Q & A: Blalock has a rematch with Haynesworth

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons left guard Justin Blalock remembers his first meeting with defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth not so fondly

During his rookie season in 2007, Blalock had a rough day against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville and eventually was benched late in the season.

Under current offensive line coach Paul Boudreau, Blalock had a strong second season and is playing well this year. He'll get another shot Sunday at Haynesworth, who signed a $100 million contract with the Washington Redskins in the offseason.

In a conversation with the AJC, Blalock discusses Haynesworth and the importance of running well against the Redskins.

Q: What are some of the challenges you face in trying to block Washington's Albert Haynesworth?

A: He's a very talented player. One of the best defensive players in football. We feel their entire defense is extremely good. They have a lot of talented players.

Q: In your rookie year in 2007, you faced Haynesworth. How did that go?

A: Oh, yeah. He played almost exclusively on our offensive left side.

Q: Did you go back and look at any of that film?

A: I have not as of yet. I'm not sure how much good it would do, to be honest with you.

Q: How important was it to get the running game going last week?

A: It was nice that things finally came together. We didn't get the net result we would like, but it was good to see that payoff. It had been so close for the longest time now. Hopefully we can string a couple of games together now.

Q: What are you all rallying around after losing two games in a row for the first time under coach Mike Smith?

A: There is a game on Sunday! That's what we get up for week-in and week-out, the next game.

Q: How is the line group feeling going into this one?

A: We have to come to work as always and play some solid football. We want to get the run game going a little bit.

Q: The last two teams have been able to get some pressure on the quarterback. How will you all be able to calm that down against Washington?

A: The last couple of weeks haven't been the cleanest, but we feel if we are able to run the ball a little bit and get our play-action game going off the run game, that will help. We have to be on the same page with all of our schemes because pass protection isn't always about the line. We have to make sure we are all together and seeing the same things.

Q: Can you describe offensive line coach Paul Boudreau's mood of late?

A: Well, I'd say he's somewhere south of cheerful. We know we've got things to work on.

Q: Will being back home be helpful, after playing four of the last five games on the road?

A: It will be good to get back in front of the home crowd. That's always good.

Q: Back to Haynesworth, what makes him one of the top players in the game?

A: He's a very, very big guy. Most guys that big, none that I know of, are as nimble as he is. He has power and agility. Whenever he wants to make a play, guys are hard-pressed to stop him.

Q: Does he help out their other defensive linemen?

A: It does help everyone else out. Not that any of them need it. They can stay afloat on their own.