Haynesworth In on Every Down, Shanahan Makes His Point

Albert Haynesworth has been in Coach Mike Shanahan's doghouse since failing to report to Redskin's offseason training camp this summer. Shanahan has made it clear to both Haynesworth and the media that he will not tolerate any such behavior. According to Shanahan, Haynesworth is not ready to play because he is not in game shape.

The Redskins played their final preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, losing by the final score of 20-10. Interestingly to note, however, was Haynesworth. Shanahan deliberately played Haynesworth the entire game, including throughout the fourth quarter, which included the majority of second and third line players from both teams. Without a doubt, Shanahan was trying to show to Haynesworth and to the rest of the Redskins team that he, in fact, is boss.

It could be that Shanahan gave Haynesworth more game time and defensive repetitions throughout the entire preseason to serve as a punishment for missing the offseason workouts. Primarily because Haynesworth failed to report to offseason conditioning, Shanahan thinks he lacks the necessary speed and endurance to play in regular season games. Serving to both prove a point, as well as to condition Haynesworth, Shanahan is clearly demanding respect.

In the future, the Redskins players are going to have the offseason conditioning date clearly marked and highlighted on their calendars. Without question, none of these players want to subject themselves to the kind of treatment that Haynesworth is receiving. Even Haynesworth, who is in the elite class of defensive tackles, is not immune to the punishment from Shanahan. Shanahan is clearly showing the entire organization that he means business.

Although there were some harsh and direct comments made by Haynesworth towards Shanahan in the past, the last comments made by him were mostly of the joking manner. Without a doubt, this is good news for Redskins fans and players, who are both hoping to have a successful regular season and playoff run. If one thing is for certain, the fans and players know that Shanahan certainly means business, and is more than capable of keeping the his team focused and under control.