Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, July 19, 1993 TAG: 9307190128
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Jack Bogaczyk
DATELINE: CARLISLE, PA. LENGTH: Medium
The Washington Redskins reported for their 31st training camp at Dickinson College on Sunday for the eighth different head coach in that span.
Richie Petitbon, continuing a first-night tradition renewed annually by his former boss, Joe Gibbs, was fashionably late for his kickoff meeting with the media outside the Dickinson dorms.
It is other club traditions that Redskins' fans are hoping Petitbon will continue - like success. As for his first summer camp as a head coach, Petitbon's plan is simple: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
The Redskins will practice at the same times they did under Gibbs. They will lift weights two mornings a week here, the same days as they did with Gibbs in charge.
Petitbon, 55, preceded Gibbs' arrival on the 'Skins' staff. He was an assistant for Jack Pardee, then stayed and became the architect of Washington's "Capitol Punishment" defense. Although their camps will look the same, there will be a difference from Gibbs' dozen years that included three Super Bowl titles.
It's style over substance. Consider Petitbon's remark Sunday when asked about running back Ricky Ervins, the lone holdout as camp opens. The Redskins' revamped offense will include two-back sets this season, and there's plenty of competition for both jobs among Earnest Byner, Brian Mitchell, William and Mary product Robert Green, rookie Reggie Brooks, and Ervins.
"You know, if Ricky can count, I wouldn't stay out too long," Petitbon quipped.
Gibbs never would have said that. Petitbon's defensive schemes may be sneaky and deceptive, but his analysis of personnel can be as blunt as a Lawrence Taylor hit - like when Petitbon went one-on-one with Mark Rypien this off-season and told the incumbent quarterback that he'd have to play better than he did last year to keep his job.
If there is pressure in becoming a head coach, Petitbon doesn't show it. His ego doesn't seem as large as his ample gut, but then, following a certain Hall of Fame coach isn't likely to be intimidating to someone beginning his 34th season as an NFL player and coach.
"If there are any pressures here, they're not on me," Petitbon said in a sentence that should echo through the dorm halls for the next 4 1/2 weeks. "Coaches and players feel the same about training camp. They hate it."
Rypien has to be thankful for the coaching change and the first NFL off-season that brought significant free-agent address changes. The QB won't be the center of attention. Petitbon is.
"I'm not going to dwell on that," Petitbon said. "I'll be myself. I certainly don't think I'm the story. I'm here to do my job and I'm not going to get caught up in the other stuff."
He cannot afford that. Petitbon's first few months as the Redskins' head coach have been unsettling to the establishment, even if, in his opinion, the Redskins' free agent signees "were at least equal to, or better" than what the club lost.
He has benched a legend in all-time NFL receiving leader Art Monk. The remaining Hogs, center Jeff Bostic and tackle Joe Jacoby, begin camp as reserves headed for retirement. Byner, after averaging 1,088 rushing yards the past three seasons, will be a Petitbon fullback with fewer ball-toting responsibilities and opportunities.
Some say that on paper, the Redskins look like a 9-7 team - which they were last year. The Monday night opener against Super Bowl champion Dallas is seven weeks away. Asked Sunday when his club would start preparing for the Cowboys, he said, "about four months ago."
Gibbs wouldn't have said that, either.
Petitbon says the Redskins are "hungry." He was, too. So, he excused himself, eschewed the 200-yard walk to the dining hall he'd made repeatedly as an assistant, and headed for the cafeteria.
He drove. He pulled out of parking space No. 1. A white Cadillac. A Sedan deVille. A convertible.
OK, some things do change.
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB