Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Haynesworth Demands Trade

Photobucket
By Justin Worsley

It seems like yesterday that the 2009 free agent signing period began and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was bidding farewell to the Tennessee Titans.

Haynesworth now realizes the grass isn't greener on the other side.

Haynesworth, who turns 29 on Thursday, has requested a trade from the Washington Redskins, who he signed a seven-year $100 million contract just hours after the free agent signing period began last year.

Last year, Haynesworth told his agent, Chad Speck, that he refuses to play in a 3-4 defense. Washington is currently undergoing a makeover to that scheme this season as the Mike Shannahan era begins in the nation's capitol. The 350-pound mammoth has also stated that he will not attend minicamps and has yet to attend a Washington off-seaosn workout.

Haynesworth is one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the league, earning two All-Pro selections in Tennessee. Despite constant being double-teamed, Haynesworth still finds ways to get to the quarterback, earning 28 sacks in his career. During his career as a Titan, the defensive performance, significantly the rushing defense, struggled greatly without him.

Washington begins their minicamp on Wednesday and according to general manager Bruce Allen, they expect Haynesworth to be there. The Wednesday session is the only practice the Redskins are allowed to make mandatory and can therefore fine Haynesworth for not showing up.

The 3-4 defense, which will shift Haynesworth from playing outside of the guard to directly in front of the center, will reduce the dynamic of Haynesworth as he will spend his time clogging holes, freeing up room for the defensive ends and linebackers to make plays. While Haynesworth is already great at plugging holes, he is also a playmaker who is well aware of his ability and doesn't feel he fits in new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett's scheme.

Haynesworth was selected in the first round (15th overall) in the 2002 NFL draft from Tennessee. Several teams have been rumored to be involved with obtaining Haynesworth, including Tennessee, who Haynesworth spent the first seven years of his career with.

No comments:

Post a Comment