Pittsburgh Steelers Defense

The Pittburgh Steelers are hoping to return to form this season. The offense will have to wait until at least the 5th game to return to its usually look. But it is the defense that needs to really return to form for the Steelers to make it to the playoffs this season.

Pittsburgh Steelers Defense

The Steelers defense woes began and ended with Troy Polamalu last season. Polamalu isn't the typical safety and improvises throughout the game. He knows what each and every defensive back and linebacker is supposed to do in each formation. Once he went down last season, the defense was lost. He was the play maker.

Steelers Defense Trade

The Steelers hope they resolved the lack of depth by bringing in Bryant McFadden back. McFadden was re-acquired from the Arizona Cardinals in a trade this offseason. McFadden was part of the 2008 World Champion team and will bring more depth and knowledge to Dick Lebeaus' defense.

Albert Haynesworth Attends Training Camp, Meets with Coaches

After holding out from OTAs during the off season, Albert Haynesworth reported to training camp yesterday. Haynesworth met with Coach Mike Shanahan and Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett. Only time will show if this relationship is mended and if it will work.

Mike Shanahan Remarks About Haynesworth

Washington Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said that Haynesworth will have to pass a physical fitness test and won't participate until he does. That doesn't sound like much of a problem since Haynesworth apparently has trimmed down and reported to camp in the best shape of his career.

Haynesworth Meets with Jim Haslett

As defensive coordinator, Jim Haslett will have to deal with Haynesworth more than Shanahan. In a meeting with the $100 million dollar defensive lineman was told that he will have plenty of play making opportunities while playing in the 3-4 defense scheme that is being implemented this year. Haynesworth says that he understands that he will have to play nose tackle at times during games.

Haynesworth only needs to look a few hundred miles away to see how a nose tackle can make an impact on a defense. Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton has been a Pro Bowler in multiple years while playing in the successful defensive scheme.

Albert Haynesworth Trade Request

Albert Haynesworth has been a hold-out since Mike Shanahan was announced as the new coach.  Shortly after the announcement, Haynesworth requested a trade - a trade that will be hard to make with his behemothic $100 million contract and his minute performance and work ethic. Apparently the only this big or bigger than his contract is his selfishness.

No 3-4 Defense

Apparently the root to Haynesworth's dissatisfaction with the Redskins is Coach Shanahan's decision to switch to the the 3-4 defense, which moved Haynesworth inside. Haynesworth isn't interested in taking blocks and double teams to free up a teammate that will get the sacks. It has been reported that he was promised prior to signing last year that they wouldn't transform into a 3-4 defense. Albert should know better that everything in the NFL is subject to change...especially with a new coach. Besides, with his lackluster performance last year, how can anyone expect him to play well in a 4-3?

Redskins Players Frustrations

The Redskins' players haven't been very quite in expressing their opinions, at least London Fletcher hasn't. Fletcher went off the other day saying that Haynesworth is being selfish with his antics. Fletcher went on to say that if that is the case, they don't need him.

Other players around the league have also weighed in on Tweeter and through other outlets. Most are saying if you pay them $100 million that they will do anything you ask. Yeah probably, until they receive the check.