As Albert Haynesworth adapts to his new role, he said that his name being mentioned in trade talks is not a distraction. But when asked if he wanted to be traded, Haynesworth said it’s not up to him.
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“It’s not my decision,” he said. “I’m just a player.”
It’s uncertain what his future in Washington is; trade rumors could pick up again this week — and might not die until the trade deadline passes. Sources last week said the Tennessee Titans really wanted him, but the Redskins don’t appear in a rush to trade him — unless their price is met.
Regardless, it’s clear that Haynesworth’s role will be limited — and much less than anyone expected when he signed here in the 2009 offseason. Forget how much money he was being paid, he is a former defensive player of the year now relegated to backup duty. He played tackle in a two-man front as well as over the nose. It’s evident that he is uncomfortable playing over the nose.
“It’s all right,” he said of playing nose. “I’ll get used to it.”
He’s not right now; it’s not as if he won’t give an effort there, it’s just that he seems uncertain how to play the center when he’s not being asked to rush. A big reason he doesn’t play more is technique and that was obvious at nose. Also, in the 3-4 the linemen don’t rush up field as they would in a 4-3 — which is why Haynesworth never wanted to play in this front to begin with.
“It’s more reading and waiting for your blocker to react,” he said. “The situation is what it is. I was in the nickel and I did my job out there….If I would have played end it would have helped, but this game I played nose. It’s a different position, but you’re still reading.”
