FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Chad Ochocinco dubbed it heaven. Albert Haynesworth wouldn't disagree.

Fresh off his first action in a Patriots uniform, Haynesworth gushed about his short time in New England, calling it a "career-saving place" and suggesting he'd have given up all the money he earned with the Washington Redskins if he could have come to the Patriots sooner.

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was on the field for 16 plays Thursday in his first preseason action with the Patriots. Greg M. Cooper/US Presswire

"(Fellow former Redskins defensive lineman Andre Carter and I) were talking, just about how different it is, how we really like this place," said Haynesworth. "For me, it's a career-saving place for me to come. I had no idea it would be like this. It's unbelievable. I wish I kinda took two years ago and came here."

When it was noted that he earned a handsome pay day for his time -- as turbulent as it was -- with the Redskins, Haynesworth added, "You know what, when all is said and done, hell, I'd give that money back and I'd come here."

Haynesworth, obtained for a fifth-round pick in a July swap with Washington, played 16 first-half snaps and registered two tackles (both of which drew loud cheers from the crowd when his name was announced over the stadium PA).

On the game's first play, Haynesworth manhandled one of the Giants' second-string guards, helping blow up a play that resulted in the Giants fumbling the ball away (and setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by BenJarvus Green-Ellis just 20 seconds in). Haynesworth's only disappointment? Not getting to the quarterback.

"Hell, I wanted to get the sack," said Haynesworth. "(Giants quarterback) David Carr always gives me sacks, his whole life. That's what I was working at, trying to get a sack."