Haynesworth Will Feel The Pressure In 2009, And Beyond

Albert Haynesworth is the biggest man in Washington, D.C. — literally and figuratively. When the 6-foot-6, 320 pound defensive tackle came to the Redskins in free agency, he automatically assumed all of the pressure that comes with playing in the Nation’s capital.

Over the last two seasons, Haynesworth has become the best defensive tackle in football. No other player in the NFL demands a double team like Haynesworth, and that is rightfully deserved. His defensive dominance the last two seasons has been remarkable, which is why the Redskins were so eager to go after him. So eager, in fact, that Tennessee made a claim of tampering with the league, saying that the ‘Skins had made contact with Haynesworth before 12:01am the time when all teams were permitted to begin discussions with players, on the first day of free agency. The decision to bring in Haynesworth seemed like a no brainer for the Redskins. In 2008, they were 28th in the league in sacks with 24 total. Things will look a lot different with Haynesworth.

Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, always a major player in free agency, escalated the discussions quickly, and Haynesworth was signed to a seven year, $100 million contract, with $41 million guaranteed (the most guaranteed money in league history, until Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford surpassed that number in April). Now, it’s up to Haynesworth to produce big numbers and help the Redskins win games. But can he do it?

When looking at Haynesworth’s career, some people are shocked to learn that he has been in the league since 2002. That’s because until the 2007 season, his numbers were mediocre. His highest sack total up until that point was 3, and he therefore did not demand the double teams that he sees today. Haynesworth numbers improved dramatically in ’07, the year his contract was up. He had a 6-sack, 40 tackle season, placing him into the upper-echelon of defensive tackles in the NFL. The Pro Bowl called his number for the first time in his career, and he was also named to the All-Pro team. Only then did opposing defensive coordinators begin to realize what they were up against, and therefore started double teaming him. The Titans used the franchise tag on Haynesworth after the season, but set up a plan that would assure him that the team would not use the tag again in 2009, if he reached certain statistical barriers. Those barriers were not a problem for Haynesworth. Playing in just 14 games, he had 8.5 sacks and 51 tackles, good enough for another Pro Bowl and All-Pro season.

Now the task is helping the Redskins. Haynesworth’s value will come in the passing game and getting to the quarterback, as the Redskins already have a solid rush defense — they were 8th in the league in rush yards allowed per game, giving up 95.4. Washington had a lackluster group of defensive ends last year, as free-agent acquisition Jason Taylor underperformed and was injured frequently in his only season in D.C. Another problem was that opposing offensive lines were not forced to double team any player, allowing them to pay attention to every Redskins lineman. Teams will no longer have the luxury of going man-for-man on the line, because if Haynesworth is too good for just one lineman. This should allow for the Redskins to get to the quarterback more frequently, especially if rookie defensive end Brian Orakpo is able to make a speedy adjustment to the NFL. The front seven is what really hurt the Redskins last season and caused them to go 8-8. While their secondary was excellent, it wasn’t enough to propel them to the playoffs.

Haynesworth will be heavily counted on this season, especially by coach Jim Zorn, whose job may be on the line. If the Redskins falter and miss the playoffs yet again, Zorn could be in trouble. As a result, Snyder and the fans will be asking a lot of Haynesworth, and there’s a big question mark surrounding whether he can produce like he will be expected to do. It has to be somewhat disconcerting to the Redskins that the best two seasons of Haynesworth’s came when he was seeking a new contract. Prior to that, he had a total of just 9 sacks in 5 seasons. Then, he had a combined 14.5 sacks when fighting for his contract. It may simply have been that it took Haynesworth some time to develop into the dominant force that he has become today, but it one heck of a coincidence that his numbers skyrocketed once he knew that he had to get his next contract. Now that he has all of the money in the world, will he go back to the player that he was at the beginning of his career?

Remember, Haynesworth’s claim to fame before ’07 was stepping on the face of Andre Gurode and being suspended five games for the incident. For the last two seasons, Haynesworth put on a good face so that he would not harm his chances of getting the monster contract he so desired. Maybe it took something such as the Gurode incident to wake Haynesworth up and get him to realize his potential, but money seems to be the driving factor in his great player over the past two seasons. Haynesworth better be prepared for playing in Washington. It won’t be an easy job, as the fans will be all over him to produce big time. They will want to see nothing less than the numbers he produced in ’07 and ’08. If he does not, the thinking will be that he did not live up to his contract, and he will be yet another free agent that Snyder has swung and missed on.

The hardest part for Haynesworth, however, will be consistency. Not only will he be counted on to come up big this season, he’ll also be asked to do this for as long as the Redskins want to keep him in red and gold. For the first five seasons of his career, Haynesworth was consistent alright — as in, consistently mediocre. That can’t be the case in Washington. Everyone will be counting on him to be the best defensive tackle in the league and live up to his $100 million contract. The pressure could be on Haynesworth for the rest of his career. How will he handle it?

Training Camp Power Rankings

Training camps have begun for all 32 teams in the NFL. The preseason will be here in a flash, and the regular season will shortly follow. It’s a great time for football fans, there’s no doubt about it. As training camps are now in full swing, this is a great time to take a look at where teams stand in the power rankings. Injuries will certainly impact the standings on almost a daily basis, and new rankings will be posted periodically during training camp and the preseason. I hope to make this a regular feature during the regular season.

1. New England Patriots — The return of quarterback Tom Brady and various offensive additions (wide receiver Joey Galloway, running back Fred Taylor) make the Patriots the odds-on Super Bowl favorites.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers — The defending champs lost Nate Washington, their No.3 receiver, but that’s about it. Look for the running game to re-emerge this season. The Steelers should see improved offensive line play in 2009.

3. Tennessee Titans — QB Kerry Collins was a surprise last season, and he will need to do more of the same this season. The running game is where the Titans will excel, which is a great formula for winning football games.

4. Philadelphia Eagles — Eagles management finally gave QB Donovan McNabb the offensive playmakers he needs to win it all. There will be no excuses in Philly this season.

5. New York Giants — A young receiver corps is going to have to develop quickly, but the Giants will have the ability to rely on their running game and defense to win football games. Not a bad combination.

6. Indianapolis Colts — The model for consistency in the NFL is QB Peyton Manning and the Colts. Always at the top of the standings, expect nothing different this year. Anthony Gonzalez will need to step up as the No.2 WR.

7. Baltimore Ravens — Don’t underestimate the loss of defensive coordinator Rex Ryan. He also took with him to New York linebacker Bart Scott and safety Jim Leonhard. How new DC  Greg Mattison adapts will be key.

8. Atlanta Falcons — There will be no sophomore slump for QB Matt Ryan. The addition of tight end Tony Gonzalez makes the Falcons even better. For the Falcons to improve upon last season, the defense has to be better.

9. San Diego Chargers — The window for winning with the team as currently constructed is closing. With RB LaDainian Tomlinson approaching 30, this may be the last chance the Chargers have to win it all with this group.

10. Minnesota Vikings — Brett Favre won’t be playing QB, but that doesn’t mean the Vikings hopes are dashed. With the best RB in the game in Adrian Peterson, a return trip to the playoffs is almost inevitable.

11. Arizona Cardinals — The history of Super Bowls runners-up hasn’t been pretty over the past decade. The Cardinals will have a good chance to reverse that trend playing in a weak NFC West.

12. Dallas Cowboys — Addition by subtraction is the phrase being thrown out around Valley Ranch. Getting rid of WR Terrell Owens is the best thing the Cowboys could have done to improve the team. This is now QB Tony Romo’s team.

13. Miami Dolphins — After shocking everyone by going 11-5 last season, it will be difficult to improve in 2009. Teams began figuring out the wildcat late in the year, so improvements to the formation must be made.

14. Chicago Bears — With the easiest schedule in the league and the addition of QB Jay Cutler, expect big things from the Bears. A questionable receiver corps keeps them out of the playoff picture, for now.

15. Carolina Panthers — One of the league’s best teams last season, the Panthers now stand to take a dip down in the standings. The big question: can Jake Delhomme recover from his 6-turnover performance in the NFC Division round?

16. Green Bay Packers — As long as they can avoid the injuries that plagued them last season, a playoff run is possible. RB Ryan Grant needs to return to his 2007 form. How they transition to the 3-4 defense will be something to watch.

17. New Orleans Saints — The Saints have one of the best offenses in the league, but they will need the help of the defense in order to compete in the tough NFC South. Expect QB Drew Brees to have another monster season.

18. Houston Texans — With playmakers across the board, the Texans figure to compete in the always-competitive AFC South. QB Matt Schaub, who hasn’t played a full season with in Houston, must stay healthy for this team to have a chance.

19. New York Jets — New head coach Rex Ryan will give this team loads of toughness on both sides of the football. Rookie QB Mark Sanchez likely will start right away, and he will be counted on to limit his mistakes and make a few big plays.

20. Washington Redskins — Coach Jim Zorn is on the hot seat. The addition of defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth will improve the ‘Skins front seven, but the play of QB Jason Campbell will determine wins and losses.

21. Buffalo Bills — Good luck to you, Trent Edwards. The signing of WR Terrell Owens could easily stall Edwards development as a QB. The over/under on a T.O. blowup is Week 8. Coach Dick Jauron’s seat is getting very warm.

22. Cincinatti Bengals — Losing WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh won’t hurt the team as much as people think. Laveraneus Coles was signed in the offseason, and Chris Henry is reportedly ready to have a big year.

23. Jacksonville Jaguars — Injuries to the offensive line had a dramatic impact on the Jags last season, which is why they drafted Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton in the first round of the draft.

24. San Francisco 49ers — The Mike Singletary era has begun in San Fran. Signing rookie WR Michael Crabtree is going to be tricky, and there’s also a QB battle to worry about. Welcome to coaching, Samurai Mike.

25. Seattle Seahawks — QB Matt Hasselbeck’s health will be a key to the season, as will the improvement’s of the defense. Adding Houshmandzadeh will help the receiver corps, but that group must also stay healthy, which didn’t happen last year.

26. Tamba Bay Buccaneers — New head coach Raheem Morris has a lot of work cut out for him. The team cut a host of veterans in the offseason, and a rebuilding process is under way. Picking a starting QB will be Morris most important task yet.

27. Denver Broncos — Trading away disgruntled QB Jay Cutler was far from smart. Now the Broncos must go into the season with Kyle Orton as the starter, and WR Brandon Marshall requesting a trade. Even in the AFC West, the Broncos stand to struggle.

28. Oakland Raiders — QB JaMarcus Russell needs to have a big season to shed the “bust” label. QB Jeff Garcia is ready to take his job if things don’t go well. Second-year RB Darren McFadden needs to have a big year after suffering a rash of injuries in 2008.

29. Kansas City Chiefs — When you go 2-14, it’s hard to get much worse. New head coach Todd Haley must have that attitude as the Chiefs embark on a rebuilding process. Adding QB Matt Cassel is a great way to start the process.

30. St. Louis Rams — Like the Chiefs, the Rams are coming off a 2-14 season. The Rams have had just 5 wins over the past two seasons, so new head coach Steve Spagnuolo has a lot of work to do. Spagnuolo will bring the team a better plan defensively.

31. Cleveland Browns — New head coach Eric Mangini has a tough decision to make at QB. Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn have both been unimpressive, reportedly. Without good QB play, the Browns could struggle mightily in 2009.

32. Detroit Lions — For the Lions, the only way to go is up. They were the first team in league history to 0-16 last season. Rookie QB Matthew Stafford will likely be counted on to play and play well. RB Kevin Smith should be a bright spot.

Same Old, Same Old In The NFC East

Less than a week from today, the NFL season will begin with the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. The game will take place between the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans. The Hall of Fame Game is a guarantee every year that fans look forward to. It signals the start of the new season. But few things in the NFL are guaranteed. With all of the contact and risk of injury on every play, there simply isn’t enough consistency for things to stay the same year-after-year. One of the things that is consistent is the NFC East, consistently the best and toughest division in football. Last season was a little different, as the NFC South gave the East a run for its money. Based solely on wins and losses, the South was the best division in football last season. Based on all factors, including talent and teams overall, arguments could have been made for every division. But the South’s dominance last season would appear to be an anomaly. In 2009, the East will once again reclaim its place as the best and toughest division in the NFL.

There are a number of factors that go into determining just how good a division is, and wins and losses isn’t necessarily the biggest. Talent, skill, competition and the rivalries are all important determining factors. Every game within the division must be tough. To truly gage just how good a division is from a pure football standpoint, look at the team that is expected to finish last. And in the case of the East in ’09, most experts and fans (including myself) have pegged the Washington Redskins to finish in fourth place.

The Redskins won’t be as bad as most people think. Last season, they came out on fire behind the energy of first-year head coach Jim Zorn. They got off to a 4-1 start, thanks to a solid offensive numbers from running back Clinton Portis and quarterback Jason Campbell. Portis wound up carrying the team on his back for the first half of the season, and the workload he received early on probably contributed to the team’s down-slide in the second half of the year. Cambell, who had gotten off to such a good start, fizzled in the last half of the season as the Redskins lost 4 of their final 5 games. Their record was 8-8, good enough for last in the division. To finish with a .500 winning percentage and come in last says a lot about the East, as only the South had a similar result. In Zorn’s second season at the helm, improvements naturally should me made. Plus, owner Daniel Synder did what he does best by making the biggest splash of the offseason. The ‘Skins signed arguably the best defensive tackle in football, Albert Haynesworth. They also added defensive end Brian Orakpo through the draft. Both additions should improve their front seven. Though the ‘Skins likely will come in last place, they should be better than their record shows, which will ultimately reflect on the division.

From a talent standpoint, tally up another victory for the East. Offensively, New York Giants QB Eli Manning (pictured, right), Dallas Cowboys’ QB Tony Romo and Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb comprise the best group of QBs in one division. While the East doesn’t have the best group of defensive players in one division, it does have two players, LB DeMarcus Ware and cornerback Asante Samuel, that are arguably the best at their respective divisions. This category is the trickiest to judge, because loads of talent is sprinkled throughout the league. Finding the most talented players stacked in division is nearly impossible, but a compelling case can be made for the East. But this is the category in which all of the divisions are stacked up closely.

The competition aspect is where the race for best division is really won. If a team goes undefeated in their division, it doesn’t bode well for the strength of the division. In 2008, for example, two teams went undefeated in their respective divisions: the Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC North) and Arizona Cardinals (NFC West). Obviously both were excellent teams as the played in the Super Bowl, but their divisions were far from great. And at the bottom of the spectrum, having a team go 0-6 in the division isn’t a good harbinger of strength. Three teams — the St. Louis Rams (NFC West), Detroit Lions (NFC North) and Buffalo Bills (AFC East) — didn’t win a single game in their divisions last season. As usual, the NFC East was the most competitive division in football last season, along with the South. The team with the best record in the division, the Giants, went 4-2. The team with the worst record, the Eagles, went 2-4. Only the South had the same win-loss numbers. But the South figures to take a slide this season, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won’t be nearly as good as they were last season. The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints stand to be improved, but Carolina may come back down to earth  after going 12-4 last season. Every team in the East, meanwhile, has improved. As a result, games in the division figure to be even better and more competitive in ’09.

In the NFC East, rivalry is a word that gets thrown around a lot, and deservedly so. Cowboys/Giants always seems to produce two of the best games of the year. Eagles/Cowboys tends to be just as good and it is one of the best rivalries in the game. Redskins/Giants and Redskins/Eagles don’t necessarily have the storied history of the other games, but both are always fun to watch. Then there is the crown jeweled rivalry of the division, Redskins/Cowboys. These two games are two of the most intense and hard fought games in football. This game means so much that when the Redskins defeated the Cowboys in the final Redskins/Cowboys game at Texas Stadium, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones looked like he was going to fire every member of his coaching staff on the spot. While there are great rivalries throughout football, the East has produced the best rivalry games on a consistent basis.

The ’09 season once again figures to be an excellent one for the NFC East. No matter how much people seem to dislike the teams in the division, everyone will be watching. And how can they not? Quite simply, it’s the best division in football.

Well They Are America’s Team At Least They Want Us To Believe …..

When I look at the Dallas Cowboys I’m led to believe that they are America’s Team. Well as far as I’m concerned a team is meant to be a consistently cohesive unit that is capable of overcoming adversity. And that only happens if there’s leadership shown from the highest echelons on down. At the same time there’s got to be character being shown by someone on the team who aspires to be its leader.

Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones (center) seated alongside the team's coach Wade Phillips (right) and to the left of Jones is his son Stephen who is also the Executive Vice President of the Dallas Cowboys and its business holdings. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Gutierrez ...........

The same can be said of any military unit as they’re the ones I’ve no doubt that a professional sport’s team aspires to be like in terms of discipline , character and camaraderie. Those definitely aren’t the traits that you’ll find with the Cowboys. And that’s despite what we’ve been told and led to believe . This team has become to be now known more for its drama off the field than anything achieved on it in recent times. So much so that I know more likely than not although as the team’s owner Jerry Jones still loves the press coverage received by the team. Whether it’s duly wanted or not. It keeps them in the public eye 24/7 365 days a year. And that’s the sort of pub’ that money can’t buy at all.

Cowboys' coach Wade Phillps instructs his team during a practice session at the team's minicamp in Carrollton Tx,. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Gutierrez .................

Many Cowboys’ fans might feel to the contrary with the evidence being put forth not just within this article but also as evidenced by what the team has been through. Last year’s team finished with a (9-7) record within the highly competitive NFC East. They failed to make the playoffs. And then having to look up at both the Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) and New York Giants (12-4) within their division make the playoffs. That had to have placed a thorn in their claws. And that was with what we’re being told was perhaps the best team on paper in the entire NFL. Well being the best on paper is a vast difference from being the best within your own division, conference , much less the entire league.

Cowboys' offensive coordinator speaks with the team's quarterback Tony Romo during a practice session at the team's minicamp . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Gutierrez ...............

Much to the chagrin of the common fan. Jones and the Cowboys’ fans believe in that in their own eyes and that in this team’s mindset they’re still better than everyone else. That particular thought process has to be totally devoid of all reasoning. The fact that last year’s roster was laden with Pro Bowl caliber players did nothing to persuade many that this was still the same ol’ Cowboys of recent years.
How else can one explain that abysmal record even by their own lofty standards ?

Cowboys; secondary coach Dave Campo speaks with Mike Mickens (33) during a session at the team's minicamp in Carrollton , Tx,. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Gutierrez ..........

The chances are that you’ll find much of the turmoil created within the organization started off with the constant meddling of Jerry Jones , himself. Wherein the coaching staff led by Wade Phillips , defensive coordinator Brian Stewart and the offensive coordinator in Jason Garrett , were merely like puppets for the marionette in Jones who orchestrated almost everything from up on high. The drama played out for all to see like a late eighties’ soap opera. Fortunately for us however, there was very little sex, just a tinge of rock & roll . But most definitely there was a certain amount of violence. And the internal combustion that was caused when on your roster you have the narcissistic attitudes of Terrell Owens , Roy E. Williams and the rotten apple in all of this in Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones. For ‘Pacman’ Jones his record would be far more distinguished on the field were it not for his continued off the field problems at the time. So much so that you’d find it far more recognizable were his name being mentioned concerning his latest transgression of the law rather than anything that he’d accomplished on the field with the Dallas Cowboys.

Members of the Cowboys' offensive line look to work out on some drills using training equipment during minicamp . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Gutierrez ...............

The star we were led to believe and the leader on the team was meant to be quarterback Tony Romo. What he at times lacked in his discipline concerning his play. He made up for with his innate and acute awareness as to what was happening around him when his offensive line at times faltered. But then Hollywood came a calling in his buxom, often considered trite but yet overly ambitious and some might say less than talented girlfriend in the guise of Jessica Simpson. It’d be remiss of me to suggest that since Simpson’s introduction into the Cowboys’ fold that things started to spiral out of control and descended downhill for the franchise. That’d be false as much of this began prior to Simpson’s interaction with Romo.

Cowboys' wide receiver Patrick Crayton (84) makes a catch whilst defensive player Mike Mickens (33) looks to negate the play during the team's minicamp training session. picture appears courtesy of ap/ photo/ Tony Gutierrez ...............

The team lacked discipline and that was the one thing above all else that Phillips’ predecessor Bill Parcells demanded of his players on the field. And they were held accountable for those actions. In the case of Phillips whilst he’s considered to have be a brilliant defensive mind. His coaching qualities and skills are shall we say ‘….. not always up to par ?’ His style is very much lackadaisical and with little or no effort with regard to his players being held accountable for what went on , on the field of play.

Quarterback Tony Romo (9) prepares to throw a pass during practice at the team's minicamp training session. With former receiver now having been cut from the team also with the release of Pacman Jones and safety Roy Williams. It has to be said that any semblance of normalcy that the Cowboys hope to be looking for will be a work in progress. picture appears courtesy appears courtesy of ap/photo / Tony Gutierrez ......................

Much of that was witnessed as the ’08-’09 season progressed and wound down for the team. And it was all brought to the boil with the internal bickering that took place between Owens , Romo, Patrick Crayton , Phillips and allegedly Garrett. When the dirty laundry is being aired out in public, with the baby , bath water and kitchen sink said to be in play. You know that things aren’t at all right with the team.

Romo and Simpson attend an NBA game . I still for the life of me can't understand what all the fuss is about. Is it her lack of intelligence and having a 'hot bod' and the presumptiveness in thinking that he has the makings of being a great quarterback that makes this couple apparently so fascinating ? Over to you Billy Bush for an update on what they're now said to be allegedly doing. ' Jess offcourse it's chicken of the sea.' 'But Tony Nick always told me that chickens have wings'. 'So why doesn't tuna ?' ' Why do you always have to bring up that douche-bag Nick ? Don't I satisfy you ?' ............... picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Maria Oxley .... Added script supplied by yours truly Alan P.

And all of those lofty ambitions that’d began in the preseason came and went during the regular season . As there was considerably far more action happening off the field , in the locker rooms and elsewhere than anything that was happening on the field when it came to the Cowboys and their play.
As highly combustible and potent an offense as this team was said to be . The stats didn’t not necessarily bear that out when one looks at them closely.

They were a predominantly passed oriented offense (344.5 total yds a game, 236.8 passing per gm/ , 107.7 rushing per gm) but their scoring average per game was a miserly 22.6 points a game. Which’d suggest that there were a great many dropped passes . And defensively they weren’t that much better allowing opponents on average 294 yards a game and 22.8 points a game.

Team wise individually the stats of certain players do bear a closer inspection . And in doing so one can see that the Cowboys’ problems were on both sides of the ball. And as productive as wide-out Terrell Owens was said to be. It may not be the productivity that was always a cause of many of the alleged problems between he and his teammates. But the mere fact that his demeanor and presence was far too overbearing . And the glare of the spotlight that he wanted and commanded was all too much for the team to bare. And given the fact that in Romo you had a quarterback who was as demonstrative as a docile church mouse . One could see who actually was ruling the roost amongst the cocks within this particular chicken coop.

As I’d alluded to earlier there was never or has there ever been any leadership on this team since Wade Phillips was introduced as the team’s coach. But the fault also doesn’t necessary lie with Phillips alone. As it all starts with what happens from the top on down . And when you’ve got an owner in the guise of Jerry Jones , whose meddlesome ways are about as rewarding as having a tooth pulled without the assist of a pain killer. Then you know that there’s bound to be problems. And this comes despite the fact that Jones’ll tell you that he was the prime architect behind the Cowboys winning three Superbowls during the nineties.(’93,’94 and ’96) Which is true in some ways but oh so false in others. Were it not for the fact that he had a great coaching staff with Jimmy Johnson at the helm of it all. Who knows how things might’ve turned out for allegedly what is said to be America’s Team ?