Haynesworth starting to "like" the 3-4 defense now (ESPN)

[ethat001]

Albert Haynesworth thinks he will start
Updated: August 14, 2010, 1:08 AM ET

LANDOVER, Md. -- Albert Haynesworth says he's starting to like the Redskins' 3-4 defense and is confident he can move back up to the starting lineup.

Haynesworth spoke after playing two first-half series with the second-string defense Friday night in Washington's 42-17 exhibition victory over the Buffalo Bills. It's the first time he's taken questions from reporters since last season.

He had to pass a conditioning test at training camp after skipping offseason workouts because he wanted a trade to keep from playing in a 3-4 defense.

Haynesworth says he likes the defense now because he realizes the Redskins will allow him to rush the passer, "which is really important to me."

2010 NFL training camps: Washington Redskins' Albert Haynesworth says he's starting to like 3-4 defense - ESPN

What a difference a week makes. I guess a 42 point game makes you want to play again, doesn't it?

[SirClintonPortis]

I think it's self-evident that being allowed to kill QBs is what made him happy.

[ethat001]

Tonight’s Q&A with Albert Haynesworth

By Rich Campbell on August 13th, 2010 11:47 p

Albert Haynesworth played two series tonight with the second-string defense. He played nose tackle in the base package and was one of two down linemen in the nickel package. After the game, he spoke publicly to reporters for the first time since the end of last season.

Here’s the interview in its entirety:

Q: What are your impressions of the defense after playing in it for the first time?

A: “It’s different, but I like it. It’s something I’ve got to get used to. But other than that, it’s going to be a good defense. They allow me to pass rush and everything like that, which is really important to me.”

Q: Does the defense surprise you in any way?

A: “What I was told earlier was completely different from what we’re doing now. Being with [coordinator Jim Haslett] these last few weeks has really cleared up a whole lot of stuff. I really enjoy it. It’s great to have him on my side and help me with the defense.”

Q: How are the double teams at nose different than the ones you’ve faced the last few seasons?

A: “Well, I’ve never really played the straight up nose, so it’s a little different. But the one thing is you do get double teams, but you’ve got linebackers coming downhill, so they’re not gonna stay on you the whole time. In the 4-3, they were gonna stay on you. You’d have some linebackers that would come and rub them off, but now it’s a lot different. It’s still going sideways, which I’m not used to, but after getting all that stuff down, I think I’ll be [fine].”


click for full article

Click on the link for the full article. Good read. Looks like he's coming around. Honestly, I'm willing to forget the whole saga. He's showed up, he's playing, and he's a beast.

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by SirClintonPortis

I think it's self-evident that being allowed to kill QBs is what made him happy.

Lol, nice!!!

[diehard]

He's a monster.

[mooby]

Honestly will anyone remember what happened this offseason if he comes in and dominates at NT/DE? He was playing great against their O tonight and as soon as he starts getting in on the first team he will probably be fine at it. He's happy and if he's producing that means we're happy. That's all that matters in the end. All that really happened was him having misconceptions about the D and deciding to stay away because of it. Now he knows what it's like and if he's content about it and willing to play hard than it's water under the bridge.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by mooby

Honestly will anyone remember what happened this offseason if he comes in and dominates at NT/DE? He was playing great against their O tonight and as soon as he starts getting in on the first team he will probably be fine at it. He's happy and if he's producing that means we're happy. That's all that matters in the end. All that really happened was him having misconceptions about the D and deciding to stay away because of it. Now he knows what it's like and if he's content about it and willing to play hard than it's water under the bridge.

Unfortunately no, b/c this story will keep coming back over and over again. He'll do well, but the slightest slip up, people and the media will be up in arms about it.

[NYCskinfan82]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

Unfortunately no, b/c this story will keep coming back over and over again. He'll do well, but the slightest slip up, people and the media will be up in arms about it.

Yeah have to agree the media given the chance will never let the AH story go.

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by ethat001

Click on the link for the full article. Good read. Looks like he's coming around. Honestly, I'm willing to forget the whole saga. He's showed up, he's playing, and he's a beast.

From what I've been witnessing from a great majority of the fans, they too share in your willingness to forget. It's been my attitude all along because I had the feeling it would ultimately turn out this way. I just hope he will continue with a good attitude, be productive and win games. That's what it's all about.

[SmootSmack]

He said all this same stuff a few months ago, then he got upset for some reason, and now he likes it again? Strange cat

[Beemnseven]

On Sportscenter this morning, they highlighted a replay with AH getting the double-team with Perry Riley coming through for the QB hurry resulting in an incomplete pass.

It was a "this is what he brings" type thing. After all the negativity surrounding him, it was nice to see an example of what he can do for us.

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

He said all this same stuff a few months ago, then he got upset for some reason, and now he likes it again? Strange cat

Strange to say the least......but like so many fans, I guess he too reserves the right to change his mind. he he

[jgalecpa]

I think the coaches, deliberately or not, Gave AH the 'Parris Island' treatment.

Of course, PI is the USMC training depot that has turned thousands of kids into men.

What they do is to break you down so low and then build you back up.

Where you start off hating your DI you end up appreciating him like no one else.

AH had his view of football, but now he has the team's view and it's his too.

I think his stamina was improved and everyone, including AH himself, was pleased with the result.

[KI Skins Fan]

When asked about his relationship with Mike Shanahan, Haynesworth said: "He's the Head Coach. I'm a player. That's it."

I had to laugh at that.

That's right, Albert. He's the Head Honcho, the Big Boss, the MFIC! And you are a player. I think you're beginning to catch on now. You don't need to have a personal relationship with him but you do need to do what he tells you to do. Just do your job to the best of your ability and everything should be fine.

[SBXVII]

Personally I think its all done. I'm sure the media will keep wanting to talk about it but if AH keeps up with the "no comment" or "next question" statements it will go away faster. If there is no story then the media will move on.

If AH truly likes this defense and is truly happy, along with the team being dominant this yr, then I can see this being all water under the bridge and AH staying here. One of the coach's said AH didn't understand exactly what the defense would be asking him to do so he should come in and find out. He's here now. He said he likes it. I think if he is a monster in this defense I can see him over looking all this garbage that he created. Especially now that he understands that he will be able to rush the QB and might even have a better chance at it in the 3/4.