Time to flush Haynesworth

Four Downs while waiting for my Twins Fever to kick back in once the locals start playing bad teams again ...

First Down:

Other than not being a billionaire, here's another reason I couldn't own an NFL team: Albert Haynesworth. The Haynesworth-Mike Shanahan feud, to me, reached an even more serious level now that Shanahan announced Baby Huey won't play with the first-team defense in Friday's preseason game against the Jets. The third preseason game is really the only important preseason game the NFL has. It's when coaches and players actually try to simulate an NFL contest.

If I'm an NFL owner, I cut my losses with Haynesworth right now. He's not worth it. The $100 million man was a major disappointment as a happy camper playing in the 4-3 last year. Now, he's a cancer who hates the 3-4, doesn't practice and plays with the scrubs.

Haynesworth isn't the difference between the Redskins finishing last or first in the NFC East. He's simply not worth the headache.

Second Down:

Many of us in the land of second-guessing wondered how long it would take Steelers coach Mike Tomlin to give third-string QB Dennis Dixon a chance with the first team. Apparently, that time has arrived.

Dixon is expeced to see time after Ben Roethlisberger starts. I'm still not sure why Roethlisberger is even playing in the preseason. He doesn't need the work and, oh yeah, the league has benched him for the first four to six games.

Third Down:

You have to believe the Seahawks won't treat Saturday's game like a typical third preseason game. At least I know I wouldn't sent brittle Matt Hasselbeck into the Metrodome for an extended period of time. Not with the entire starting left side of the offensive line out because of injuries.

No. 1 pick Russell Okung has a high ankle sprain. Former Gopher Ben Hamilton, the starting left guard acquired during the offseason, isn't expected to play because of a knee injury.

Fourth Down:

By all accounts, Zack is a great guy. Kind of a weird guy, but the media and fans love him because he's one of those crazy special teammers you pull for.

But now Zack is being counted on to start at outside linebacker and also play in linebacker in the nickel defense.

The media reviews haven't been complimentary so far. "I heard them say I can't play linebacker," said Follett, referring to reporters. "I'm not worried."

But the Lions should be. Their defensive line has been improved, but major questions remain for their back seven.

Speaking of the defensive line, it's hard to gauge what impact losing DE Jared DeVries for another season would have. He missed last season with a torn Achilles and has been basically shelved this summer with a knee injury. He's getting a second opinion on the knee and could end up on IR soon.