End seeks more sacks with Haynesworth in middle
ASHBURN – The expectations were big last year for Andre Carter. With Jason Taylor on the other side of the line, the two were expected to have high sack numbers and secure the pass rush. Instead, Carter had the worst output in his career. Now, with Albert Haynesworth next to him, Carter is hoping to get back the momentum he lost.
“Taylor and I had high hopes,” said the Redskins defensive end, “but things just didn’t work out as planned and that’s just life. Haynesworth is the same kind of scenario. He’s a big-name guy but it’s all about performance. I tell everyone this first; we’ve got to stop the run and then we’ll talk about pass rushes later.”
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But the Redskins know more pressure is needed. Defensive line coach John Palermo said Carter’s stats last year — four sacks — weren’t what everyone wanted.
“He’s much improved against the run,” Palermo said, “but we’ve just got to cut him loose a little bit and get more production out of him than in the past.”
The antidote to Carter’s low sack total was introduced to him at minicamp last weekend — the 6-foot-6, 320-pound Haynesworth. The jolly green giant, as quarterback Jason Campbell called him, signed a $100-million contract, with $41 million guaranteed, in February. The Redskins hope the defensive tackle’s ability to create sack opportunities was not left in Tennessee.
“[Haynesworth] is just a big-bodied guy,” said Carter, whose career low in sacks was two in 2004 when he played in only seven games. “He will plug up those holes, especially when it comes to the pass rush, and he’ll open up things for myself and whoever else is playing end or tackle. Having him there will put out a lot of one-on-one opportunities and we’re looking forward to it.”
Carter worked more at left end than in previous minicamps, with rookie first-round draft pick Brian Orakpo taking snaps on the right side. Palermo said they’re experimenting with this alignment now because it’s uncertain where they’ll line up this season.
Carter was excited before last season, hoping he and Taylor would create a strong rush. Taylor was the NFL’s active sack leader when the Redskins traded for him last July, but didn’t perform up to expectations. Critics pounced.
“In this game you’re always going to have a little bit of criticism. It wasn’t the best year for the D-line but you learn from it, you grow and you look forward to the future,” said Carter.
That future includes Haynesworth.
“I know I’ll get double teamed,” Haynesworth said, “and Carter can feed off that.”
