Super Bowl 40 will always be a day that Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor remembers. Ike had an interception against the Seattle Seahawks in the 21-10 win. The 2006 regular season hasn't been the easiest thus far for the Steelers as they have started 3-6. Ike Taylor speaks about many topics about this year’s season, playoff chances, and some reflections of Super Bowl 40.
Listen to the Ike Taylor Interview
First off how are you? "I am doing fine." The team currently is 3-6. Do you guys feel you still have a chance to make the playoffs because you still play two games against division leader Baltimore and if you are able to win both those games you can tie them and win the division? "No question. That's the feeling in the locker room. Right now, we just have to take it one game at a time." Is the feeling around the locker room that the playoff goal is still attainable after being the lowest seed to win a Super Bowl last year and that you can achieve anything? "Yeah. It's still in sight, but at the same time we can't look ahead. We got Cleveland this week, so we have to take care of Cleveland before we do anything else." What has Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher said to the team at this point about the rest of the season? "Just take it one game at a time, win the second half of the season, lets just finish strong. Like I said earlier, we just gotta take it one game at a time."
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense has given a lot of points this season. Why do you think the defense hasn't been as good or consistent as it could be this year?
"It's just all part of being consistent. Getting off on third down, not giving them chances to convert those third downs. Holding them to three points in the redzone. That's not something we are doing. We were able to find a way to win and hopefully that can be a stepping stone." What do you think the team's weakness is right now and what can you improve on? "I think our biggest weakness is us. We stop ourselves from going how far we know we can go. Just all the areas we need to improve on." What areas do you think you should improve on or need to improve on? "Just getting off on third down and holding the defense to three points in the redzone. Just taking care of the ball and making some plays on special teams and we’ll be fine." Why do you think this year hasn't been the most successful one for you as a cornerback? "I am still learning. I wouldn't say that, but at the same time I just gotta take it one game at a time." What do you think you can improve on with your defensive game? "Just everything. It's all about learning in the NFL, just be consistent. Just being the player I know I can be." Who is the best wide receiver you've ever gone up against? "I get asked this question a whole lot, like I said, same answer, any given Sunday, any given receiver can have a good day. It's just the receiver I line up against." What was the feeling like intercepting a pass from Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Matt Hastbleback in Super Bowl 40? "That's a great feeling in the Super Bowl. Not many guys can say that. I was able to get the opportunity and I made of the best of it. I was just happy for us." Do you have any memories or a story you like talking about before or after the Super Bowl? "I was so tired. I was so tired after the game. I think I was dehydrated emotionally and mentally. We had a parade three days later, that had to be one of the greatest experiences that I ever had other than the Super Bowl." You are a native of New Orleans and played your college football at Louisiana Lafayette. How hard was Hurricane Katrina for you? "It hurts, but at the same time you just gotta learn from it, and gotta grow from it, and stay strong as a city." Is it harder joining an NFL team from a smaller school like Louisiana Lafayette? "No. Not at all. A lot of the small school players are pioneers of this league. The Jerry Rice's, the Brett Favre's, so it doesn't matter what school you go to to be honest with you." How many wins can this team have and do you really think this team can make the playoffs? "No question. We gotta take it one game at a time. We just gotta keep improving. We gotta keep stepping up the ladder." Finally, after winning a Super Bowl, what do you think you have left to accomplish? "Just to be the best corner, to be the best corner in the NFL. When guys see or think of Ike Taylor, that's a shut down, that's a lockdown corner. That's my goal."
About Ike Taylor
Ike Taylor played his college football at Louisiana Lafayette. Taylor started his NFL career in 2003 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During the 2005 season, had two big interceptions in the playoffs that helped get the Steelers to the Super Bowl. Ike also intercepted Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hastleback in the 21-10 Super Bowl 40 win.
