Defensive Notes
Albert Haynesworth, who just last year became one of the NFL's richest players, will probably have a new address before long. When he does, don't rule out the possibility of him having the same kind of effect on his new defense that he once had in Tennessee.
Washington is actively shopping Haynesworth, according to this story in the Washington Post, for multiple reasons. Surprisingly, money isn't really one of them -- the team has already paid his huge option bonus due for this season. They'll certainly hope to recoup some of that in a trade, but that's not why he'll be dealt.
Part of it is that he's already fallen out of favor with the new boss in town, Mike Shanahan. But also, he's not a good fit for the 3-4 defense the team is installing, something he himself observed from the start. All of the teams rumored to be in the mix for Haynesworth according to the story -- Lions, Bucs, Jaguars and his former team, the Titans -- run 4-3 defenses.
The Lions, coached by Haynesworth's former coordinator in Tennessee, and the Titans probably make the most sense. Looking at that Titans defense with Haynesworth in the lineup, and without him, during his final two seasons there gives an indication of how he might help the team Washington ultimately trades him to.
Titans D in 2007-2008: With Haynesworth (27 games)
Points per game: 15
Total yards per game: 296
Rushing yards per game: 85
Team Record: 22-5
Without Haynesworth (5 games)
Points per game: 27
Total yards per game: 328
Rushing yards per game: 134
Team Record: 1-4
Haynesworth has some baggage -- many fans won't forget him stomping on fallen opponent a few years back, and last year he didn't see eye to eye with Washington's since-replaced defensive coordinator -- but if he's used properly and motivated, he can be a difference-making tackle in a 4-3 scheme.
--Andy Richardson
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