Even if Albert Haynesworth lives up to a contract that guarantees him $41 million, the Redskins, who open training camp Thursday, need to improve in other areas if they’re going to make the playoffs.
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“It’s still about the quarterback,” said one rival general manager, referring to Jason Campbell. The GM also listed the offensive line and receiver as questionable areas. Both played a factor in the 2-6 finish last season.
Few doubt the impact Haynesworth, a defensive tackle, can make on the Redskins’ defense. In the past two seasons with Tennessee, he recorded 14.5 sacks and was named All-Pro twice. Offenses typically need two blockers to handle him, which, in theory, should create an opening for a fellow lineman. That’s good news for tackle Cornelius Griffin and ends Andre Carter and rookie rusher Brian Orakpo.
The Redskins want Haynesworth to create more havoc. Last season, Washington ranked last in the NFC with 24 sacks and tied for last with 18 turnovers.
“He can make other people around him better,” said Redskins executive vice president Vinny Cerrato. “We were so poor in sacking the quarterback and getting interceptions that he can change that.”
The Redskins have relied on the blitz the past several years to generate pressure. Consequently, offenses have often gone to quick passes across the middle to combat this strategy. It’s especially true of a West Coast offense. The way for a defense to defeat that tactic is with up-the-middle pressure. Enter Haynesworth.
“He can have an effect on all those things,” said CBS analyst Charley Casserly, a former general manager with the Redskins. “He’s a big get, and they’re better on defense, but it still comes back to the offense. That’s where the biggest questions are.”
In Tennessee, Haynesworth was able to freelance, allowing him to make plays. The Redskins have frowned on that in the past but have said, both publicly and privately, they would adapt their strategy to suit Haynesworth.
“He gives you the ability to do a lot more things,” Cerrato said.
But one of those “things” needs to be making the playoffs. Much was made about defensive lineman Reggie White changing Green Bay’s fortunes in 1993 when he signed as a free agent, eventually helping the Packers win a Super Bowl. However, he also had a young Brett Favre, who blossomed into a superstar quarterback.
So Haynesworth could continue being an All-Pro player. And it might not mean a postseason trip.
“He’s a big part,” the GM said of Haynesworth, “but he’s not going to be the difference maker.”
– John Keim
