NFL 2011 Week 10 - Albert Haynesworth Could Be a Fit for Bucs Defensive Front

Albert Haynesworth Could Be a Fit for Bucs Defensive Front
Jojo Doria

Tampa, FL

The reeling Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in dire need of help, especially at defensive tackle, may get a boost from Albert Haynesworth, claimed off waivers from the New England Patriots Wednesday.

Haynesworth, released Tuesday by New England after doing little for the Pats this season, is likely to start Sunday against the Houston Texans.

Apart from his familiarity with the Texans, the 30-year-old Haynesworth, a two-time All-Pro with his first team, the Tennessee Titans, is expected to provide a boost to the Bucs' rush defense.

Tampa Bay's pass rush currently ranks next to last in the NFL with only 12 sacks.

With a defense that currently ranks 29th, coupled with the loss of defensive tackle Gerald McCoy to a season-ending torn right biceps during Sunday's game in New Orleans, the veteran presence of Haynesworth could lift a young Bucs team.

Haynesworth is expected to fit in perfectly as the Bucs employ the 4-3 defensive front, an alignment he favors and thrived in when he starred for seven years with the Titans.

But there is still a question of whether Haynesworth can regain that All-Star form after struggling the last three years.

Since 2009, Haynesworth has only registered 6.5 sacks total.

In his 10th pro campaign, Haynesworth totaled just three tackles in six contests with the Patriots this season.

His stint in Washington did not flourish especially after the Redskins switched to a 3-4 alignment in 2010. It led to season-long tension with coach Mike Shanahan and paved the way for his trade to New England.

Haynesworth played just over 20 contests over two seasons with the Redskins, and did not start a game since 2009, when the team ran the 4-3 scheme.

Haynesworth was drafted 15th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Titans after starring for the University of Tennessee. He has recorded 30 1-2 career sacks and 327 tackles over 116 career games.