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Haynesworth rips coaching staff
Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 1:12 pm
by spudstr04
Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has lashed out at his team's defensive game planning and the coordinator who oversees it.
Not long after Jim Zorn sent him home Friday for what the coach said were disciplinary reasons, Haynesworth told The Washington Post that he couldn't "survive another season in this system if it stays the way it is."
"If they keep this system the way it is, then they would label Albert Haynesworth a bust who didn't live up to the contract," Haynesworth told the newspaper in a telephone interview. "Everybody would say he just took the money and ran off. And I'm still playing as hard as I possibly can. But you can only do so much within the system that's put around you.
"And I'm not talking about the players," Haynesworth said. "The players have been great. I couldn't ask for any better guys. I'm talking about the system. And [the coaches] can say whatever they want about that [the reason he was sent home Friday]. The main thing it's coming from is what I said after the game about leadership and about the team."
On Thursday, Haynesworth was fined $10,000 by the NFL for an altercation with Giants running back Brandon Jacobs late in New York's 45-12 victory at Washington on Monday.
But Zorn said Friday's developments weren't related to the game incident and resulting fine.
"They're all against me or whatever," Haynesworth told The Post. "But I know what I'm saying is right because I've been in a scheme that works."
Haynesworth's comments to the newspaper followed critical barbs he directed at the Redskins' defense after the loss to the Giants. Haynesworth said he believed this is ultimately why he was sent home, despite the fact he said he was 20 minutes late for a Friday team meeting.
"I was late. I'll pay the fine," Haynesworth told The Post. "The thing that doesn't make any sense to me, they're talking about disciplinary action because I was 20 minutes late? I'm not going to throw anybody under the bus, but I've seen guys two hours late, show up right before practice on a normal day, and they get to do everything and [the coaches] just respond with, 'Whatever.'
"This is like the second time I've ever been late," he added. "In the preseason, I fell asleep and was like a couple of minutes late for a meeting. This is the second time I've ever been late for a meeting and I get sent home."
Zorn said Friday that Haynesworth would still play Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys but might not start.
Haynesworth said the Redskins promised during their pitch to him that if he signed, they would tailor the defensive game-planning around him.
"They might have changed a little bit [but] they don't let me rush," Haynesworth said. "They call what Blache calls 'Hot,' a basic pass rush, maybe a few times a game. And half the time that's changed because of some formation. I disagree with their whole scheme."
The loss to the Giants dropped the Redskins to 4-10 and didn't do much to help whatever slim chances Zorn had of returning next season.
After the game, Haynesworth sounded ready to cast a vote for someone else.
"I don't think really this team is that bad. The players ain't that bad," Haynesworth said Monday. "The score, the record, [they] say that we're horrible, that we don't know how to play football. But I've been around these guys a lot and I think they know how to play football. I think we're just all going in different directions, and we need somebody to lead us in the right direction."
Blache, in his sixth season with Redskins and 22nd in the NFL, has not spoken to the media since Oct. 8, according to The Washington Post's report.
"We got great corners and safeties here that can play if they were used right," Haynesworth told The Post. "They make a million checks before the ball is snapped. Guys are sitting there thinking instead of reacting. Guys are sitting there thinking instead of playing. When you're sitting there thinking about what you're going to do when you're trying to run, you don't go as fast. When it's natural and it comes to you, you do it. You know? It's instinct. You know what I mean? What they want us to do is think and be robots. This is just ridiculous."
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4772458
I actually like hearing this. We all know that this coaching staff is going to get blown up. I agree with the assessment that he made about other players showing up late and "no one cares." I guarantee you that Mr. Portis is involved in that circle of players. I think Jim Zorn has finally snapped under all of this pressure and is just taking it out on who he can while he's still the coach.
Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 2:25 pm
by UK Skins Fan
I don't like hearing this at all. I don't want to hear it, and I don't want Haynesworth blabbing like a big baby to the press.
Having said that, I don't necessarily disagree with a word he's said.
Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 3:18 pm
by Countertrey
UK Skins Fan wrote:I don't like hearing this at all. I don't want to hear it, and I don't want Haynesworth blabbing like a big baby to the press.
Having said that, I don't necessarily disagree with a word he's said.
Agree. Haynesworth is fully entitled to his thoughts on his encounters and interactions with the coaching staff... but it is NEVER good when the player decides that the place to vent is the Sports page.
Haynesworth knows that the current regieme is dying... just ride and let it die...
I may or may not agree with him... but this public carping is infantile and not helpful for anybody.
Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 4:05 pm
by ATX_Skins
Might as well get it all out on the table now. I've never liked Blache, I think his zone schemes are ridiculous. Greg Williams makes Blache look like a pee wee coach, not even on te same level.
Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 4:35 pm
by PMG12569
UK Skins Fan wrote:I don't like hearing this at all. I don't want to hear it, and I don't want Haynesworth blabbing like a big baby to the press.
Having said that, I don't necessarily disagree with a word he's said.
I think i actually agree with him, this coaching staff hasnt been able to coach up any of our young talent and Blache is soo overrated as a DC I think we do have decent talent but theres a reason our corners are still 20 yards off the ball, we never blitz, and no one can teach Laron to not bite on the double move, these coaches are vanilla and lame.
Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 6:11 pm
by Fios
Countertrey wrote:UK Skins Fan wrote:I don't like hearing this at all. I don't want to hear it, and I don't want Haynesworth blabbing like a big baby to the press.
Having said that, I don't necessarily disagree with a word he's said.
Agree. Haynesworth is fully entitled to his thoughts on his encounters and interactions with the coaching staff... but it is NEVER good when the player decides that the place to vent is the Sports page.
Haynesworth knows that the current regieme is dying... just ride and let it die...
I may or may not agree with him... but this public carping is infantile and not helpful for anybody.
I third this though I definitely agree with Haynesworth. It's hard to call what the Redskins have defensively a bad scheme but Blache's unwavering dedication to his approach and his approach only is limiting.
Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 7:50 pm
by fredp45
I absolutely agree that our defensive coaches haven't gotten the most out of the players but I never believe a player should speak out to the press about his coaches. Haynesworth is paid to play, not coach, or give his opinion to the press about the coaches. It underminds the team.
There is NEVER a good time for a player to do this.
Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 9:18 pm
by so.il.SKINSFAN
After the way this season has played out, I'm surprised that everyone on the team hasn't came out and said something. I guess Big Al has just had enough of it.
Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 10:25 pm
by aswas71788
I agree with Haynesworth. This "bend, don't break" and "medium" is nonsense in professional football. "Bend, don't break", hw many times have we seen the defense bend forthe other team in teh last few minutes of teh game and give up the winning score? HOw many time s have we seen "medium" produce nothing? Medium and Bend, don't break did not do anything in teh first 6 games that should get recognition.
Thankfully, Zorn and company shuold be gone at the end of the season. Bring in a coach that believes in going for the jugular every time. If anyone doesn't believe that Zorn has played favorites, look at the production of Portis and Randle El versis some unknown, trying to prove something players such as Davis, Mason, Ganther, Thomas.
Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 10:52 pm
by danegotti
I'm glad to hear this from Haynesworth - only because I know and he knows that major change is inevitable with the recent announcement about Bruce Allen. Portis probably was one of the guys that was late to practice with no recourse which is why I hope he is gone - it's players like that who Haynesworth agrees with me that is ruining the team. And his comments about being "robots" is priceless. Sorry Blache, I hate to say it, but this comment from your player coupled with the fact that you are stonewalling the press since Oct 8 (and no fans like that crap) makes me think you may not be right for the job either.
Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 12:55 am
by welch
Without being inside the defense, it is hard to know if Hayneworth is defending his own play, or unselfishly pointing out ways the Redskins' defense could be improved.
Either way, he shouldn't be talking like this. Should not. Period.
It suggests to me that Haynesworth is a guy who looks for an excuse when the game gets tough. Not a good character trait.
Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 8:36 am
by REDEEMEDSKIN
welch wrote:Either way, he shouldn't be talking like this. Should not. Period.
I agree.
Did anyone notice that Haynesworth had previously called into question the "niceness" of the press, even going as far as not granting interviews during a large portion of the season?
All of a sudden it's a great outlet for his complaints????
What gives, Fat Al? Go back to Tennessee, where things are so perfect!!
Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 2:23 pm
by Redskin in Canada
Albert is RIGHT in substance.
But Albert is WRONG to bring it outside of the organization.
I hope Blache does not stay next year. His ENTIRE defensive scheme makes me sick with frustration.
This Defense can be much better and more aggressive.
Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 2:47 pm
by RayNAustin
Haynesworth is a competitor, and if anything, his frustration shows that he isn't just showing up to collect a check as some had feared might happen.
Under normal circumstances, I'd totally agree that a player should never air dirty laundry in the press ... but come on ... this dysfunctional, chaotic mess is a joke ... and Haynesworth, like many others are frustrated to death.
When you know you're good ... and you know you are capable ... and the coaches misuse you and you wind up looking like total idiots on Monday night Football, it's understandable that somebody may shoot their mouth off. I take it as a sign that fat Al cares about winning more than that big paycheck he's guaranteed to receive.
And as a supporter of Blache in the past, I must say that the NYG game showed me that he's either not a very good DC or that he's too bull headed to adjust his strategy ... either way, that's not good.
Never .. throughout that game did Blache adjust to the dismantling that Manning did to the defense. Eli can be a great player with time to throw, but can be rattled with pressure ... and Blache never dialed up the pressure in spite of getting torched, series after series.
At what point do you say ... hey, we're 4-9, the season is lost, and we're getting murdered and made fools of out there ... let's turn them loose ... let's throw the kitchen sink at Eli and see how he responds?
Fat Al is frustrated, and sending him to bed without supper for being late was just the straw that broke the camels back.
Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 4:03 pm
by SkinsJock
Players should never discuss team issues with the press
Players should just play the game and also try and make the players around them better - coaches should both prepare them to play and put them in the best position to execute the game plan - obviously these players and coaches are very frustrated about this season but that does not give them an excuse to air grievances HOWEVER the coaches here have let these guys down too - it would be helpful if we can get some coaches in here that can get the job done - Blache is not getting it done
I hope that the new guys that are coming in here can instill in the players a feeling of being a part of a team and we do not have any need for players to be talking to the press about other players or coaches this way
Haynesworth will be here and continue to be a force for our franchise
Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 9:29 pm
by riggofan
SkinsJock wrote:Players should never discuss team issues with the press
Players should just play the game and also try and make the players around them better - coaches should both prepare them to play and put them in the best position to execute the game plan
I don't disagree with you but you can't really blame Haynesworth for defending himself. If he doesn't speak up, people in the press will write that he's a bust, wasn't worth the money, etc; All he's been saying is that they brought him in here and haven't used him in a way that he can be his most productive.
Its probably more the fault of Snyder/Cerrato than Blache though.
Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 10:31 pm
by welch
It seems to me that:
- Haynesworth was not under attack
- If the media criticizes him, it's best to say nothing
- If anyone replies, it ought to be the coaches defending their players.
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 9:05 am
by SkinsJock
welch wrote:It seems to me that:
- Haynesworth was not under attack
- If the media criticizes him, it's best to say nothing
- If anyone replies, it ought to be the coaches defending their players.
you're exactly right welch - the players and coaches are aware of all the pitfalls involved with their contact with the press - nothing good can come of it - what is 'reported' will mostly be distorted to make the story appear bigger than it really is
this is not the correct or best way to handle any issues players or coaches have with their team - the press/media (especially in the DC area) are only interested in trying to portray any incident in their own interests
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 9:16 am
by VetSkinsFan
welch wrote:It seems to me that:
- Haynesworth was not under attack
- If the media criticizes him, it's best to say nothing
- If anyone replies, it ought to be the coaches defending their players.
Have you WATCHED the post game interviews? The pressers? They're a freakin joke. Zorn comes out smiling after a 49-12 drubbing. Last nite after the Dallas game, he's completely wrong on the stats ("we're like 4-13 now","we were 2/10 on 3rd down conversions") and he's an idiot. A GOD FORSAKEN IDIOT!!! Jerry Gray says so little, he might as well not even speak to Kelli Johnson.
I like that someone has the balls to come out and speak their minds, b/c the coaches seem completely content to be 4-12 (and we will be next week going off previous performance). No one is upset, no one shows frustration. No one but us fans. I like that Haynesworth's not afraid to speak his mind.
If he came out and had everything rosie and happy, no one would be complaining. This regime is a joke and it's about time they've been exposed to the romper room stupidity that is the 2009 Washington Redskins.
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 11:02 am
by CanesSkins26
I like that someone has the balls to come out and speak their minds, b/c the coaches seem completely content to be 4-12 (and we will be next week going off previous performance). No one is upset, no one shows frustration. No one but us fans. I like that Haynesworth's not afraid to speak his mind.
If he came out and had everything rosie and happy, no one would be complaining. This regime is a joke and it's about time they've been exposed to the romper room stupidity that is the 2009 Washington Redskins.
Agree 100%.
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 11:26 am
by DEHog
VetSkinsFan wrote:welch wrote:It seems to me that:
- Haynesworth was not under attack
- If the media criticizes him, it's best to say nothing
- If anyone replies, it ought to be the coaches defending their players.
Have you WATCHED the post game interviews? The pressers? They're a freakin joke. Zorn comes out smiling after a 49-12 drubbing. Last nite after the Dallas game, he's completely wrong on the stats ("we're like 4-13 now","we were 2/10 on 3rd down conversions") and he's an idiot. A GOD FORSAKEN IDIOT!!! Jerry Gray says so little, he might as well not even speak to Kelli Johnson.
I like that someone has the balls to come out and speak their minds, b/c the coaches seem completely content to be 4-12 (and we will be next week going off previous performance). No one is upset, no one shows frustration. No one but us fans. I like that Haynesworth's not afraid to speak his mind.
If he came out and had everything rosie and happy, no one would be complaining. This regime is a joke and it's about time they've been exposed to the romper room stupidity that is the 2009 Washington Redskins.
Yea I caught that..It really says a lot about where his head is at...but everything I read on the boards today are symptoms of the mismanagement of this team by it's owner...Gibbs was able to hide it with good coaching… Zorn...no way...but it's not his fault!!
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 11:36 am
by JansenFan
I wish everyone played like Haynesworth. He was dominant yesterday. If only the rest of the defense was in any kind of position to succeed, we could be dominant on defense. There is no excuse to have your DB's 5-10 yards beyond the line of gain. You are giving them the first down/touchdown. I know it was Christmas Weekend, bu Jesus Christ! They don't need to give things away!
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 3:09 pm
by VetSkinsFan
DEHog wrote:VetSkinsFan wrote:welch wrote:It seems to me that:
- Haynesworth was not under attack
- If the media criticizes him, it's best to say nothing
- If anyone replies, it ought to be the coaches defending their players.
Have you WATCHED the post game interviews? The pressers? They're a freakin joke. Zorn comes out smiling after a 49-12 drubbing. Last nite after the Dallas game, he's completely wrong on the stats ("we're like 4-13 now","we were 2/10 on 3rd down conversions") and he's an idiot. A GOD FORSAKEN IDIOT!!! Jerry Gray says so little, he might as well not even speak to Kelli Johnson.
I like that someone has the balls to come out and speak their minds, b/c the coaches seem completely content to be 4-12 (and we will be next week going off previous performance). No one is upset, no one shows frustration. No one but us fans. I like that Haynesworth's not afraid to speak his mind.
If he came out and had everything rosie and happy, no one would be complaining. This regime is a joke and it's about time they've been exposed to the romper room stupidity that is the 2009 Washington Redskins.
Yea I caught that..It really says a lot about where his head is at...but everything I read on the boards today are symptoms of the mismanagement of this team by it's owner...Gibbs was able to hide it with good coaching… Zorn...no way...but it's not his fault!!
Gibbs may have hid the symptoms, but how good did he really do? We backed in to the playoffs to set a record for least amount of offensive yards in a playoff win, and then got sent home by the Seahawks. It was a defensive game, Gibbs is not a defensive guy.
And the lack of consistancy is on the coaches, not Danny. Zorn got stripped of playcalling duties b/c he was horribly inept. That's not Danny's fault. Zorn can't keep his team motivated. That's not Danny's fault. I wish people would stop giving all the blame to Dan Snyder. Dan Snyder is not making the
corners play 10 yards off. Dan Snyder is not making LL take bad angles and hit instead of wrap up. Dan Snyder is not calling 77% of the plays to be thrown within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage.
Dan may have done a lot of things, but for the love of Pete, he's not to blame for everything.
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 11:32 pm
by ATX_Skins
Vet, I have to agree with you. Stripping Zorn of play calling, Firing Cerrato, bringing in Bruce Allen, contract for Shannahan....
Snyder is OK with me now. It seems as though he's doing his best to turn this around and I can respect that.
My focus with the players will have to depend on the coach we bring in and the scheme they want to run. If Campbell doesnt fit that (and I don't think he will) than fine. If there is a logical reason to keep him than I'm fine with that too.
Totally off note: I'm watching the Bears play and man do I wish we had gotten Cutler.
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 12:17 am
by welch
No, I do not watch the post-game or listen to Washington sports talk radio. I've listened to New York's WFAN enough to know I have better things to do than listen to entertainers waste time between games.
A coach is supposed to say absolutely nothing controversial in public. In private, they each have a style. As we know, Gibbs could throw chairs threw walls but he never lost control where we could see it.
Same goes for the players. No, I don't need to cry because a player complains that he can't "express himself". The player gets paid to play: not to talk. Especially not to talk to the press. (See "Bull Durham" lecture).
Football is a team game requiring exact coordination...much more rigid coordinating than soccer/football, where players are required to improvise with each other. It's like jazz where gridiron football is like classical music. If the first violinist wants to ignore the conductor, then the music sounds awful.
In "speaking out", Haynesworth indicates, at best, that he is insecure about his play. "Someone" might criticize him.
So what?
Does anyone really expect Haynesworth to be Lava-lava Lennie? For those who don't remember, Coach George Allen recruited a mammoth player named Lava-Lave Lennie to play defensive line. What position on the line? The whole line. It's all there in Doonesbury about 1977, complete with the Hunter Thompson character as agent.
Until somebody finds the real Lava-Lava Lennie, an NFL defense will have 11 players on the field. George Allen, Jack Pardee, and Richie Petibon all created brilliant defenses that demanded the players work together. When Petibon sat and Ken Houston took over strong safety, nobody let Houston play his own separate defense. He fit into Allen's defensive plays and became be all-time best strong safety because he was effective.
OK, 1973 is almost ancient history. Get out your tapes of SB 22 and watch what Petibon's defense did to John Elway and "the three amigos". Now imagine if Charles Mann had been giving interviews undermining Petibon, other coaches, and, by implication, other players.
Right. No coordination -> no team -> losses.