Grief and Albert Haynesworth

The writers at Redskins Hog Heaven figured the Washington Redskins for seven or eight wins this season. The Redskins are on that pace. The only surprise is the three teams they actually beat

The scenario  we envisioned for the Redskins to break out to nine or more wins involved Albert Haynesworth and tonight's opponent, the Indianapolis Colts.

This is the last round of weekend games before the NFL trading deadline on October 19. What better time for Big Al and Mike Shanahan to work together on the outcome they both seem to want--Albert elsewhere. Both have been saying all the right things lately. That can be interpreted as talking up Haynesworth's trade value.

A great showing tonight might brand Haynesworth enough as a "must have" player that some GM might kick in the draft picks Washington needs to restock the team. GMs will just sit on their hands otherwise and wait out the Redskins who may release Haynesworth next season.

Haynesworth suffered a death in his family. He took bereavement leave from the team and did not return until Thursday. People deal with death in ways unique to themselves. We don't know how Big Al is coping. Whether he plays or not is a game time decision and it's likely his decision.

Working your craft while dealing with death is incredibly difficult. If you are my age, you've been through it. If you have, then you know what must be going through Big Al's head today. If you are under 40, just sit tight. Your day is coming.

To over-simplify the point, one can cope by withdrawing from work, or throwing oneself into it. If Haynesworth's head is not in tonight's game, he should remove himself without any comment or finger pointing from the peanut gallery.

Sports teams are entertainers and losses suffered by NFL players are very public. Its affect can take strange turns in the locker room. Look no further than what happened at FedEx Field December 2, 2007.

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