Lost amid the Washington Redskins’ opening loss was an old-fashioned gladiator fight.
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs versus Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. At least 600 combined pounds crashing together in an absolute stalemate.
Jacobs needed one yard on consecutive plays sandwiching the first quarter’s end. Twice Haynesworth stopped the giant Giant short on the three-yard line, the second time taking the breath from the defensive tackle. Fortunately, it was fourth down to provide added recovery time.
Critics will say Haynesworth’s line score of four tackles was disappointing for a $100 million man. They’re sadly missing the point. Instead, scan the stats for Haynesworth’s rippling impact. End Andre Carter was constantly after Giants passer Eli Manning despite just one sack. London Fletcher’s 18 tackles will become his standard number because Haynesworth clears a path for the middle linebacker.
Haynesworth was the bull in the ring. The Giants rarely ran his way, and even more rarely past him. Few linemen could withstand two violent collisions with Jacobs. Haynesworth belly-bumped him backwards.
This isn’t the second coming of Dana Stubblefield. Unlike that former overvalued free agent who proved a colossal bust, Haynesworth wants to earn his money.
Haynesworth’s image and impact are understated because he’s not overly friendly, doesn’t make the talk show circuit. Haynesworth tends to stay in a zone that’s best left alone. He doesn’t seek media stardom like so many athletes today that fancy themselves entertainers.
John Riggins wasn’t fun to be around during his heyday, though. Pick any of the Hogs — all royal pains while playing. Brian Mitchell had his rough moments. So did Terry Allen. Many of the Redskins’ top players over the past quarter century were best admired from a distance because they were a bit rough.
St. Louis center Jason Brown faces Haynesworth on Sunday after essentially calling out the latter last month during an interview with a St. Louis radio station.
“I’m so glad we’re playing Washington early in the year because it’s going to be hot out there, we’re going to be running hurry-up offense and he’s going to get fatigued,” Brown said. “And I’m not sure if you have watched film before, but when he gets fatigued, he taps out.”
Haynesworth did take plays off against New York, but coach Jim Zorn on Monday said he “wasn’t displeased” over Haynesworth’s play. After all, Zorn understands the game — both inside and out.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or
e-mail [email protected].
