Redskins' Fred Davis, Trent Williams Suspended Four Games

By: Tyler Ward

Mike Shanahan and the Redskins announced yesterday that the team has suspended tight end Fred Davis and tackle Trent Williams four games for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

The league said yesterday that the two players will be suspended without pay and will be able to return to the team's active roster on Jan. 2, the day after the Redskins' final regular season game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

This is not the first time that Davis and Williams have failed drug tests, as multiple reports have stated that both players have failed more than one drug test for the NFL.

On Wednesday, both players apologized to their teammates at a team meeting. Both players will miss the final four games of the regular season and it will hurt the Redskins, as both players have played vital roles for the Redskins, albeit their 4-8 record.

Davis is the team's leader in receptions and has arguably been the most consistent receiver for Rex Grossman and John Beck. Williams, the fourth overall pick a little over a year ago, is also perhaps the team's best offensive lineman, and also one of the most expensive players on the roster.

Williams signed a six-year, $60 million deal after he was selected in the first round of last year's draft. After the season is over, he will have four years remaining on his current deal, while Davis' contract will be up and will have to test the free agency waters.

Although being one of the league's best up-and-coming tight ends, Davis' stock will certainly take a hit and it is unlikely that he will receive a deal like Vernon Davis and Antonio Gates have signed in recent years.

The former USC Trojan has caught 59 passes for 796 yards and three touchdowns this season.

But there is no doubt that Davis will likely receive a relatively small deal in free agency next season.

Head coach Mike Shanahan said of Davis, "Any contract that anybody would sign somebody to, knowing that with one failed test they could be gone just like that. They're going to protect themselves in the contract, and it'll be based on performance and based on going down the straight and narrow."

And Shanahan is right. There is no reason why a team would give a player a hefty contract when there is always the possibility of them being suspended by the NFL for making dumb and/or irrational decisions.

Shanahan has said that Sean Locklear and rookie Willie Allen have split snaps at right tackle and it is not known who will get the majority of the snaps when the Redskins play the New England Patriots on Sunday.

The Redskins have already lost Chris Cooley for the season due to injury, so they will be forced to start Logan Paulsen, who was the team's third-string tight end at the beginning of the season. Another former Trojan, Dominique Byrd, will be Paulsen's back-up. Byrd was re-signed Wednesday after being released by the team on Nov. 8.

Clearly, the team is disappointed at the circumstances and Williams will be even more disappointed once he realizes how much it'll hurt his pocket-book for missing the team's final four games.

Williams has a base salary of $7.852 million this season, which means he will lose $1.847 million for missing the final four games. And not to mention, Williams could also lose a majority of his $3 million signing bonus and under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, he could have a nice chunk cut out of his 2011 $7.5 million roster bonus.

Williams could forfeit twenty-five percent of the $300,000 signing bonus for this season, along with twenty-five percent of the $1.5 million roster bonus.

At the end of the day, Williams would lose a minimum of $1.847 million and a maximum of $2.347 million after it's all said and done with. That would be able to buy Williams a lot of fancy cars and new toys, but he won't get those now because of the mystery drug he failed for.

With two of their best offensive players gone because of the suspension, the Redskins' offense is likely to falter in the Redskins' final four games. The Redskins might be lucky to win one of the final games and could very well end the season with another disappointing campaign and a 4-12 record.

But hey, if it does happen, they'll get a high draft pick and could possibly draft a quarterback, which they are in dire need for -- such as Baylor's Robert Griffin III, Oklahoma's Landry Jones or USC's Matt Barkley. We'll find out what happens in the next few weeks with one of the NFL's most disappointing franchises over the last decade.

NFL Top 10: The Top Kick Returners In NFL History

By: Tyler Ward

Being one of the most electrifying aspects in football, there have been some great returners since the NFL merger.

When a player scores a touchdown on a kick or punt return, it does more than just put up six points on the board. It excites not only the crowd, but the players, too. It can also provide a spark for the team and possibly make them even better.


Thanks to the guys at the NFL Network, I bring you a list of the top ten kick returners in NFL history.

 Example: Player's name, Team they're most known playing for

10. Dante Hall, Kansas City Chiefs


9. Desmond Howard, Green Bay Packers


8. Eric Metcalf, Cleveland Browns


7. Gale Sayers, Chicago Bears


6. Rick Upchurch, Denver Broncos


5. Mel Gray, Detroit Lions


4. Deion Sanders, Dallas Cowboys


3. Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, Houston Oilers


2. Brian Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles/Washington Redskins


1. Devin Hester, Chicago Bears


Courtesy of NFL Network

Sean Taylor (RIP) Pro Bowl Hit On Brian Moorman (Video)

By: Stephen Patterson

NFC East Preview

By: Tyler Ward and Stephen Patterson

1. Dallas Cowboys (Head Coach: Wade Phillips)

Key Arrivals: OT Alex Barron, WR Dez Bryant (draft), LB Sean Lee (draft)

Key Departures: S Ken Hamlin, OT Flozell Adams, CB Adam "Pacman" Jones, OG Corey Procter

SP: The Cowboys are perennially mentioned as a favorite to go deep in the postseason, yet they always fall tragically short for one reason or another. Whether it's been a botched snap on a field goal or a complete and total collapse to end the regular season, Dallas always seems to find a way to let down their fan base. In my opinion, this season is not only key to Wade Phillips keeping his job, but Tony Romo might find himself involved in potential trade talks next offseason if he can't produce for owner Jerry Jones. While he is statistically one of the top quarterbacks in the league, Romo hasn't gotten the Cowboys anywhere near the Super Bowl. With the Super Bowl being in Dallas this season, Jones will surely want to see his team representing the NFC in the championship game. Drafting Dez Bryant may have been a gamble in the eyes of some, but he was definitely one of the most talented receivers in the draft and will compliment Miles Austin very well. The two could potentially be one of the receiving duos in the NFL over the next few seasons if Bryant can stay healthy and stay focused on his game and not the stardom. The defense is pretty decent in Dallas, but someone will need to step up to fill the shoes of Ken Hamlin and bolster a weak secondary. Health will be one of the biggest concerns for the Cowboys, as they are not a very deep team and have several positions that can't afford injuries. One of those positions is the definitely running back, as they will need Marion Barber and Felix Jones to be 100% this season if they want to make an attempt at becoming the first team in NFL to play in the Super Bowl at home.

Miles Austin

- SP's Prediction: 12-4

TW: The Cowboys really didn't do much this offseason, but they did get wide receiver Dez Bryant in the draft. Bryant, along with Miles Austin, forms a very good receiving group - they also have Jason Witten at tiht end, so their passing attack could be very formidable. Tony Romo could be in for another 4,000 yard season. Dallas also has the three-headed beast at running back with Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice. The Cowboys will definitely have one of the best offenses in the NFL this season. But, I think the loss of Flozell Adams is going to hurt them more than they think. They did acquire Alex Barron from the Rams, in hopes that he can play as well as Adams did. Guard Kyle Kosier is also expected to miss 4-6 weeks with an injury, so the Cowboys are going to have to think of something for their offensive line. Their defense is also expected to be pretty good - DeMarcus Ware could have another great season in the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme. However, they are very thin at the cornerback and safety positions, so that could hurt them defending the pass. As of right now, Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins are the starters, but the backups aren't great, so both of them are going to have to stay healthy. Jay Ratliff, fresh off a Pro Bowl season, will probably be just as good this season - and possibly make another Pro Bowl appearance. Overall, the Cowboys will stay injury-free and make the postseason. But, with their recent history, who knows what they'll do in the playoffs.

- TW's Prediction: 12-4 

2. New York Giants (Head Coach: Tom Coughlin)

Key Arrivals: LB Keith Bulluck, S Antrel Rolle, S Deon Grant, DE/LB Jason Pierre-Paul (draft), DT Linval Joseph (draft), S Chad Jones (draft)

Key Departures: QB David Carr, CB Kevin Dockery, LB Danny Clark, DT Fred Robbins, S C.C. Brown, WR Domenik Hixon

SP: The Giants definitely added some nice pieces to their defense, but I'm not sure they did enough on the offensive side of the ball to win one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. They could have definitely used another receiver to help fill the void of Plaxico Burress, who is still serving his jail sentence. I think Hakeem Nicks will be one of the top young receivers in the league, but him and Steve Smith are not enough for this team to have a truly threatening passing attack. I'm also not very high on the duo of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. I have always thought Jacobs has been overrated, and his health is also a constant concern for the team. Bradshaw is a pretty decent player, but splitting time with Jacobs lowers his production. The additions of Antrel Rolle, Keith Bulluck, and Jason Pierre-Paul were all solid moves in my opinion. While Bulluck is getting near the end of his career, he is still a very productive player on the field and can provide valuable leadership in the locker room. If New York can stay healthy, they have a chance in this wild division, but I'm just not convinced they have enough offensive fire power to win a division that could legitimately be won by any of the four teams.

- SP's Prediction: 10-6

Eli Manning

TW: I also like what the Giants did this offseason, especially with QB Eli Manning having a breakout season last year. Fresh off of throwing for over 4,000 for the first time in his six-year career, he could very well have another one this season. WR Hakeem Nicks is a budding star, so he will definitely get some passes thrown his way - look for him to do well this year, too. The other receiver, Mario Manningham, is a very talented receiver and TE Kevin Boss has shown glimpses of a new Jeremy Shockey. Along with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw at running back, the Giants may have a high-powered offense this season. However, the one thing that could hurt them is the offensive line. They are all getting older and already, guards Chris Snee and Rich Seubert are injured. This has caused tackle David Diehl to be moved to a guard until Snee and/or Seubert return. The Giants signed former Pro Bowler tackle Shawn Andrews to a six-year contract that could be worth up to $32.5 million (Andrews has not played in a game since early in the 2008 season). New York also upgraded their defense and hoping that Osi Umenyiora can return to his old form. They also added linebacker Keith Bulluck and safety Antrel Rolle through free agency - with their first round pack, they selected Jason Pierre-Paul, a linebacker and a premier pass rusher. Kenny Phillips, their other safety, is looking to return from a season-ending injury last season and if he stays healthy, he could be a Pro Bowl-caliber player. Throw any other players like Justin Tuck, Chris Canty, Mathias Kiwanuka, Michael Boley, Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas, and Aaron Ross - and you have an awfully good defense. I like what the Giants have done, but at the end of the day, I think the Cowboys will have the better regular season record.

- TW's Prediction: 10-6

3. Washington Redskins (Head Coach: Mike Shanahan)

Key Arrivals: QB Donovan McNabb, RB Willie Parker, RB Larry Johnson, DT Ma'ake Kemoeatu, QB Rex Grossman, DE Adam Carriker, OT Jamaal Brown, WR Joey Galloway, LB Chris Draft, DE Vonnie Holliday, WR Mike Furrey, OT Trent Williams (draft)

Key Departures: OT Chris Samuels, CB Fred Smoot, QB Jason Campbell, WR Antwaan Randle El, RB Ladell Betts, QB Todd Collins, RB Rock Cartwright, QB Colt Brennan

Brian Orakpo

SP: The Redskins are looking to begin a new era under new head coach Mike Shanahan, and they have actually made the moves to potentially move out the cellar in this division. While they haven't been one of the absolute worst teams over the past few seasons (see St. Louis and Detroit), Washington hasn't lived up to the expectations of their fans after consistently having one of the biggest payrolls and the NFL. The team always seems to bring in a marquee name each offseason, and somehow, they always seem to find a way to disappoint. Well this time the team took a slightly different approach, adding so many big name players that they can't possibly all turn out to be bad moves. Donovan McNabb is an obvious upgrade over Jason Campbell, but he is on the wrong end of his career to wait a few years while this team gets everything together. The Redskins currently have a short window to make a deep run at the postseason behind McNabb and some of the other aging stars on this roster. Their running game will also be a big key for them this season, with Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson expected to get most of the carries, while Willie Parker could potentially be released. Personally, I'd keep him on the roster as insurance policy in case one of the other two gets injured, as you can never have too many quality running backs in the NFL. The defense will likely determine how far this team goes this season, and considering they are relying on one of the laziest players in the league (Albert Haynesworth), I'm not sure I like where that might take them. They are switching to a 3-4 defense, one of the main reasons Haynesworth threw his highly-publicized temper tantrum that included a holdout and trade demands. While Washington will definitely improve from last season, I think they will come up a few victories short of the postseason.

- SP's Prediction: 9-7

TW: I think Dan Snyder may actually know what he's doing now...well, maybe. Fix the Haynesworth fiasco and then I think he's got it on lock. But, anyway, their biggest acquisition of the offseason was not a player -- but a coach. After parting ways with ex-Seawhawks quarterback Jim Zorn, they went out and hired two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Shanahan. A guru of running backs, Shanahan will help the offense, which has absolutely struggled since the Steve Spurrier era (Joe Gibbs had them fairly decent, but no where close to the top). The acquisition of quarterback Donovan McNabb immediately adds consistency and leadership to the team - the Redskins really haven't had a solid QB since 2000 when they had Brad Johnson at the helm (they have since used quarterbacks like Tony Banks, Patrick Ramsey, Mark Brunell, and Jason Campbell). McNabb could also have a big season, as the Redskins' offense better suits him than the Eagles' attempts of the past. The Redskins also added ex-Pro Bowlers Willie Parker and Larry Johnson through free agency and along with Clinton Portis, they literally have a three-headed best at running back. Their biggest weakness, however, is their receiving core. Outside of Santana Moss and tight end Chris Cooley, they really have no receivers that have showed something in the NFL. Devin Thomas is penciled in as the #2 receiver, with other unproven players like Malcolm Kelly, Terrence Austin, and Roydell Williams following suit. They added veteran Joey Galloway, but it is unclear how much he will actually play. If the Redskins want to succeed, they will have to have a healthy defense - they cannot afford their $100 million man, Albert Haynesworth, to miss time due to injuries or just not wanting to play. Players like Phillip Daniels, Kedric Golston, Fred Smoot, and Reed Doughty also have to do well if the Redskins want a top-tier defense. Linebacker Brian Orakpo could also have another great season, so watch for his sack totals to be somewhere around the same he had last season. Even though it seems like they've gotten better, I don't think they will be a threat to make the playoffs and they will finish with an 8-8 record. I do like what they're doing, but they're just not going to be a top team after going through so many changes. Shanahan will get this team better and they could very well regain their old form in the next few seasons.

- TW's Prediction: 8-8 

4. Philadelphia Eagles (Head Coach: Andy Reid)

Key Arrivals: CB Marlin Jackson, LB Darryl Tapp, LB Ernie Sims, RB J.J. Arrington, WR Kelley Washington, RB Mike Bell, DE Brandon Graham (draft), WR Riley Cooper (draft), S Nate Allen (draft)

Key Departures: RB Brian Westbrook, QB Donovan McNabb, LB Will Witherspoon, S Sean Jones, WR Reggie Brown, WR Kevin Curtis, OT Shawn Andrews, DE Chris Clemons, CB Sheldon Brown, LB Chris Gocong

SP: While Kevin Kolb played two amazing games last season in place of an injured Donovan McNabb, I'm not completely sold on him being the new face of this franchise. It was imminent that McNabb's time in Philly was coming to an end, and apparently the team feels comfortable enough with Kolb that they moved McNabb to division-rival Washington. Considering he has one of the best groups of receivers in the NFC, including lightning fast DeSean Jackson, the expectations are definitely high for Kolb in his first season as the team's starter. I think LeSean McCoy could be one of the best running backs in the NFC this season in his second year, but if he can't produce and struggles this season, this team will fall along with him. If they can't move the ball on the ground, it doesn't matter how good their QB's arm is. Their defense is also a big question mark for me, as many of the positions are pretty weak on Philly's roster with the exception of cornerback, where they have the duo of Asante Samuel and Ellis Hobbs. Unless Kolb has an unbelievable season and puts up MVP-type numbers, don't expect the Eagles to make a serious run the division this season. Given another season with the offense and adjusting to running the show, Kolb could potentially lead this team deep in postseason over the next few seasons.

DeSean Jackson

- SP's Prediction: 7-9

TW: With key players like Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook gone elsewhere, the Eagles are on the decline. Personally, I don't think Kevin Kolb is that great of a quarterback and will not be a good fit as McNabb's successor. He hasn't had enough playing time to even be considered a very good quarterback. I can see him struggling and thus, the Eagles will follow right behind him. A brightspot for Kolb, though, is a very young offense that could be top of the class in the next few seasons. RB LeSean McCoy is a talented athlete and with Westbrook gone, McCoy will receive the bulk of the carries. Although he's not as versatile as Westbrook, he can still possibly be an "elite" running back in the NFL. DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin form a good combination at wide receiver, along with Jason Avant, who had a fairly good season last year (41 catches, 587 yards, 3 TD's). Tight End Brent Celek showed glimpses of promise in 2009 and could be a top-notch tight end for the 2010 campaign - Celek caught 76 passes for 971 yards and 8 TD's last season. He may not exceed those numbers, but he could come close if Kolb looks for him a lot. Like their rival Giants, the Eagles may have a problem at offensive line and that could spell doom for the newly-assigned Kolb. Philly does have a solid defense, however, after adding safety Nate Allen in the draft - currently, Allen is the starting free safety. Cornerback Asante Samuel is a premier cornerback in the NFL and immediately provides depth and leadership at that position - along with Ellis Hobbs, the Eagles have a very talented secondary. They also added LB Ernie Sims in the offseason, acquiring him from Detroit in a trade. Since coming into the league in 2006, Sims had posted at least 100 tackles for his first three seasons, but missed five games in 2009 (he also only totaled 49 tackles, by far a career low). Look for their defensive line to be the key to a few of their wins - they have perhaps the most depth at the defensive line in the entire league. But, like I said earlier, I think the Eagles are on the decline and will fall below the .500 threshold. They could be an elite team in a few seasons, but they just have to let Kolb develop, along with their wide receivers, Jackson and Maclin.

- TW's Prediction: 7-9 

Albert Haynesworth Still Can't Get On Field

By: Stephen Patterson

Washington Redskins' nose tackle Albert Haynesworth was unable to take his third conditioning test earlier today due to swelling in his left knee. Since reporting to camp on Wednesday, after skipping the teams' previous camps and training sessions, Haynesworth has been unable to make it out onto the field to practice due to being out of shape in the eyes of new head coach Mike Shanahan. 

Shanahan decided Haynesworth needed to complete the conditioning test since he hasn't attended any of the teams workouts while he protested the teams switch to a 3-4 defense. In his previous two attempts at the test, Haynesworth has been unable to finish the required 300 yard sprints in an acceptable time. He is the only player on the Redskins roster to take the test, as everyone else has participated in the previous training camps.

On his first attempt on Thursday, Haynesworth completed the first two sprints, but according to Shanahan, he took too much time to rest in between the sprints. This led Shanahan to ask him to do a third sprint, which he couldn't complete in an acceptable amount of time. Haynesworth said he had never been able to do three sprints of that distance in his entire career, even during his best seasons, which led Shanahan to reportedly tell the defensive lineman he had never been in shape.

Haynesworth was much closer in his second attempt yesterday, and came only a single second short of the designated time of 70 seconds. While most coaches would probably allow a player to pass the test over such a small difference in time, Shanahan apparently has a zero tolerance policy in place when it comes to dealing with Haynesworth. It's hard to blame him after the way the Pro-Bowl tackle has treated the team so far this offseason.

When you are a $100 million player and supposedly one of the faces of a franchise, you have certain responsibilities to your teammates and the team that gave you that money. If you are unhappy with some of the decisions being made, discuss it with the coaching staff or management. There's no need to publicly demand a trade after one season with the team because you are unwilling to learn a new scheme. 

By sitting out from mandatory workouts and training sessions, Haynesworth has only hurt himself and made the transition even harder.While he had claimed to be staying in shape on his own during his time away from the team, it has become apparent that he hasn't kept his word. After accepting a $21 million bonus from the team in April, Haynesworth had no grounds to miss any of the teams activities. Even if he wanted to be moved to a new team, he should have been with the team on and off the field.

As a resident of Tennessee and moderate fan of the Titans, I'm happy the team let him walk away last summer and refused to give him the massive deal he was seeking. While there is no denying Haynesworth is one of the premier defensive linemen in the league when motivated, he is too much of a distraction to the team and doesn't have the decision making capability to be truly successful. If he can't understand why it's looked down upon to miss time over petty matters when making the amount of money he does, and why teammates are angered when their much higher-paid teammate is chilling on the sidelines, he obviously doesn't know what it takes to live up to the potential he has with his size and speed.

In Memory Of Sean Taylor

By: Stephen Patterson

Before his life was tragically taken in a home invasion robbery, Sean Taylor was one of the hardest hitting players in the NFL.

After a dominating career at the U, Taylor was selected in the top 10 of the 2004 Draft by the Washington Redskins. Before his tragic death, Taylor was a human highlight reel every time he took the field.

I jumped on YouTube and found this tribute video to the fallen star and one of my favorite all-time players. Feel free to share some of your fondest memories or videos of him below on the comments:

Big Ego, Big Pay

By: Tyler Ward

Throughout the years, there have been some big egos in the NFL with names like Deion Sanders and Terrell Owens. But, somehow, there is someone that can clearly top those players. That guy is Albert Haynesworth. Haynesworth is known more for his ego than for his run-stuffing defensive play. In my opinion, he's one of the most overrated and overpaid players in the NFL and should have received no where close to the contract he got.

Coming out of the University of Tennessee, Haynesworth was a defensive force along side fellow draftee John Henderson. They were supposed to be two of the best defensive tackle prospects in the draft. Haynesworth measured at 6'6" and weighed 317 pounds when he worked out for NFL scouts. With the big body in the middle, he would able to overpower most offensive linemen. Haynesworth, instead, felt that he had to get everything he wanted before he could step onto football field. He did not work out in the 2002 draft combine either, so that hurt his draft stock. He was taken 15th overall by the Tennessee Titans, who felt he would be a lifelong Titan. But, he bullied his way through the Titans organization and tested the front office many times. He has never been able to control his anger and keep a level head.

In 2000, while at UT, Haynesworth was never able to control his emotions. Will Ofenheusle, an offensive lineman, made Haynesworth mad in practice one day. Haynesworth was not able to deal with being shut down during practice and the two exchanged words. After practice was over, Haynesworth came looking for Ofenheusle with a metal pipe in his hand. It's hard to know what he was going to do or say, but the incident still remained to be one of his worst days in sports.

In early October 2006, the Titans took on the Dallas Cowboys in Nashville. Haynesworth could not get it going and it bugged him the entire first half. On a play early in the third quarter, a Cowboys offensive lineman, Andre Gurode, was on his knees in pain after the play was over. What happened? Haynesworth kicked Gurode's face while they were scuffling for position during the play. He was immediately ejected from the game. After the game was over, Haynesworth stated, "I apologize to Andre. What I did was disgusting. It's something that should never happen. I mean, I'm not a dirty player. I don't play dirty. I have respect for the game. What I feel like is I disgraced the game, disgraced my team and disgraced my last name." Really, Albert? You honestly expect me to believe you have respect for the game? I can understand showing emotion, but stomping someone's head is totally uncalled for. The NFL suspended Haynesworth for 5 games without pay, and he deserved every bit of it. However, I would have suspended him for the rest of the year due to lack of respect to Gurode and the entire NFL. His suspension at the time was the longest ever suspension for on-the-field transgressions. Haynesworth didn't appeal and was forced to sit out.

Even though he's had anger problems, he was still a highly touted free agent in 2009. The Washington Redskins took the gamble on him, signing him to a 7 year, $100 million contract. This instantly made Haynesworth the highest paid defensive player in NFL history. Statistically, he had one of his worst seasons ever, only starting 12 games and registering 30 tackles with 4 sacks. With the Titans, he was a dominating force, getting selected to two Pro Bowls, but with Washington, he didn't accomplish anything. Although there were flaws in Gregg Williams' defense, Haynesworth could never get the motor running and it seemed like he was blaming his frustrations solely on Williams. Jim Zorn, the head coach for 2 seasons, was fired after the season was over. Williams was also gone.

On January 5, 2010, the Redskins nabbed ex-Broncos head coach, Mike Shanahan, as their new leader. Shanahan won two Super Bowls with Denver and they want him to bring his success to Washington. The Redskins also signed Shanahan's son, Kyle, as their new offensive coordinator and ex-Saints head coach, Jim Haslett, as their defensive coordinator. Washington ran a 4-3 in 2009 and Haslett has stated that he wants to change it to the new popular defense, the 3-4. This has made Haynesworth very unhappy and at one point, he requested a trade from Washington after one mediocre year. He missed all of the team's mandatory minicamps and threatened to hold out for the entire 2010 season. He has been heavily criticized by his teammates and has almost worn out his welcome in our nation's capital.

A janitor at the Redskins practice facility told reporters earlier this month that he told Haynesworth how simple the defense was. He went on record to say, "I explained to him what a nose-tackle does in the 3-4, I think the concept of four linebackers and three linemen is just too complex for him.” That is amazing because the defense is so simplistic. It can't be that hard to comprehend as more and more teams are switching to the style. Most defensive players seem to like it more than the 4-3 defense, as it provides the opposing offenses more trouble. Even Redskins fans have sent letters to Haynesworth trying to get him to grasp the concept of the re-vamped defense. However, Haynesworth still seems oblivious to the defense.

Although he has said he will eventually return to the Redskins, this still erks me. Washington signed him to highest defensive player contract ever and yet, he is still disgruntled. I would happily play for that much money; I could definitely use it. Yes, the NFL is a business, but young children adore players and that's not the way some should be reaching out to the younger fans.

If Haynesworth doesn't want to play, don't let him play. The Redskins shouldn't have to pay him if he sits out the entire year. He really isn't worth the contract that he was given and is one of the most overrated players in the league. He truly has the biggest ego in the NFL, solely because of his decision on the defense. Football is not a 1 man team. Haynesworth doesn't need to make all the decisions, it's up to GM Bruce Allen and Head Coach Mike Shanahan. He is a truly selfish player and the NFL does not need that in the league.