THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, September 12, 1994 TAG: 9409120195
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NEW ORLEANS LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
John Friesz did more than just win a football game Sunday. For however long, he won the starting quarterback's job on the Washington Redskins - all to himself.
Friesz, who was scheduled to share time with rookie Heath Shuler against the New Orleans Saints, played so well in Washington's 38-24 victory that Shuler never entered the game. According to coach Norv Turner, Friesz will start this Sunday against the New York Giants in Washington's opening NFC East encounter.
Not only start, but play the whole game, good or bad.
``We've got a little momentum going now; I'd like to see us build on this,'' Turner said after seeing Friesz complete 15 of 22 passes for 195 yards and a career-best four touchdowns.
That's twice as many as he'd ever thrown in a game before.
``John played today the way he played in the preseason, without the turnovers,'' Turner said. ``He was quick with the ball, made quick decisions. When things got bad, he got something out of it.''
Friesz, who recently appeared resigned to the status as backup to Shuler, stopped short of calling it his best game as a pro.
``Statistically, I guess it would be, as far as touchdowns,'' he said. ``But what overshadows everything that goes on out there, for everybody, is that we won. I think that was critical for us. Not that we were about to give up, but I think it took a little heat off our backs and gave us some confidence at the same time.''
Shuler, meanwhile, took his lack of playing time in stride.
``Hey, we won, that's what everyone is concerned about,'' he said. ``John performed very well. It tells me that I've got to keep working hard.''
SPECIAL HOMECOMING: That's what Brian Mitchell called it. The former SW Louisiana quarterback rebounded from a miserable opening game last week to account for 225 return yards, one touchdown, another near-touchdown, and 27 yards on seven rushing attempts.
Mitchell had several friends and family members present in the Superdome.
But, he said he used the disappointment of his fumbled punt and several dropped passes against the Seahawks last week to stay focused.
``I basically stayed calm and cool and didn't let the fact that I was coming home get me overexcited. I kept thinking about last week, because I didn't want to be there again. I didn't want to have a game like that,'' he said.
``I went out there today, and the guys gave me some big holes. I hit the hole and made something happen.''
LONG TIME COMING: Rookie Cedric Smith's 1-yard touchdown reception from Friesz was the first touchdown pass for a Redskins running back since Earnest Byner scored against Atlanta - Sept. 13, 1992.
Asked if he had any trepidation about throwing to a rookie fullback on a third-and-goal, Turner said no.
``He's our fullback in goal-line situations,'' the coach said. ``If you're going to have him in there, you have to be willing to throw the ball to him.''
THIS 'N THAT: Friesz already has more touchdown passes - five - than any Redskins quarterback threw all of last season. Cary Conklin and Mark Rypien each had 4. ... Injuries: cornerback Alvoid Mays (torn knee ligaments) will have an MRI today to determine how serious the injury and how long he will be out; offensive tackle Ed Simmons and cornerback Tom Carter suffered bruised elbows; safety Darryl Morrison has a lacerated lip. Mays' injury is by far the most serious. ... Saints quarterback Jim Everett moved into 38th place among all-time passers. ... New Orleans kicker Morten Andersen (field goal) has scored in 160 consecutive games. by CNB