2012 NFL Free Agents: Why Jeff Fisher Can Get Best out of Albert Haynesworth

In his prime, it was nearly impossible for any offensive linemen to block Albert Haynesworth one on one. He was a brutal run stopper, and he also had some good pass rushing ability for an interior player. 

The big defensive tackle was one of the most dominant players in the game when he could be focused and controlled. For most of his time with the Tennessee Titans, despite some isolated but very serious incidents, he was just that. 

After Haynesworth left Tennessee, his career went downhill quite quickly. He never lived up to the $100 million contract he received from the Redskins, was traded to the Patriots then released, claimed by Tampa Bay off waivers and released yet again.

Apparently, Jeff Fisher is considering reuniting with his former standout defensive player and bringing him to the Rams, which leads us to wonder—why would any team want a player who is seemingly washed up and finished in the NFL? Furthermore, why would a young, rebuilding team want the same player with all his baggage? 

The answer is simple. Haynesworth had his best years as a player with Fisher and the Titans. Fisher knows how motivate him and keep him working, and he knows Haynesworth well enough to reignite the fire in him and find whatever dominance is left.

The problems of the St.Louis interior line have been well documented. All of the defensive tackles on the team are old and ineffective. Getting a good interior player would help complement Chris Long and Robert Quinn on the ends, as well as take pressure off the rest of the defense.

Jeff Fisher and the rest of the coaching staff are all experienced veterans who can keep the more detrimental tendencies of Haynesworth in check, while still coaching him up and getting the best out of him. 

A player like Haynesworth would fit in perfectly to Fisher's coaching philosophy of having a stout run defense. When he was the head coach of the Titans, Tennessee was often a top 10 team in rushing defense and was known for playing nasty, smash mouth football.

Fisher will start to turn the Rams into that kind of team and bringing in the player who made that possible in Tennessee could be the spark needed to effect a transformation on the St.Louis defense. Being one of the longest tenured and most experienced coaches in the league, Fisher gets respect from his players that other coaches probably wouldn't.

And despite a lifetime in the NFL, he still keeps things fun, like jumping from a helicopter and parachuting into practice. Just to teach a lesson about overcoming obstacles. 

Albert Haynesworth probably enjoyed playing for Jeff Fisher during his Titans stint, and Fisher is probably one of the few people he respects. In any relationship, it's better to be able to work together and coexist peacefully rather than be at odds with each other all the time. 

If Haynesworth were to come to the Rams, you could count on him and Fisher having a positive relationship. And that is more important than most people realize. 

The 30-year-old defensive tackle could be considered a predecessor to Ndamukong Suh. Both are fiery, highly talented interior defenders. Both have had their problems with controlling themselves on the field. And both players have the ability to be truly dominant when they are focused. 

Suh definitely respects Jim Schwartz, a Fisher protege, and both are better off for it. Suh wants to be coached up and get better, while Schwartz motivates him and gets a focused and dominant defensive tackle.

Haynesworth and Fisher would have a similarly mutual and beneficial relationship if there was a reunion in St.Louis.

Throughout both of their careers, neither the coach, nor the player has had the chance to work with great bookend pass rushers like Chris Long and Robert Quinn. If he comes to the Rams, Haynesworth would likely get a lot of one-on-one situations that he can excel in.

With that, Fisher could then exploit matchups on the inside, and he could put Haynesworth in the best possible position to succeed. A lack of heart and emotional fire have been recent criticisms, but there is no reason why Haynesworth wouldn't play harder if he knew he was going to be causing havoc in the opposing backfield each play.

Albert has every reason to come and play in St.Louis. Not only are there players who complement him, but coaches will work with him and give him every opportunity to succeed. And a chance to be a star again for a young team.

For the right price, Haynesworth would be a good investment. He can fill a major need at defensive tackle. He would probably cost little to sign, and he could help the defense develop and get to where it needs to be. 

Jeff Fisher would be wise to take a chance on bringing in his former player. He knows him better than any coach in the league, and has all the tools needed to bring out the best in Haynesworth. With Fisher in charge, there is no reason not to invest in Haynesworth, a possibility with great potential reward, and little risk.