The biggest positive of the Washington Redskins’ runaway opening win didn’t occur during the game. It came before and after.
Leading the reserves onto the field was “backup” defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Greeting each of the starters exiting the tunnel was Haynesworth.
After the 42-17 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Haynesworth talked to the media for the first time since last season. He backed the new coaches and defense.
In between, Haynesworth played well — six straight snaps at one point, which was probably a record for him with the Redskins.
It really makes you wonder what all the offseason and early training camp drama was about because it has disappeared faster than a sailor’s shore leave pay.
“Being with [defensive coordinator Jim Haslett] these last few weeks has really cleared up a whole lot of stuff,” Haynesworth said. “I really enjoy it.”
The Redskins-Haynesworth standoff is officially done. Both sides declared victory. Coach Mike Shanahan proved he was not a Jim Zorn whom Haynesworth could ignore. The team’s best defensive player showed some bite during his eight-day conditioning drill standoff and still emerged as a playmaker.
When Washington plays Baltimore on Saturday, Haynesworth should no longer need to greet the defensive starters when they’re announced. He should be among them. Either move Ma’ake Kemoeatu to the bench or put Haynesworth at end because the playmaker is ready to play ball rather than mind games.
“Whatever they want me to do, man,” Haynesworth said. “I’m just gonna keep playing. I know I’m a good player and eventually I’ll be with the first team.”
OK, this is getting a little creepy — like some alien will emerge from inside Haynesworth and declare a world takeover. Haynesworth was actually smiling by his locker when he said that. I can’t recall him smiling once last season, when he was supposedly free to do whatever he wanted on the field.
Haynesworth may be smiling because he senses a team much closer to winning than the one in Washington last year, when he was signed away from Tennessee in a blockbuster free agent deal. The attention is more on quarterback Donovan McNabb this season, and the defense has a much better coordinator in Haslett.
Haynesworth is the tip of the defensive spear, but it could have been pointed the wrong way had Haynesworth sulked. Instead, he’s ready to brawl. The defense suddenly becomes a whole lot better.
All that trade talk sure seems pointless now.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
