Lack of reps have Albert behind learning curve entering Dallas week
ASHBURN – It used to be about his conditioning. Now it’s about his footwork, his hands and his knowledge of the defense. And it reinforces, once again, why the Redskins wanted Albert Haynesworth here in the offseason.
As Haynesworth adapts to playing in a 3-4 for the first time, the playing time he receives Sunday against Dallas is predicated on that adjustment. After all, he’s practiced approximately a dozen times in this new system.
“That’s what everybody stressed in the offseason,” Redskins end Phillip Daniels said. “We stressed the point that there’s a lot of stuff to learn and the technique part of things in this defense. To be sound you have to be here. He missed out on all that. … He’s getting used to this defense. He’ll be there when we need him.”
Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said it’s not just about Haynesworth’s effort, which has been criticized.
“You have to get used to the technique,” Shanahan said. “When you play a couple different positions, it’s going to be tough. It doesn’t happen overnight.”
At this point, Haynesworth’s conditioning is not the issue. It’s learning how to play end in a 3-4 or even nose tackle. They still put him at tackle in two-man fronts, making it akin to what he used to do in a 4-3. But linemen in this defense must hold gaps rather than penetrate. It’s a mental, and physical, adjustment.
“He hasn’t been here that long,” defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said. “The more he’s out there the better he gets and the better understanding he has of the defense.”
Haynesworth hasn’t started at all this summer, though he has worked with the No. 1 nickel defense at times. Monday, Haslett said that Haynesworth spent time with the starting defense in various roles. However, that does not mean he’ll start and anyone Haslett considers in the rotation would get time with that group.
Washington likely will keep five or six defensive linemen active. The players say they’re not worried about what happens with Haynesworth.
“You hear little things, but we don’t let it affect us,” linebacker Andre Carter said. “But we don’t let it affect us. We can’t. We have too much riding on each other. We have too much riding on the season. When it comes to who’s dressing and who’s not dressing, that’s the coach’s decision.”
“Hopefully whatever they’ve got going,” corner Carlos Rogers said, “they can iron it out where he can go out there and be with us. If not, we’re gonna go on. … I think he’ll be out there. He’s doing everything coach Shanahan is asking him to do.”
Haynesworth’s impact can be big, considering the attention he receives from offenses. But, Haslett said, he won’t always be drawing double teams.
“If Albert is up to speed and going, he’ll get a bunch of one-on-one’s,” Haslett said. “He has to win them.”
