The new left tackle, Trent Williams, joked about the speed of the game and watching others move while he remained in his stance. Well, actually, he wasn’t joking. But he said it with a smile. The new quarterback, Donovan McNabb, stood off to the side, mimicking questions to his young blocker in his best nerdy voice.
Players smiled; those returning from last season basked in the optimism served by a new coaching staff. It was another camp feel-good, otherwise known as Redskins minicamp.
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But one guy continues to upstage at least some of the positive vibes coming out of Ashburn. His initials are A.H., which do not stand for Always Home but rather Albert Haynesworth.
We’re sorry to bring him up — again — but this is an important issue that must be resolved soon. Why so much fuss about Haynesworth? Coaches don’t like to talk about people who aren’t there. But this is different than when LaRon Landry or London Fletcher opted to work out elsewhere last offseason. Landry always comes into camp in shape, and Fletcher, who insisted he wasn’t upset about anything, is too good of a leader to ruin anything even if there is a problem.
But Haynesworth? He has a history of playing a certain way when not motivated by, say, a contract. And at a time when many are energized by the new coaching staff, a disgruntled 340-pound defensive lineman could be trouble. There’s little doubt that he’s upset by the defensive changes at Redskins Park, even if he has not said so publicly.
Teammates recognize his value, but they also saw him sit out with injuries when others played hurt last season. They also know, as end Phillip Daniels told us Saturday, “when you’re 4-12, you don’t negotiate. Just get here and let’s win.”
This situation will remain touchy until he’s gone, whether he’s traded before training camp or after next season. The Redskins have the right people in charge to handle this drama. Every other player seems to have embraced what is transpiring at Redskins Park. They can’t afford for one guy to spoil the party.
