Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, September 4, 1995 TAG: 9509050110
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE: JACK BOGACZYK
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
It just wasn't his.
Terry Allen became the first rusher to finish with more than 100 yards against Ryan's defensive reputation in 62 games, and the Washington Redskins lost their starting quarterback but were thrilled.
The Redskins pounded Arizona 27-7, and while it didn't register like Northwestern over Notre Dame on the pigskin seismometer, Washington's rout was stunning in its form.
The Cardinals' best performance of the day belonged to their irascible coach, in his postgame comments.
``We are a hell of a lot better football team than we looked today,'' Ryan said. ``I mean, we did not look very good on offense, defense, special teams, coaching, playing, or what.
``We bordered on pathetic.''
The Redskins' defense, which gave up an NFL-high 412 points in last season's 3-13 finish, was physical and produced big plays, including four interceptions.
Arizona probably shouldn't plan on playing in Super Bowl XXX in January as well as serving as host for the game. If the Cardinals can't win with their defense, they can't win.
Allen, jettisoned by Minnesota in the off-season, ran for 131 yards - the first back to get triple-digits against ``Buddy Ball'' since Gerald Riggs did so for the Redskins against Philadelphia in 1989.
The Redskins snapped a nine-game RFK Stadium losing streak, one short of the club record, set in 1970-71. Washington hadn't beaten an NFC East Division opponent since whipping Dallas in Richie Petitbon's debut as head coach, almost two years ago to the day.
The Redskins' 259 yards on the ground were their high since 288 in the Super Bowl XXII romp over Denver in January 1988. However, that was only part of an offense that moved through and around the overpursuing Cardinals.
``It's hard for a team to rush for 100 yards against that defense, much less 200,'' Allen said.
With one game, the new starter at running back stamped himself as the most famous Allen among the Redskins since a coaching legend and governor's father named George.
Allen's motivation, other than keeping a starting job he won in training camp, was deeper than Washington's two years of futility. He signed as a free agent for $450,000 in the off-season after being dropped by the Vikings following a 1,031-yard year on the ground.
Does the former Clemson star feel he has something to prove despite 1,000-yard seasons after reconstructive surgery on both knees?
``Did they [the Vikings] win today?'' Allen asked amid the noise in the Redskins' locker room.
Told Chicago had beaten Minnesota, Allen grinned.
``I feel really good about what we did,'' he said. ``It feels even better after hearing they lost.''
Lost also is what Heath Shuler likely will be for at least three weeks. The Redskins' starting quarterback was struggling when he was dumped on his right shoulder by Cardinals end Clyde Simmons on a second-quarter incompletion.
It's a sprain of the A-C Joint (acromioclavicular), where the shoulder meets the collarbone. He will be checked further today.
``I know it hurts,'' Shuler said. ``When it's bone rubbing against bone, that's what happens.''
The Redskins' other second-year quarterback, Gus Frerotte, was superior to Shuler, as the former Tulsa star was last year when he replaced the high-priced Tennessee alumnus.
When Frerotte ran onto the field as Shuler exited, the 214th consecutive sellout crowd at RFK greeted the backup like he was Sammy Baugh and Sonny Jurgensen rolled into one.
So, whether coach Norv Turner likes it or not, the impressive victory produced something besides confidence for a team that needed this after losing 28 of its past 36 games.
If Frerotte can play well against Oakland on Sept.10 and beyond, the Redskins will have another quarterback controversy. Now, there's something synonymous with pass success in the franchise.
``There is no quarterback controversy,'' said Frerotte, who was 9-of-15 with two scoring tosses. ``It's a team game. Heath had a great game. Norv called a great game.''
He didn't sound as convincing as the Redskins' play.
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB