NFC East beat writer Matt Mosley of ESPN.com threw out an interesting scenario regarding Albert Haynesworth and how he could wind up in Philadelphia next season.
Here’s why:
The Washington Redskins have said they’d be open to Albert Haynesworth returning in 2011, but no one really believes them. And that’s why it’s interesting to note that the Philadelphia Eagles just hired Haynesworth’s all-time favorite position coach.
Haynesworth became one of the best defensive tackles in the league while working with defensive line coach Jim Washburn in Tennessee. The Redskins reportedly tried to unload Haynesworth on the Eagles during the Donovan McNabb negotiation but coach Andy Reid, currently in Antigua, did not have any interest. Perhaps Washburn could change Reid’s mind about Haynesworth.
Take a look at what Haynesworth told The (Nashville) Tennessean about Washburn:
“I owe Coach Wash pretty much everything,” said Haynesworth. “If my deal was $100 million or whatever, then Washburn deserves $90 million. I have the talent, but he taught me how to let it loose. As a player, once you can get through the [expletive], get down to the core of what he is saying, the information is more valuable than gold. He’s a great coach, a great teacher. The Titans should have paid a lot of money to keep him from leaving.”
It’s important to remember that Mosley isn’t reporting news – he’s just speculating based on the relationship that Hanyesworth had with Washburn in Tennessee. But even with that in mind, I doubt the Eagles would take a risk like this.
Defensive tackle and secondary were positions of strength this year for the Eagles, while linebacker was arguably their weakest link. When opponents attacked Philadelphia on the ground, they would usually test the outside edges as opposed to going up the middle. And Philly’s linebackers had a tough time in coverage this season, particularly in the red zone and when trying to man-up with running backs. Teams also tried to attack the Eagles through the air on first down because they knew their base defense (i.e. the 4-3) would be on the field.
Would adding a talent like Hayesworth be beneficial to a team like the Eagles? Of course it would, especially if Washburn could keep him focused and motivated. But defensive tackle wasn’t an issue for the team last year and assuming they would have to part with draft picks in order to acquire the troubled DT from Washington, maybe they would be wise to take a pass.
