Haynesworth a model citizen for Titans — at least for now
NASHVILLE (AP) — Albert Haynesworth, best known as Tennessee’s problem child since being drafted in 2002, has become a model citizen for the Titans this offseason.
Haynesworth hasn’t missed a workout since May 4, when he was the only veteran absent without an excuse, prompting Eddie George to call his it a slap in the face and provoking rare criticism from NFL co-MVP Steve McNair.
The Titans wrap up their final minicamp sessions Thursday, and Kevin Carter, who will start beside Haynesworth as he shifts from end to tackle, said the former University of Tennessee star has displayed his dedication.
“He has been here every day training hard. I’ve been here every day, and he’s been here with us. He’s working his butt off,” Carter said.
“The proof is in the pudding. You put your money where your mouth is. I mean actions speak louder than words. All the clich?s, they all fit right now, because he’s doing what he’s supposed to be doing.”
That’s a complete turnaround from a tumultuous spring in which coach Jeff Fisher made the very rare move of openly criticizing Haynesworth. The coach, who suspended Haynesworth for the Titans’ final game of 2003, was unhappy the tackle was the only player not taking part in the team’s voluntary offseason conditioning program.
Haynesworth had promised to work out on his own in Knoxville, where his wife is pregnant, while attending all 14 of the team’s minicamp sessions.
After the criticism from the Titans’ top two stars, Haynesworth has shown up regularly. Fisher said the Titans have seen “significant” changes in the tackle.
“He’s done a great job in the weight room, on the conditioning field. His weight is way down. He’s almost at his reporting weight (for training camp),” Fisher said.
Haynesworth said Tuesday he has gotten used to people criticizing him, but he thinks the latest flap was blown out of context.
“It seems like every year they’re going to say something about me,” Haynesworth said. “It doesn’t really bother me at all. People can think what they want to think. I know what I’m doing. I know what I expect out of myself at the end of the year.”
Haynesworth said in March his goals include earning his first Pro Bowl berth. That would coincide perfectly with the Titans’ needs. They let Robaire Smith leave as a free agent to Houston, hoping that Haynesworth is up to taking over in the interior.
Haynesworth missed three games last season because of a dislocated elbow, and he ranked fifth among Titans defensive linemen with 2 1/2 sacks. He also had the Titans’ lone sack of the postseason.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said Haynesworth, who turned 23 last week, is starting to answer the doubters.
“We’re starting to see him take some steps. You know the physical talent he has on the field,” Schwartz said.
Carter said people outside the Titans have the luxury of criticizing Haynesworth, but he has faith the young tackle will be the leader they need on defense.
“And he will come through. That’s the way I feel. Maybe I’m being optimistic and I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt,” Carter said. “But you know what? He’s my teammate, so I go to war for him and I expect him to go to war for me.”