Patriots: New England, meet Albert Haynesworth

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

John Rooke, GoLocalProv Sports Editor

He doesn’t really need any introduction, as the name “Albert Haynesworth” is well-known by now to most pro football fans in New England, and just about everywhere else.

His “song and dance” hasn’t just been for his ability to sack a quarterback, or disrupt an opponent’s offense. In fact, disruption is exactly what he’s been known for…and not in a positive sense. As the Patriots’ new member of the defensive line met with media Tuesday afternoon for the first time since coming to Foxboro, he wants you to know – that he wants to be known for something other than controversy.

What’s his role going to be on this team? “Just to kill the quarterback,” Haynesworth said.

Music to Pats’ fans ears, no doubt.

"It's a great chance to be on a great team. It's a chance, I guess, to restore my name or whatever you want to say," Haynesworth said. "Just a great chance to get back on the field and play football." When he was asked what he meant by the chance to restore his name, Haynesworth answered with “just to show that Albert Haynesworth can still play football.”

Strike up the band.

So far, Haynesworth knows what he needs to say…but backing up his words with actions – positive actions – will be closely watched by fans, media and of course his team, as well. His past transgressions are something he’s not running away from. "Everything is in the past. I'm leaving all that stuff back in Washington,” Haynesworth explained. “Right now, I'm just concentrating on being a great player for this organization. Forget about all that (other) stuff. It's all in the past. It's all about now, re-writing my name as Albert Haynesworth the Patriot."

And Albert Haynesworth has held out hope that he might actually BE a Patriot some day, or so it seems, as his interest in New England has been strong over the past few years. “I've been a fan of this team for a long time, other than when I was playing them. I always liked the Patriots.

“I always liked Coach Belichick, just the way he did things, the way the team performed. I came to games when I was in the pros,” Haynesworth added. “I came in the AFC Championship when they were playing San Diego (in the 2007 playoffs). I was sitting up in the stands, freezing my butt off and sat down and watched them play. I've always been a fan of this team.”

So there’s definite mutual interest. And a blossoming harmonic convergence when it comes to saying the right things. But what about on the field stuff? What about the Patriot defense, and playing alongside someone like Vince Wilfork? “It's going to be scary, scary for other teams,” he predicted. “I went to the Pro Bowl with Vince and the funny thing is, I said 'What if we were on the same team?' He was like, 'That would be crazy, there's no way that's going to happen.' But 2, 3 years later, here we are.”

Haynesworth also explained that he’s still very much getting himself back into football shape, and that he’s willing to play tackle in a 4-3 alignment, or even on the nose in a 3-4 set. “I'm willing the attack the quarterback, kill the running back, and knock everything back,” he pointed out. “I don't care what it is. Whatever gap the ball is in, that's the gap I want to be in.”

Again, that’s got to be sweet music for any rabid Patriots fan to hear. And so far, Haynesworth has noticed the love shown for him on the field and off – which makes the start to this relationship a good one. “I love how everybody takes you in, like I'm part of the family already,” he said. “I met with Coach and we had a great conversation. I met with Mr. Kraft and we had a great conversation. Everything has been great, from the players, even some of the fans I ran into. Everybody here has been awesome.”

If Patriots fans can continue to use the word “awesome” in the same sentence with Albert Haynesworth for an extended period of time this season, then the team might prove awesome itself. And that would surely be more than just music for fans’ ears.

Training Camp Notes

The Patriots announced the signings of two more rookie draft choices Tuesday, as 2nd round picks Ras-I Dowling, a defensive back from Virginia, and Shane Vereen, a running back out of California were both on the practice field. Contract terms were not disclosed. This leaves #1 choice Nate Solder as the only unsigned rookie…the team also announced the release of quarterback Jonathan Crompton and the signing of rookie free agent Christian Cox, a defensive end from Utah…Matt Light is not yet active in practice, not eligible until August 4th due to CBA transition rules. Bill Belichick has not yet commented directly on his signing, explaining that nothing has been made official as yet. Tuesday night, however, Light's deal became official. Terms were not announced, however the Associated Press reported that Light’s contract is for two years, where he can earn up to $12 million. That’s now $22 million invested (including Logan Mankins) in protecting Tom Brady’s blindside…did you hear Jets coach Rex Ryan publicly challenge the NFL to beat the Patriots this year? Ryan said this on Monday – “We have to find somebody out there to beat New England besides us. That would help. For anybody out there, are you good enough to beat New England? I’m challenging the league.” Predictably, Belichick Tuesday downplayed the “challenge.” “I'm just focused on going out there and trying to improve today,” the coach said. “I'll leave the analysis to the experts here…” James Sanders was at practice on Tuesday, apparently signaling that the safety is off of the active/non-football injury list…

Training Camp Schedule for Wednesday
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Patriots Experience open to the public
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM In-stadium practice for season ticket holders and Foxboro residents ONLY, closed to the general public

Thursday through Saturday, the Patriots will be holding only one practice per day, with practice times still to be determined.