Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, October 25, 1993 TAG: 9311110381
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Ben Beagle
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
This was the case this morning because Washington didn't play anybody yesterday.
Even the most optimistic of us, however, would admit that it is entirely possible for the Redskins to lose without suiting up and taking the field. They haven't done this yet, but they seem to be capable of it.
The fact is that the Redskins seem to be headed into another long night of dark misfortune and practiced ineptitude that will remind us of the way it was in the '50s and '60s.
Those were times when we all cheered if the ball was snapped successfully or if the back ran the right way. A three-yard gain was a reason to be smug.
But you had to love these teams and their willingness to display their quaint frailties each Sunday.
None of us will ever forget quarterback Eddie LeBaron, who ran 10 miles each Sunday trying to avoid members of the opposing team who wanted to hurt him. I don't know if Eddie could throw or not, but there was a kid who could run.
I don't think this had some dark effect on his psyche. He did rather well for himself after he hung up his shoes and no longer had to flee big, menacing people every Sunday.
The losers among us could identify with these guys. Eddie, a stout heart in a small body, ran and ran away from people and the running backs ran and ran into people with no discernible result.
One of these backs who ran bravely and vainly into tons of defensive linemen was Johnny Podoley. He is not in the Hall of Fame, but the guy had heart.
Most Sundays, the only joy Washington fans had was the Redskins Marching Band. In those days television showed half-time performances instead of switching to New York for some weird stuff from Terry Bradshaw.
And I say that to this day I would rather watch the band than listen to Bradshaw.
In the proper season, TV also showed a number of Santa Clauses throwing small footballs into the stands at half-time. This was not heart-stopping - although some of the Santas had better arms than the Washington quarterback - but it was a nice homey touch. This also beat watching Bradshaw.
Then, in the '70s and '80s, the Redskins started playing like they wanted to be somebody and went to Super Bowls and stuff like that. They weren't as homey, but they were winning, and we rejoiced.
Now, they are very bad again, although not with the style of the old 'Skins. You should not kid yourself that Mark Ripien will ever be as lovable as Eddie LeBaron. For one thing, he's too big.
Besides, you can longer live on love in this game, pal. We need guys like Riggo and Dave Butz; guys who don't mind a few cleat marks on their heads,
Either that, or let's see more of the marching band again - even it is little rusty on ``Hail to the Redskins.''
by CNB