Heh the more I read, the more comical it gets. Now Shanahan is saying it's a simple test...but the players all seem to say it's difficult, but doable. That's a bit of a difference.
Mike Shanahan::
This test, it's a very minimal test, and we've used it as part of our workout program for a long time."
What do the players say?
Philip Daniels::
"I tell you that test is not an easy test for a guy that's 330-some pounds," defensive end Phillip Daniels said. "At the same time, you've got to train for that test."
Daniels and several other teammates agreed that the test is difficult but fair, and requires specific cardio training.
And:Former Redskins offensive lineman Ross Tucker called the 300-yard shuttle test "the toughest" of those used regularly by coaches to determine whether players are in shape.
And:Shanahan said Friday he is confident Haynesworth will pass the test eventually and join his teammates. "Most people can do this test in their sleep," he said. "It's not as big as it may sound."
None of Haynesworth's teammates characterized the task facing Haynesworth in such casual terms. "If he wants to play, obviously he'll get it done," fullback Mike Sellers said. "It might take some time. It is a hard test. I will admit, it's a hard test to take, no matter what."
I like this theory:
One former NFL executive said the Redskins have "made it impossible" for Haynesworth to pass the test, but speculated that Shanahan may be trying to do Haynesworth a favor.
"All of his teammates are mad at the guy," said the executive, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he did not want to be seen as prying into the Redskins' business. "But now they look at this and think it's unfair, and there's some sympathy for him in the locker room.
But, really, all that matters is:
Haynesworth has met with Shanahan following each of the two failed tests and apparently isn't thrilled about the process. "I know it's the best thing for him," Shanahan said. "He may not know that at this time."
Mike is old school, and definitely hard core, but...he's earned the credibility. I understand the public humiliation of the first day, and perhaps the second day, but in my experience, extended public humiliation just doesn't work well as a motivational tactic for many grown men.
I just hope that he gets Albert motivated to play so we can extract 21 million worth of performance out of him (or as close as we can). Because what all of us shouldn't lose sight of, is that this guy is a dominant defensive player, and quite likely the best player on our team. There's no question in my mind that a motivated Haynesworth will translate to success for our defense. And...the flip side is that the big baby decides to mope about this, and we ended up paying him all of that money for minimal or no performance (i.e., a phantom injury). And we end up with a defensive line that's basically populated by cast-off, unproven, or injury-ridden players. Shanahan tried that before in Denver and blew up in his face.