THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, August 8, 1994 TAG: 9408080134
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
It's the night that couldn't arrive soon enough for new Redskins coach Norv Turner.
On the other hand, quarterback Heath Shuler likely wishes he could stall matters another week or two.
Turner, Shuler and about a dozen other potentially significant Redskins debut tonight at 8 in a preseason game against the four-time defending AFC champion Buffalo Bills.
For Turner, who replaced Richie Petitbon as head coach on Feb. 2, this is a first opportunity to test some of the offensive strategy he hopes will help the Redskins rebound from last season's 4-12 record.
For Shuler, the Tennessee quarterback who was the team's top choice in the draft, it's a baptism of fire against end Bruce Smith and one of the NFL's best pass-rushing units. He has been in camp only six days after finally ending a 13-day contract squabble and signing for eight years, $19.25 million.
Turner plans to start John Friesz, the free-agent quarterback signed from San Diego. And he's already said that seventh-round pick Gus Frerotte, a pleasant surprise this training camp, will quarterback the second half.
That would apparently leave only one place for Shuler to log some work - the second quarter.
Turner will also get a closer look at left tackle Jim Lachey, trying to come back from major knee surgery last summer, and an offensive line that is going to be one of the keys to success for the Redskins.
Then there's veteran receiver Henry Ellard, tight end Ethan Horton, rookie receiver Tydus Winans and rookie running backs Tyrone Rush, William Bell and Tico Duckett.
All have been impressive in training camp.
``There is great competition in a lot of spots,'' Turner said. ``Look at the way our young free agents are performing at running back.
``We need to continue to grow. We've got a lot of guys from a lot of different backgrounds and we've got to mesh them into one unit.''
The same goes for the defense, where former Arizona Cardinals Ken Harvey and Tyronne Stowe debut at linebacker and safety candidates Martin Bayless, Keith Taylor and Darryl Morrison try to put some space between themselves and the competition.
Right now, it's Taylor, a veteran free agent, and Morrison, a second-year pro from Arizona, who will start.
The defensive line will be under a huge disadvantage. Neither tackle Tim Johnson nor end Leonard Marshall will play. Both are out with injuries. End Marty Hochertz is questionable, after spraining a knee.
While that gives Turner and new defensive coordinator Ron Lynn a chance to view newcomers like sixth-round draft pick Dexter Nottage and free agent Tony Woods, it doesn't figure to make the game any more competitive.
Turner couldn't care less.
``It's a great way to start, Monday Night Football, on the road;'' he said. ``It's going to be exciting for all of us.
``Do I want to win? Certainly. But when we sit down to prepare for Seattle (the season opener), it won't matter one whit what we did in this game.'' by CNB