When defensive end Darryl Tapp was acquired by the Eagles this past offseason, he looked at the schedule and was intrigued by the opponent to open the regular season - the Green Bay Packers.
Tapp never played for the Packers. He spent his first four NFL seasons with the Seahawks. So, what's the connection?
Prior to the Packers-Seahawks game in 2009, quarterback Aaron Rodgers accused Tapp of biting him on the arm Mike Tyson-style and leaving a bruise during their matchup the previous season. When Tapp learned of Rodgers' comment, he quickly denied ever having done such a thing and said that there was no way that he could bite someone through a facemask while wearing a mouthpiece. And if you ever see an interview with Tapp, he would be one of the least likely people to do such a thing on the field.
But Tapp didn't get the chance to play against the Packers in the season opener because he was inactive. He will get the chance to suit up this Sunday in the wild card playoff matchup against Rodgers and the Packers.
"It was a misunderstanding, but I'm ready to play," Tapp said of bitegate. "I didn't get to play the first time around. I'll get an opportunity this time and make the most of it."
Tapp was inactive for the first two games of the season as he adjusted to the Eagles defensive scheme, but the 6-1, 270-pound end has been relied upon more and more as the season as wore on. Tapp finished the season with 34 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, four pass deflections and three fumble recoveries.
In addition to his five years of NFL experience, Tapp also played in four postseason games with the Seahawks.
"I played my first two years, so I'm not new to the situation," Tapp said. "It's a special opportunity you never want to take for granted."
With so many players about to make their playoff debut this Sunday, Tapp is reminding them that while it's great to make the postseason that's not the ultimate goal.
"They're excited about making it to the playoffs. That's great, but that's not what it's all about. We have the opportunity to get a ring. That's what we're all chasing right here," Tapp said. "Don't take this opportunity for granted. It doesn't happen every year. I know, so you have to make the most of it."
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 2:33 p.m., January 6
