Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 29, 1994 TAG: 9411010035
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JIM DUCIBELLA LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Time for the midterm report card. The proposed class trip to Miami (Super Bowl) on Jan. 29 was pure fantasy. But hardly anyone seems headed to Hawaii (Pro Bowl) the following week, either. Sadly, there should be more expulsions than anticipated at year's end.
The bad news:
OFFENSIVE LINE: They were supposed to excel at run blocking and pass protection. So far, they've done just the latter effectively. There's been some fiddling around with the personnel, primarily involving center John Gesek, center/guard Raleigh McKenzie and guard Mark Schlereth, so maybe there's a lack of continuity. Doesn't matter. The line averages 31 years of age and it's showing.
Grade: This was supposed to be an A. Instead, it's a C, and somebody's got explaining to do when they get home.
RECEIVERS: Ageless Henry Ellard is on pace to finish this season with 1,576 yards. That's the third-highest single-season total in NFL history. He is the Redskins' air game, and the only obvious ``A'' on the team. The most impressive thing about Desmond Howard continues to be the contract Leigh Steinberg wrangled out of GM Charley Casserly. Tydus Winans gets an incomplete; we want to see a lot more from this rookie in the second half. We think he can do the work.
Tight ends? Free agent Ethan Horton may have more penalties than receptions; if not, it's close. The offensive pass-interference penalty he committed against Indy last week infuriated coach Norv Turner. James Jenkins blocks pretty well, but doesn't have dependable hands, despite the two TD catches against Indianapolis. And he certainly isn't going far once he catches it.
Grade: C-minus, thanks to Ellard.
RUNNING BACK: The ``F'' Reggie Brooks gets is short for fumble, which the second-year pro has done far too often this season. Ricky Ervins doesn't take the football very far, but he at least brings it with him. Brian Mitchell, superb on special teams, is a terrific receiver out of the backfield. Cedric Smith is getting better as a blocking back. Lots of odd shapes and sizes here, but no one you'd confuse with Emmitt and Moose.
Grade: D-plus.
QUARTERBACK: Heath Shuler is seeing the effects of two weeks of truancy last summer. The easiest of Washington's three QBs to grade (F). He hasn't come close to making the plays one would expect from the third selection in the draft. John Friesz put together some good numbers, but he also did what Turner said he wouldn't, throw the crucial interception. He is what he is, an average NFL passer. Gus Frerotte, the last kid chosen at recess, may prove them all wrong. On the basis of one game, albeit against the Colts, he gets an A, especially for poise. He's still got some critical assignments to hand in.
Grade: C-minus The potential's there, but the performances have been below average.
DEFENSIVE LINE: At end, Sterling Palmer is erratic, Tony Woods has the second most sacks of his career with four, but makes too few of the routine plays. Shane Collins is practice fodder; Dexter Nottage has more experience moving furniture than playing football, on any level. At tackle, Tim Johnson is a strong, solid pro. He exceeds his ability. Much was expected of Bobby Wilson, a No. 1 pick four years ago. He hasn't delivered. Leonard Marshall is a stop-gap measure; rookie Lamar Mills is learning and Marc Boutte needs to shed pounds before he gets the chance to shed blockers. Defense has been on the field a league-high 546 plays thus far; here's one big reason why.
Grade: D.
LINEBACKERS: Ken Harvey is the pass rush, as his 81/2 sacks attest - a great pickup for Casserly. The tandem of Kurt Gouveia/Tyronne Stowe in the middle is just average. Andre Collins has had a poor year tackling, though it's unfair to single him out when so many others couldn't put a good lick on a stamp. Lamont Hollinquest is a heady special teams player.
Grade: D.
SECONDARY: Cornerback Tom Carter has improved his coverages, but is soft at forcing the run. Darrell Green has been up and down on coverage and looks fragile when he goes after opposing runners. The safeties are horrible, with Darryl Morrison holding some hope for the future because he is so young to the post. Martin Bayless tries, but no longer has the legs to keep up with his instincts at strong safety.
Grade: C-plus.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Kicker Chip Lohmiller seems to have regained the consistency that made him among the league's best booters; of course, we won't know for sure until he makes a couple long field goals off grass, not artificial turf. Punter Reggie Roby has one of the best averages in the league. Brian Mitchell is on his way to possibly setting a league return-yardage record. Coverages, by and large, have been well above average. Pete Rodriguez is assistant of the year.
Grade: B.
COACHING: Turner's decision to start Frerotte was inspired. But it says here that last week should have been Shuler's first NFL start, that he wasn't ready to debut against the Cowboys, Eagles and Cardinals. But the attitude in the locker room is far better than a year ago, and the record is the same. Turner has a plan and there's evidence he'll get there if given adequate time.
Grade: B-minus
FRONT OFFICE: No free agents left from last season. Two picks are left from the draft of '92 - Desmond Howard and Shane Collins. There are mixed reviews on the free agents brought in for this year. But there's also Frerotte and Tydus Winans, seventh- and third-round rookies who look like keepers. It's good - but not enough.
Grade: D.
OVERALL GRADE: D. People knew this team would be bad, but felt there would be hope for the future because of the way Shuler, Howard, Brooks and others performed together. That hasn't happened, and the rebuilding process seems more daunting than anticipated.
by CNB