Albert Haynesworth is not a happy camper. Although anyone who has signed a contract as big as the one he did in 2009 would be overjoyed to play football. But Albert is not happy.
When Mike Shanahan was announced as the new head coach of the Washington Redskins, the new regime made a decision to change the defensive alignment from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Haynesworth was not pleased with this as he is a 4-3 tackle, and has been since he came into the league with Tennessee. The more I think about this, the more I have to question why Shanahan would do this.
The Redskins problems were greater on the offensive side of the ball than the defensive. Washington was 10th in the NFL in 2009 in yards allowed/game. Brian Orakpo was outstanding in his rookie season, and they were 9th in sacks with 40. Now they want to change their defensive philosophy. It will be a big mistake if they do.
As good as Haynesworth has been, he may not be the dominant force in a 3-4. Orakpo may not be able to get to the quarterback as either a 3-4 end or outside linebacker. As good as these players are, they just can't turn a switch on and off and play a position they are not use to. If the Redskins defense plays the way they did in 2009 during the upcoming season, all they need is an offense to put some points on the board. Isn't that the reason they acquired Donovan McNabb, Larry Johnson, Willie Parker, and drafted Trent Williams.
Washington is making the necessary changes they need to make to be a playoff contender. But they would be better served leaving some things the same.
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