THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, September 20, 1994 TAG: 9409200451
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Jim Ducibella
LENGTH: Medium: 92 lines
Redskins coach Norv Turner is either a great actor or is completely convinced there is no such thing as rebuilding in the NFL.
After Sunday's 31-23 loss to the Giants, several New York assistants made their way across the field to congratulate Turner, to encourage him, to compliment him on the progress his Redskins have made.
Later, they sang those same praises to the press, especially defensive coordinator Mike Nolan:
``That's a well-coached team,'' Nolan began. ``Norval is a great coach; he showed that in Dallas. Even though Dallas had great players, you still had to work them into a position to be successful. His players think he is a great teacher, and I believe that as well. They don't have Dallas' talent, but they did a tremendous job.''
It's easy to be gracious when you win, but there also was truth in Nolan's remarks. This isn't the same Giants defense of the recent past, but the Redskins chewed up 456 yards. They averaged 6.3 yards a play. They made 10 of 16 third-down conversions.
Even without injured Rodney Hampton, the Giants still thrive for ball control. But Washington had possession for 32:09.
Maybe the Giants were throwing the losing dog a bone. But it sounded genuine.
``Yeah, a couple of guys on the New York staff came up and said, `Hey, you've got it headed in the right direction,' '' Turner relayed, a combination of resignation and fatigue in his voice.
Then, suddenly, Turner raised his fist.
BAM!
He brought it crashing down onto the podium behind which he stood.
``Damn it, I want to win games, we all should,'' he declared. ``That is the only reason to be out here.
``We were good enough to win this game today. We didn't. And that's what I'm thinking about right now.''
Sounds corny, looks contrived. But it's also a refreshing, and unexpected, change from last season. Maybe he was trying to camouflage his disgust, but Richie Petitbon's routine of shrugging his shoulders and casting his eyes upward after practically every Redskins loss soon took on the look of surrender.
Turner doesn't believe in surrender.
In some ways, he has far more to do this season than the average NFL coach. There's the games, and victory quotas that run up to nine, depending on which ``expert'' you believe. (The expert who owns the team says nine.)
But there's also the future. Look at the transactions, the bodies they've brought in, those they've sent packing. They're playing the present, but stocking up for the future.
Part of Sunday's pain was that Turner felt he could have won. He has been forthright in saying that the Redskins had to sneak up on people before opponents saw enough to compensate defensively and reduce games to talent vs. talent.
Sometime this season, Turner must combine and balance a judgment of talent with his estimate of how many players accept his philosophy.
Ideally, they would run parallel lines. But recent murmurings from a few members of the defense that they aren't comfy with Ron Lynn's damn-the-torpedoes style shows there will be some future personnel changes made not on ability, but on attitude.
Victory allows you a reprieve, maybe even changes your mind on some players whose careers hang by a thread. It gives a larger base on which to build.
In one respect, Turner has won half the battle.
It's hard to think of an offensive player who hasn't already bought into his philosophy.
Quarterback John Friesz has played the best games of his career the last two weeks. Four touchdowns against the Saints, followed by 376 yards passing on Sunday. None of it mattered.
There was no solace.
``There may be some people who play pro football for the pay or to become famous,'' Friesz said. ``I want to win. Who cares if you play well if you don't win?''
Then there's Henry Ellard. People laughed when the 13-year veteran was signed. But after 17 catches, 374 yards and three touchdowns in three games, Ellard has, according to Friesz, ``saved this offense.''
Ellard became just the 10th player in NFL history Sunday to gain 10,000 career receiving yards.
``I'm not a stats person,'' he said. ``What happened today I'll enjoy after I retire. I wanted to win today.''
Turner was walking to the bus when he heard Ellard speak. He flashed the briefest of smiles as he hit the door.
Finally, someone who shared Turner's disdain for moral victories. ILLUSTRATION: ASSOCIATED PRESS photo
Redskins wide receiver Henry Ellard, right, pulls in a pass before
being stopped by Giants free safety John Booty on Sunday.
by CNB