IDP Spotlight: DT Albert Haynesworth, Washington Redskins

  Posted 8/13 by John Norton - Exclusive to Footballguys.com

In 2008 Albert Haynesworth proved that he has the ability to be one of the most dominating interior linemen to ever play the game. In just fourteen games his box score production of 41-10-8.5 with 3 forced fumbles and a recovery were impressive for a tackle, but they don't even begin to tell just how disruptive he was on the field. He couldn't be moved at the point of attack, often suffocating an opponent's inside running game. Then he would push guards and centers into the quarterback's face with his brute strength on passing downs. Yep, '08 was a great season for Haynesworth, but does anyone realize he's been in the league since 2002? If he's such a great player, where has he been for the other six seasons?

There are a lot of things that motivate football players. Money and fame are right up there near the top for many but the one thing that all the truly great players have in common is a love of the game. I for one am not sold that Haynesworth has that great love, and feel that it was much more than a coincidence that his huge season just happened to come when he was headed to free agency. Maybe he will prove us wrong in 2009 but you can count me among the many who have Haynesworth pegged as a "show me the money" guy who will once again close in on mediocrity now that he's cashed in.

Looking at his career numbers suggests even further that Haynesworth will prove to be a one year wonder. Over his first five seasons he never totaled more than three sacks while averaging 2.1 tackles a game and 34.4 per 16 games. 2007 was also a contract year for Haynesworth and he responded with a then career best 6 sacks and nearly 2.5 solo tackles a game. That and his potential were enough for the Titans to franchise tag him last season when he only agreed to sign the one year deal with the promise that if no long term agreement were reached the club would not tag him again this season.

The Redskins scheme could prove to be yet another road block for Haynesworth's fantasy value this season. Washington put up only 24 sacks as a team in '08. While it's true that they were lacking some in the talent department, not all of their struggles can be blamed on the players. Unlike the scheme Haynesworth worked in with the Titans, Redskins defensive Coordinator Greg Blanche runs a read and react style of defense that burdens linemen with gap responsibilities at the line and doesn't allow them to penetrate aggressively. As such his defenses have never been known for creating a lot of sacks or turnovers. If Blanche stays true to form it would be a very poor use of Haynesworth's ability and would very likely have a serious negative impact on his production.

Positives

• Coming off a breakout season
• Has the talent to be one of the most disruptive forces in the game at DT position
• Is 28 years old and in the prime of his career physically

Negatives

• Questions about his dedication to the game and motivation now that he has received his big pay day
• Injury prone, has never played more than fourteen games in any of his seven NFL seasons
• Is playing in a scheme that is a less than a perfect fit for his strengths
  

Final Thoughts

Haynesworth has the talent to make a Reggie White type impact for the Redskins this season but no one will ever speak the two names in the same sentence when talking about heart. He will improve a Washington DL that was badly in need of a talent infusion and if he stays healthy and motivated, Haynesworth is capable of having another big year with quality numbers. There is however, a great deal of risk involved. He's only given us one productive season in seven chances and is now in a completely new situation. At best its a buyer beware situation for fantasy owners as Haynesworth has free agent bust written all over him. I wonder if Dan Snyder will ever realize that team chemistry is the difference between a playoff team and a champion? Money can buy talent but it can't buy the love of the game!

Based on a 16-game season (which history tells us he is unlikely to complete) I look for numbers in the area of 38-16-5 with a couple of forced fumbles, a recovery and a couple of batted passes. Quality production for owners in leagues that break out the DL positions and require tackles, but numbers that most of us should stay away from.

Quotes from the IDP Spotlight Message Thread

To view the entire thread, click here.

Jene Bramel:
"I've got Haynesworth ranked in the 20s among defensive lineman right now based on his skill set and upside, but I probably wouldn't trust him as my DL2. There are strong durability concerns (he's missed at least two games every season) and he doesn't play every down. His last two seasons of pass rush numbers coincide with his push for a big contract. He got that contract this offseason and on a team with a defensive coordinator that doesn't let his linemen penetrate. If Haynesworth is serious about remaining motivated, can stay healthy and the Redskins make good on rumors to change to a more aggressive front seven philosophy, there's DL2 value here. I think there a good chance that those things happen, but there's more downside than upside if you take Haynesworth in the top 25."

kethnaab:
"BUST with a capital "Dan Snyder." Haynesworth's talent and potential is matched only by his petulance and his laziness. He got his contract and dough so he has no real reason to do much of anything now.

He didn't say "I want to go to a team that is a winner"
He didn't say "I want to go to a team that will use me so I can produce"
He said "gimme the money"

He got the money, and now he will miss another pile of games and produce the standard disappearing act in others."

Aaron Rudnicki:
"Over the past couple seasons, it would be hard to find a more dominant player in the league than Haynesworth. That hasn't always translated into great fantasy numbers, but he has put up an impressive 14.5 sacks in his last 27 games. If he can maintain that type of pace in Washington, Haynesworth should remain one of the most productive fantasy DTs in the league when healthy. For such a big player who faces double teams on nearly every play, injuries are always a concern. The fact that he cashed in with a huge contract also might take some incentive away from him. Shaun Rogers seems to be in a tier by himself among fantasy DTs, but Haynesworth and a few others aren't that far behind him."

Projections

IDP Scoring System

• 1.5 pts per Solo Tackle
• 0.75 pts per Assisted Tackle
• 4 pts per Sack
• 4 pts per Forced Fumble
• 4 pts per Fumble Recovery
• 5 pts per Interception
• 1.5 pts per Pass Defensed
• 6 pts per Touchdown
• 2 pts per Safety