoff birth. Sean Taylor seals the victory with arguably the most iconic play and moment of the last two decades. #HTTR pic.twitter.com/GFO1HMgkIF
— AB (@andrew_burton) June 1, 2020
Terry Allen (1995-98), after having been with Minnesota since 1991, came to Washington in 1995. He accomplished back-to-back 1,300-yard rushing seasons: in 1995 (1,309) and 1996 (1,353). Allen also led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 1996 with 21 and was AP 2nd Team running back. In his four Washington seasons, Allen gained 4,086 yards rushing for 37 touchdowns and 202 first downs. He also caught 100 passes for 726 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. Allen was voted one of the 70 Greatest Redskins in 2002.
12/22/1996 — the @Redskins destroy the Cowboys in the final game at RFK Stadium 37-10. The 1996 season was ultimately a disappointment as the Redskins finished 9-7 after a 7-1 start, but Pro Bowlers Gus Frerotte and Terry Allen & Co. ended an era in style. pic.twitter.com/ao3Tj81COB
— AB (@andrew_burton) May 22, 2020
Earnest Byner (1989-93) rushed for over 1,000 yards in 1990 (1,219) and 1991 (1,048). In 1992, Byner played injured and fell short by two yards of a third consecutive 1,000-yard season. Byner was such a dependable runner, blocker and pass receiver that in the 1990 season, he led all NFL players with 328 touches (combined rushes and pass receptions). In the Super Bowl championship season of 1991, Byner again touched the ball more than any Washington player, earning 308 combined rushes and pass receptions averaging 4.4 yards per touch. Byner was a Pro Bowler in 1990 and 1991, and in the 1991 season, he was AP Second Team running back. Byner went over 1,000 yards from scrimmage four consecutive seasons for Washington: 1989 (1,038), 1990 (1,498), 1991 (1,356), 1992 (1,336). In his five Washington seasons, Byner gained 5,527 yards from scrimmage (4.7 yards per touch) and scored 29 touchdowns. Byner was voted one of the 70 Greatest Redskins in 2002.