THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, December 25, 1995 TAG: 9512250163
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium: 90 lines
Controversy? What quarterback controversy?
Both Gus Frerotte and Heath Shuler indicated after the Washington Redskins' 20-17 victory over Carolina Sunday that they want to return to the team in 1996 and resume their competition for the starting job.
Frerotte, who last week indicated he wanted to be traded if he wasn't the starter next season, continued to back off that statement. Asked if there was any way he viewed Sunday as his last game with the Redskins, Frerotte emphatically answered, ``no.''
``I went out and played with those other guys; Henry, the offensive line,'' said Frerotte, who started for the injured Shuler and hit 10 of 24 passes for 185 yards, including several key throws in the second half. ``We played as a team out there and I wanted to win to set up things for next year.
``I plan to be a Redskin for a long time.''
Shuler, who would have started if not for a broken pinky on his right hand, said he will return to Washington in February to begin an offseason workout program that may be the most important of his young career.
``I don't think this thing has to be resolved,'' Shuler replied, when asked if he wanted coach Norv Turner to decide between the two before training camp in July. ``It's a great opportunity for one quarterback to step up and take charge.
``Mentally, I've taken the approach that I am the starting quarterback next year. I'm going straight-forward with it, not looking behind me. Norv said it, and he's the one who makes the decision.''
BYE BYE, BROOKS: Rarely used running back Reggie Brooks has made it clear he wants no part of a fourth season in Washington.
``It would be best for everybody if I go somewhere else,'' he said.
Brooks, a second-round choice and 1,000-yard rusher in 1993, has just two carries for minus-2 yards this season. He has played in one game, suited up but did not play in seven others and has been inactive for the remainder, including Sunday against Carolina.
After watching 27-year-old veteran Terry Allen churn out more than 1,300 yards to become Turner's favorite at that position, Brooks knows there isn't likely to be another opportunity here, no matter what he does.
``I was here from the beginning,'' he said. ``I had surgery I didn't want to have, I gave up two vacation trips to rehab and work out, and I don't feel I was ever given a chance.
``It was extremely hard to be inactive for half the season and in the others, not play at all. There's no point in staying. I just want to play football.''
Brooks is a restricted free agent this year. The Redskins may keep him just by making him a minimum offer. If so, they could do that, then try for a trade.
ALLEN'S ABLE ATTEMPT: Despite what looked like a concerted effort by the Redskins in the fourth quarter, Allen fell short of eclipsing John Riggins' 1983 single-season team rushing record of 1,347.
Allen, who began the game with 1,217 yards, gained 92 on 28 hard-fought carries. He finished his first season as a Redskin with 1,309 yards, second-best in team history.
``I'm very disappointed,'' he said. ``But we gave it our best shot.''
Holding a 10-point lead with 7:34 to play and in possession of the ball after Scott Turner's first career interception, the Redskins called Allen's number on six of the drive's eight plays.
``We weren't trying to get him the record,'' Turner said. ``We were trying to work the clock. Terry's been fabulous. We've gotten great output from him.''
The Redskins have the right of first refusal on Allen, a free agent they signed after he was dropped by Minnesota. It means they will keep him by matching whatever offer another team makes. That's fine with Allen, who sees enough potential in the Redskins' offense to desire a return.
``My first priority is here,'' Allen said. ``My thing is, I hope it doesn't come to (the Redskins matching another team's offer). I hope we got done what we need to by Feb. 15. That would be great.''
THIS 'N THAT: Kicker Eddie Murray's 32-yard field goal in the fourth quarter moved him into fourth place among all-time scoring leaders with 1,473 points. He still trails all-time leader George Blanda (2,002), Jan Stenerud and Nick Lowery. ... The Redskins' secondary dropped at least five passes that could have been intercepted. Cornerback Tom Carter alone had three. ``We're a pretty good defense now,'' Turner joked. ``Think how good we'll be when our back seven learns to catch the ball.''
1996 SCHEDULE: The dates won't be out for months, but the opponents on the Redskins 1996 schedule are set.
In addition to home-and-home games with NFC East foes Dallas, New York Giants, Philadelphia and Arizona, the Redskins will host Chicago, San Francisco, Indianapolis and the Jets. They'll travel to Buffalo, New England, St. Louis and Tampa Bay. by CNB