***OFFICIAL*** Washington Redskins 2011 Off-Season Thread (1 Viewer)

[Chewbanks]

Justin Tryon was not cut, he was traded to Indy for an undisclosed draft pick.

The skins traded a player for a draft pick?

Dr-, dra-, drastif- what is that?

 

[fatness]

I thought Austin had done enough to make the team. I'm guessing they're keeping Banks over him? If so, I think that's a mistake.

Remember that if a coach sees potential, they may keep a player and try to coach them up. I am sure Shanahan is very confident in his coaching abilities.

While I agree with that, Austin had shown plenty of potential as well. He was cut in favor of keeping older, mediocre WR's.

 

[fatness]

Cuts by other teams:

Colt Brennan

Dennis Morris

Jon Jansen

 

[fatness]

Erik Cook cut, meaning all 3 of our 7th round picks are gone.

 

[fatness]

Houshmandzadeh signed by Vikings.

 

[DCThunder]

Cuts by other teams:

Colt Brennan

Dennis Morris

Jon Jansen

Not Jon Jansen... He's the greatest tackle evah, just ask him. I guess that means he's a lock for Canton in 2015.And no more Cult of Colt? Say it ain't so!!!!

 

[Chewbanks]

Cuts by other teams:

Colt Brennan

Dennis Morris

Jon Jansen

Not Jon Jansen... He's the greatest tackle evah, just ask him. I guess that means he's a lock for Canton in 2015.And no more Cult of Colt? Say it ain't so!!!!

I actually was unaware that Jansen was even still playing.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Cuts by other teams:

Colt Brennan

Dennis Morris

Jon Jansen

Thought I read somewhere that Cartwright Betts was cut, too.ETA: Sorry. It was Betts, not Cartwright, that I saw.

 

[Marvelous]

From Jason Reid:

Albert Haynesworth's disappointing performance in Washington Redskins' preseason finale affects his status for opener

By Jason Reid

Washington Post Staff Writer

Saturday, September 4, 2010; 8:35 PM

A disappointing performance by Albert Haynesworth in the Washington Redskins' preseason finale has renewed concerns about the Pro Bowler's commitment to the team and apparently has affected his status for the regular season opener against Dallas, three people familiar with the situation said Saturday.

Haynesworth was "awful" Thursday during the Cardinals' 20-10 victory at University of Phoenix Stadium, said two of the team sources who recently reviewed game film. It often appeared he gave little effort while participating in 49 of the Redskins' 55 defensive plays. On the few occasions he did play hard, the two sources said, Haynesworth failed to adhere to the principles of the new 3-4 scheme. He was credited with four tackles, including three unassisted.

All three sources indicated that Coach Mike Shanahan has lost his patience with the ongoing Haynesworth drama. During practice at Redskins Park on Saturday, Haynesworth took part in very few plays, one of the sources said. He was moved back to nose tackle - he had been working primarily at right end recently - and removed from the nickel package.

Considering Saturday's developments, it is highly unlikely Haynesworth would be named a starter for the opener, all of the sources said. The Redskins play host to the Cowboys, their NFC East rivals, Sept. 12 at FedEx Field. Redskins defensive coaches have worked hard to help Haynesworth prepare to play right end this season, but the situation is unsettled again after Haynesworth's poor showing in the desert.

Speaking on behalf of Shanahan, team spokesman Tony Wyllie declined to comment about Haynesworth. "Mike will address questions on Monday," Wyllie wrote in response to an e-mail.

This turn in the Shanahan-Haynesworth saga was unexpected. The two men seemed to turn a page recently, burying the animosity that began when Haynesworth refused to attend offseason workouts and a mandatory minicamp. Haynesworth started at right end in the nickel package and played extensively in the Week 3 preseason victory over the New York Jets.

Afterward, an upbeat Haynesworth joked with reporters about saving Shanahan from an errant ball and having cigars and drinks at Shanahan's house. But Haynesworth, a nine-year veteran, appeared frustrated about playing the entire game against Arizona. When approached by a reporter after the game, Haynesworth said, "I have no comment."

The Redskins could assign Haynesworth to the inactive list against Dallas, or have him active and hold him out, but that could hurt the defense, two of the sources acknowledged. Although Haynesworth has stirred controversy since the offseason, he still is considered among the NFL's top defensive players.

Haynesworth often commands a double-team, freeing others to make plays. His presence on the field during the preseason, even while he was learning the defense, clearly helped his teammates at times.

People close to Haynesworth on the team insist he would play hard against the Cowboys. The Redskins are better with Haynesworth on the field, two of his teammates said Saturday, adding they hope Shanahan views the situation similarly.

But Shanahan runs the football operation, so it will be his decision alone on how to use the two-time All-Pro performer. Shanahan may seek input from defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, who has been supportive of Haynesworth. But Haslett is among Shanahan's most loyal lieutenants.

Owner Daniel Snyder guaranteed Haynesworth $41 million in the contract Haynesworth signed in February 2009. Haynesworth, who played in 12 games last season, already has been paid $32 million -- including a $21 million bonus on April 1.

reidj@washpost.com

Wow. So Shanahan is still not happy with Haynesworth's performance or effort.

 

[Chewbanks]

I'm getting the feeling that unless things are going very well for the team, and perhaps even then, this is going to be a week-to-week situation with Haynesworth. God help us with him if this turns into a 5-11 debacle.

 

[thayman]

Justin Tryon was not cut, he was traded to Indy for an undisclosed draft pick.

The skins traded a player for a draft pick?

Wait you can do that?

 

[fatness]

Wow. So Shanahan is still not happy with Haynesworth's performance or effort.

I'm really, really tired of the "death by 20,000 anonymous front office leaks" strategy of the Redskins. I thought all that catty, girlish bull#### went out the door when Cerrato did. Apparently it's still team strategy. They don't have the balls to cut the guy, they want to trade him but they think what they'd get in return is too low, so they attack him with regular, anonymous releases from the front office, further driving down his trade value. Apparently they're still clinging to this fantasy of making him do something egregious enough that they can try to recover part of what they've already paid him. Don't think for a minute that all these anonymous front office leaks are done without Shanahan's approval. The guy runs a very, very tight ship and controls everything, and could stop it in a heartbeat if he wasn't behind it.Not that it matters, but Haynesworth played all but 6 of the defensive plays in the game. None of their other defensive linemen could do that (Carter could, but he's no longer allowed to play DE). None of them. Exactly what standard are they holding Haynesworth to? And why are they still purposely trying to tick off the best defensive player they have, who plays a position of need for the team? I thought the idea was to put the players on the field who gave the team the best shot at beating the Cowboys? Instead, it seems to be "get back at Becky Sue because she didn't say our sorority was, like, the best evar!"### clowns.

 

[fatness]

Redskins anonymously rip Albert Haynesworth's effort

As to the larger issue of Haynesworth and his role on the Redskins, it's clear that this is not a healthy relationship. It might feel good to some in the Redskins organization to anonymously vent their feelings to a reporter, but if the Redskins are going to keep Haynesworth on the roster, it may be time for them to accept him as a member of the team, and stop taking every opportunity to trash him.

 

[fatness]

On the few occasions he did play hard, the two sources said, Haynesworth failed to adhere to the principles of the new 3-4 scheme.

Sounds like someone constructing a legal argument.

 

[fatness]

Redskins official roster cuts in addition to Tryon being traded

Terrence Austin WR 2010 7th-Round Draft Pick

Richard Bartel QB First-Year Player

Selvish Capers OT 2010 7th-Round Draft Pick

Tyrone Carter S 10-Year Vet

Erik Cook G/C 2010 7th-Round Draft Pick

Carey Davis FB 3-Year Vet

Curtis Gatewood LB FIrst-Year Vet

Howard Green NT 6-Year Vet

Robert Henson LB 2009 6th-Round Draft Pick

Shay Hodge WR Undrafted Rookie

Rob Jackson LB 2008 7th-Round Draft Pick

Clint Oldenburg OT First-Year Player

Willie Parker RB 7-Year Vet

Chad Rinehart G/T 2008 3rd-Round Draft Pick

Ramzee Robinson CB 3-Year Vet

William Robinson OT First-Year Player

Anderson Russell S Undrafted Rookie

Darrion Scott DE 5-Year Vet

Ryan Torain RB First-Year Player

Lee Vickers TE First-Year Player

Bobby Wade WR 7-Year Vet

 

[fatness]

Of the players cut, I think these are the ones who were not players brought in by Shanahan:

Robert Henson LB 2009 6th-Round Draft Pick

Rob Jackson LB 2008 7th-Round Draft Pick

Chad Rinehart G/T 2008 3rd-Round Draft Pick

 

[DCThunder]

IIRC, Henson mouthed off against the fans after one of the early games last season and was roundly ripped for it.

Also, Rinehart run is finally over.

 

[fatness]

Yeah, I remember Henson doing that. I also remember later in the year Larry Michael and Vinnie Cerrato doing it on the radio. I'd love to find that audio.

Also: John Keim analyzes the roster moves

As usual a good article from him.

 

[Chewbanks]

Also: John Keim analyzes the roster moves

As usual a good article from him.

13. How about that 2008 10-member draft class, huh? Three remain: Thomas, Fred Davis and Kareem Moore. In fact, the Redskins will have only seven draft picks from the past three drafts on their roster. New regime, I know.

Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sports/b...l#ixzz0ycT8r5jJ

Technically Kelly is still with them on IR unless I missed something.

 

[fatness]

2008 draft is best forgotten

2008 was the draft that featured Snyder going along to scout Malcolm Kelly, and featured player values on the Redskins' board being inflated for offensive players (according to Redskin employees at the time).

The Redskins needed bigger wideouts - and more playmakers in general - and the sure-handed, 6-foot-4 Kelly seemed an ideal fit for the team's new West Coast offense, especially after his impressive showing at the workout. Washington's medical/training staff, however, raised concerns that a knee problem could hamper Kelly's career.

Only Devin Thomas and Fred Davis are still on the roster. Neither will start. Thomas barely made the team. Davis is good. Kelly continues to be hurt and is on IR. This is how one draft sets a team back multiple years. Kareem Moore is out with an injury but when he returns he will re-take his starting role, because he's good.

 

[fatness]

The Redskins also cut or traded four of their six selections from the 2010 draft - Shanahan's first with the team

First-round pick Brian Orakpo and third-rounder Kevin Barnes remain from the Redskins' six-man 2009 draft class.

LinkThis is why we're a bad team.

 

[Chewbanks]

The Redskins also cut or traded four of their six selections from the 2010 draft - Shanahan's first with the team

First-round pick Brian Orakpo and third-rounder Kevin Barnes remain from the Redskins' six-man 2009 draft class.

LinkThis is why we're a bad team.

Obviously this doesn't help, but if we'd changed nothing except for competently drafting OL's over the last decade, the team would have a far different feel to it than it presently does. That's the key problem. You can't afford to have the rare lineman you draft like Chad Rinehart fail when you've got such thin OL talent overall. In other words, if you need a given draft pick to succeed, especially below the top 10 picks or so, you're probably in serious trouble.

 

[fatness]

Obviously this doesn't help, but if we'd changed nothing except for competently drafting OL's over the last decade, the team would have a far different feel to it than it presently does. That's the key problem. You can't afford to have the rare lineman you draft like Chad Rinehart fail when you've got such thin OL talent overall. In other words, if you need a given draft pick to succeed, especially below the top 10 picks or so, you're probably in serious trouble.

Agreed. At least then we'd have a solid offensive line and backups now, if nothing else. And frankly I'm tired of years of watching the Redskins on offense wondering who's going to be in their backfield each play. I see the burgundy and gold and their numbers before the snap, but I can't tell which defensive players will also be playing behind our line of scrimmage on that play. A solid O-line is the beginning of a functional offense.

 

[Sebowski]

Rumor has it Housh is deciding between us and the Raiders. Let's see which cooky owner he prefers. My guess would be the one with the open wallet. I think it has to be a one year deal the way his Seattle deal was structured. That is probably best for him anyway. One year at 7mil on Seattle dime (ok, lots of dimes) while trying to prove he has one more contract in him.

 

[fatness]

To go along with that:

Houshmandzadeh has not returned messages since being released by the Seahawks and becoming an unrestricted free agent. His decision on where to play next season appears to be narrowing down to either Oakland or Washington, according to a source who had spoken with him.

Most expect him to sign for the veteran minimum in 2010 with another team.

Link

 

[fatness]

Redskins, Haynesworth deserve equal blame.

Pretty even-handed article by John Keim.

I can't believe this soap opera is going to carry over into the regular season.

 

[DCThunder]

Well, Houshmazilli to the Ravens so no CHAMPIONSHIP!

 

[Sebowski]

Well, Houshmazilli to the Ravens so no CHAMPIONSHIP!

He went completely against the grain here. He isn't going to do enough in Baltimore to earn a new big contract. Looks like he just wanted the best chance to win. Maybe he isn't as selfish as the reports claim. Or, he knows he needs someone on the other side to keep the defense honest. Glad I didn't draft Mason.

 

[fatness]

Shanahan doesn't make a big deal publicly about Haynesworth.

Link

 

[fatness]

This is a good article by Jason Reid about the roster. Worth reading.

Hopefully, Shanahan will comment on the roster. If he declines, however, some things seem apparent:

The 2008 draft class was really bad. Guard Chad "The Rhino" Rinehart (a third-round pick) was released and nickel cornerback Justin Tryon (a fourth-rounder) was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for a draft pick. Beginning their third season in the NFL, few guys from that class have done much.

The 2010 class, Shanahan's first in control of the football operation, isn't off to a great start, either. The Redskins cut or traded four of their six selections in the most recent draft.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

Obviously this doesn't help, but if we'd changed nothing except for competently drafting OL's over the last decade, the team would have a far different feel to it than it presently does. That's the key problem. You can't afford to have the rare lineman you draft like Chad Rinehart fail when you've got such thin OL talent overall. In other words, if you need a given draft pick to succeed, especially below the top 10 picks or so, you're probably in serious trouble.

Agreed. At least then we'd have a solid offensive line and backups now, if nothing else. And frankly I'm tired of years of watching the Redskins on offense wondering who's going to be in their backfield each play. I see the burgundy and gold and their numbers before the snap, but I can't tell which defensive players will also be playing behind our line of scrimmage on that play. A solid O-line is the beginning of a functional offense.

This scenario, incidentally, could be called "the Eagles approach". They draft OL's and DL's regularly, every draft or seemingly so. They've had "bad drafts" before under Reid, and for a long time were miserable at drafting WR's, but you don't really notice during their year-to-year performances because they're solid and deep overall. That's what the 'Skins lack. And yes, you do know me.

 

[fatness]

Trade talks between the Redskins and Titans have been going on since yesterday for Haynesworth. Redskins apparently want 2 draft picks. Titans say the Redskins want too much. Talks still going on. Reported by Mortensen, Schefter, and the Washington Post so far.

Link

McNabb was on ESPN980 last hour and said "Albert is one of our brothers in the locker room...he understands, 'Hey, I got to put the time and effort in. We can't win without him. I think he'll be here. I hope he'll be here."

 

[Sidewinder16]

McNabb was on ESPN980 last hour and said "Albert is one of our brothers in the locker room...he understands, 'Hey, I got to put the time and effort in. We can't win without him. I think he'll be here. I hope he'll be here."

So, trading Haynesworth = 0-16. Got it.As the QB and someone trying to be a locker room leader, I'm not sure I'd expect McNabb to say anything different (ETA: at least while Haynesworth is a current locker room "brother"). But, if the trade rumors are true and if McNabb is representing Haynesworth's current stance accurately ('Hey, I got to put the time and effort in'), it's really too little, too late.

 

[Raider Nation]

Stupid question:

Shanny is running the same ZBS he did in Denver with Gibbs, yes?

Any of you expect a bounce-back year from Portis? I took a late flier on him.

TIA, have a great season, and if you have an Raiders questions feel free to stop by our thread.

 

[buster c]

Wow. So Shanahan is still not happy with Haynesworth's performance or effort.

I'm really, really tired of the "death by 20,000 anonymous front office leaks" strategy of the Redskins. I thought all that catty, girlish bull#### went out the door when Cerrato did. Apparently it's still team strategy. They don't have the balls to cut the guy, they want to trade him but they think what they'd get in return is too low, so they attack him with regular, anonymous releases from the front office, further driving down his trade value. Apparently they're still clinging to this fantasy of making him do something egregious enough that they can try to recover part of what they've already paid him. Don't think for a minute that all these anonymous front office leaks are done without Shanahan's approval. The guy runs a very, very tight ship and controls everything, and could stop it in a heartbeat if he wasn't behind it.Not that it matters, but Haynesworth played all but 6 of the defensive plays in the game. None of their other defensive linemen could do that (Carter could, but he's no longer allowed to play DE). None of them. Exactly what standard are they holding Haynesworth to? And why are they still purposely trying to tick off the best defensive player they have, who plays a position of need for the team? I thought the idea was to put the players on the field who gave the team the best shot at beating the Cowboys? Instead, it seems to be "get back at Becky Sue because she didn't say our sorority was, like, the best evar!"### clowns.

your best post ever

 

[buster c]

when does the practice squad get announced? Lendy...

 

[Sebowski]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsi...g-out.html#more

Running back Ryan Torain, safety Anderson Russell, tackles Will Robinson and Selvish Capers, wide receiver Terrence Austin and defensive end Rob Jackson have all signed practice squad contracts with the team, league sources said.

...Erik Cook, the center/guard from New Mexico, is the seventh player the team added.

and then yesterday on same site

The team added an eighth and final player to the practice squad: linebacker Mike Balogun.

Sorry Buster. No Lendy. Not sure if he landed anywhere else. Think of it as good news. You now have a reason to watch the UFL.

 

[Sebowski]

Stupid question:Shanny is running the same ZBS he did in Denver with Gibbs, yes?Any of you expect a bounce-back year from Portis? I took a late flier on him.TIA, have a great season, and if you have an Raiders questions feel free to stop by our thread.

Same blocking system. Doesn't look like the line is really getting it just yet. Hoping Portis has a bounce back 1,000+ year, but I didn't draft him in either of my redraft leagues, so I'm not that confident. He's worth his ADP on a flier if you have solid starters though. I pop in the Raiders thread all the time. I have M.Bush in two dynasties and a redraft, same with Zach Miller. Also pulling for Campbell. Good job over there. Maybe too much information at times. Hard to weed through it for relevant FF stuff.

 

[fatness]

Jason Reid

Although the new regime has wanted to trade Haynesworth for some time, no teams apparently were willing to offer the compensation the Redskins sought in exchange for a player who has already been paid $32 million -- including $21 million on April 1 -- for essentially one season. There has been speculation about how much money interested teams would have to send to the Redskins to help offset the money they have paid Haynesworth. But NFL teams are prohibited from "trading money," according to two people familiar with the situation. Teams cannot send any money to the Redskins to spur a trade.

Moreover, the Redskins have repeatedly indicated they might be open to accommodating Haynesworth with a trade if he was willing to give back a portion of his signing bonus. But it is highly unlikely Haynesworth would give back any of the guaranteed $41 million owner Daniel Snyder agreed to give him, especially with multiple team sources indicating Coach Mike Shanahan is highly frustrated with the ongoing Haynesworth drama and could be finally ready to make a move. So if the Redskins trade Haynesworth, it appears they would have to accept a huge loss on the contract he signed in February of 2009.

Is Snyder really that hard up for money? This guy would have been traded long ago if they weren't trying to get some cash back. They're just not going to admit they changed their mind about Haynesworth in 1 year, and it's going to cost them more than probably any bad signing in history.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

Jason Reid

Although the new regime has wanted to trade Haynesworth for some time, no teams apparently were willing to offer the compensation the Redskins sought in exchange for a player who has already been paid $32 million -- including $21 million on April 1 -- for essentially one season. There has been speculation about how much money interested teams would have to send to the Redskins to help offset the money they have paid Haynesworth. But NFL teams are prohibited from "trading money," according to two people familiar with the situation. Teams cannot send any money to the Redskins to spur a trade.

Moreover, the Redskins have repeatedly indicated they might be open to accommodating Haynesworth with a trade if he was willing to give back a portion of his signing bonus. But it is highly unlikely Haynesworth would give back any of the guaranteed $41 million owner Daniel Snyder agreed to give him, especially with multiple team sources indicating Coach Mike Shanahan is highly frustrated with the ongoing Haynesworth drama and could be finally ready to make a move. So if the Redskins trade Haynesworth, it appears they would have to accept a huge loss on the contract he signed in February of 2009.

Is Snyder really that hard up for money? This guy would have been traded long ago if they weren't trying to get some cash back. They're just not going to admit they changed their mind about Haynesworth in 1 year, and it's going to cost them more than probably any bad signing in history.

This isn't about money. It's not even really about football. It's about Shanahan being in control, which I can tolerate given his resume, but getting rid of Haynesworth won't make the team better in the short run.

 

[fatness]

Stupid question:Shanny is running the same ZBS he did in Denver with Gibbs, yes?Any of you expect a bounce-back year from Portis? I took a late flier on him.TIA, have a great season, and if you have an Raiders questions feel free to stop by our thread.

I agree with Sebowski about the offensive line and Portis. Portis looked good in preseason, but when holes are there at all they're only there for a split second with this mediocre offensive line. Right now Portis is quick enough to hit those holes, but if he starts getting slowed by injuries he'll have trouble.Good luck this year to the Raiders, and especially Jason Campbell. He put up with a lot of crap and took quite a beating here, and he's a guy I admire. I hope he does well for you.

 

[fatness]

Redskins' handling of Albert Haynesworth in practice raises questions

It's unclear whether the Redskins plan to trade defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, but their handling of him so far this week raises questions. If Haynesworth is in the team's plans for the season opener against Dallas, as Coach Mike Shanahan seemed to indicate Monday while addressing reporters at Redskins Park, then why has he participated in so few plays during the first two days of practice? Two team sources said Haynesworth had few reps during the practice sessions, which is highly unusual if the Redskins want him to be prepared to face the Cowboys.

Also, the Redskins this week for the first time began to use another player at nose tackle, one of the team sources said. Previously, starter Maake Kemoeatu and Haynesworth, the second-string nose, worked primarily at the position during practice.

The clown show continues. 31 other coaching staffs are concentrating on making the best effort they can to beat this weekend's opponent, and the Redskins are keeping their best defensive lineman out of most of practice.

 

[fatness]

Player I'm rooting the most for this year? Anthony Armstrong

But just being one of six receivers isn't enough. He says he's come too far to settle for simply being on the roster. Though this Sunday could mark his regular-season debut, his goal now is to show coaches that he deserves more reps and can eventually start in this offense.

"I'm still striving," Armstrong said. "There's always something out there that you can reach for if you keep working hard."

 

[Snotbubbles]

Redskins' handling of Albert Haynesworth in practice raises questions

It's unclear whether the Redskins plan to trade defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, but their handling of him so far this week raises questions. If Haynesworth is in the team's plans for the season opener against Dallas, as Coach Mike Shanahan seemed to indicate Monday while addressing reporters at Redskins Park, then why has he participated in so few plays during the first two days of practice? Two team sources said Haynesworth had few reps during the practice sessions, which is highly unusual if the Redskins want him to be prepared to face the Cowboys.

Also, the Redskins this week for the first time began to use another player at nose tackle, one of the team sources said. Previously, starter Maake Kemoeatu and Haynesworth, the second-string nose, worked primarily at the position during practice.

The clown show continues. 31 other coaching staffs are concentrating on making the best effort they can to beat this weekend's opponent, and the Redskins are keeping their best defensive lineman out of most of practice.

What good is Haynesworth if he isn't going to play the scheme correctly or give 100%?

 

[Nightly Mistake]

Redskins' handling of Albert Haynesworth in practice raises questions

It's unclear whether the Redskins plan to trade defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, but their handling of him so far this week raises questions. If Haynesworth is in the team's plans for the season opener against Dallas, as Coach Mike Shanahan seemed to indicate Monday while addressing reporters at Redskins Park, then why has he participated in so few plays during the first two days of practice? Two team sources said Haynesworth had few reps during the practice sessions, which is highly unusual if the Redskins want him to be prepared to face the Cowboys.

Also, the Redskins this week for the first time began to use another player at nose tackle, one of the team sources said. Previously, starter Maake Kemoeatu and Haynesworth, the second-string nose, worked primarily at the position during practice.

The clown show continues. 31 other coaching staffs are concentrating on making the best effort they can to beat this weekend's opponent, and the Redskins are keeping their best defensive lineman out of most of practice.

What good is Haynesworth if he isn't going to play the scheme correctly or give 100%?

Haynesworth's effort is overblown. Only Andre Carter played more snaps than he did last year on defense, and Carter is a physical freak. As for playing the scheme, I seem to recall that being a criticism of Lawrence Taylor. The Giants seemed to do all right with him, and Haynesworth lines up even more closely to the ball.

 

[fatness]

What good is Haynesworth if he isn't going to play the scheme correctly or give 100%?

Better than every other defensive lineman they have.

Haynesworth also angered coaches when he did not attend a halftime meeting to discuss defensive adjustments and review photos of the Arizona Cardinals' blocking schemes. In fairness to Haynesworth, one of his teammates said, he is especially intense during games and has never attended halftime meetings, preferring to remain focused on his duties. The teammate added that while Haynesworth did not appear especially sharp on film, his performance, in large part, could be attributed to the fact that Haynesworth is a nine-year veteran who participated in 49 of 55 plays during the fourth, and largely meaningless, preseason game.

After the Redskins declined his trade request in June, Haynesworth reported to Ashburn early, much leaner than he was last season, and went to work. For the most part, he has done what the Redskins have asked of him. He hasn't always done it with a smile, or welcomed coaching tips, but apparently hasn't done anything that would prompt the team to attempt disciplinary action against him.

Another article in the Post

 

[Snotbubbles]

Redskins' handling of Albert Haynesworth in practice raises questions

It's unclear whether the Redskins plan to trade defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, but their handling of him so far this week raises questions. If Haynesworth is in the team's plans for the season opener against Dallas, as Coach Mike Shanahan seemed to indicate Monday while addressing reporters at Redskins Park, then why has he participated in so few plays during the first two days of practice? Two team sources said Haynesworth had few reps during the practice sessions, which is highly unusual if the Redskins want him to be prepared to face the Cowboys.

Also, the Redskins this week for the first time began to use another player at nose tackle, one of the team sources said. Previously, starter Maake Kemoeatu and Haynesworth, the second-string nose, worked primarily at the position during practice.

The clown show continues. 31 other coaching staffs are concentrating on making the best effort they can to beat this weekend's opponent, and the Redskins are keeping their best defensive lineman out of most of practice.

What good is Haynesworth if he isn't going to play the scheme correctly or give 100%?

Haynesworth's effort is overblown. Only Andre Carter played more snaps than he did last year on defense, and Carter is a physical freak. As for playing the scheme, I seem to recall that being a criticism of Lawrence Taylor. The Giants seemed to do all right with him, and Haynesworth lines up even more closely to the ball.

Don't confuse last year with this year. Shanny wasn't with Washington last year. They weren't running a 3-4 last year. Last year has no bearing on Haynesworth THIS YEAR. And LT was an OLB/DE so he could free lance. Haynesworth is a NT where he's supposed to eat up blocks to free up other guys to make plays. If he doesn't do that, then all the guys around him are fooked.

 

[fatness]

Defensive line rankings, with Redskins rated 5th (based on Haynesworth playing).

5. Washington Redskins (Run defense No. 14, Pass rush No. 4)

Shrewd, under-the-radar offseason acquisitions are not typical of your average Redskins offseason. But Mike Shanahan‘s first offseason was a break from tradition — whether it proves to be a positive break remains to be seen. Washington’s additions haven’t been without their risks: Two projected starters missed the entire 2009 season through injury and whether they rediscover their form in 2010 remains to be seen. In addition, the entire defense is switching from a 4-3 to 3-4. How they pick up the new scheme remains to be seen, but the talent and performances are there for the Redskins to have one of the best defensive fronts in the league in 2010.

Best player: Albert Haynesworth

Haynesworth finally passed his conditioning test and after a couple of preseason displays might finally be at ease with his role in the Redskins’ 3-4 defense. He’ll not be stuck over the nose, he’ll get to rush the passer and just generally dominate in similar alignments to those he’s used to in a 4-3 defense. Happy, Haynesworth? Justin Smith has shown what a penetrating lineman can do at defensive end in a 3-4 — the scheme may be different in Washington, but Haynesworth can still be an impact player.

One to watch: Ma’ake Kemoeatu

One year out for injury and the older Kemoeatu brother returns to the gridiron at a position he hasn’t played since his time in Baltimore. How he returns from injury will be the big question, but if he displays anything like the consistent quality of run defense he showed in Carolina in ’09 (+13.3 run D grade and only three negatively graded games in 15 starts) the Redskins will be well set up the middle.

 

[fatness]

Don't confuse last year with this year. Shanny wasn't with Washington last year. They were running a 3-4 last year. Last year has no bearing on Haynesworth THIS YEAR. And LT was an OLB/DE so he could free lance. Haynesworth is a NT where he's supposed to eat up blocks to free up other guys to make plays. If he doesn't do that, then all the guys around him are fooked.

He's in better condition this year than last year, when he was their best defensive lineman. He's also their best nose tackle at present and their best DE at present.

 

[fatness]

Chris Mortensen on "Mike and Mike": "I got a hint last night that other teams have been called" by #Redskins re: a Haynesworth trade.

Cindy Boren