THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 22, 1995 TAG: 9507220396
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: FROSTBURG, MD. LENGTH: Medium: 96 lines
Nothing lasts forever. Hardly an inspiring motto, though one that summarizes the present state of the Washington Redskins.
After decades of unbridled success, the team's NFL-best streak of 25 years without back-to-back losing seasons crashed last fall. Other than ebullient cornerback Darrell Green, no one is nervy enough to speak of a Super Bowl appearance.
Even Green, the team's elder statesman with 12 years experience, admits he's merely recounting a dream.
The goal for this team is much more basic - be competitive. After 4-12 and 3-13 campaigns, that's like asking an ant to climb a mountain.
Sixty-seven members of the current 82-man roster - top draft picks Michael Westbrook and second pick Cory Raymer remain holdouts - have been acquired since Norv Turner became head coach in 1994.
Only offensive tackles Jim Lachey and Ed Simmons and running back Brian Mitchell were on the offensive roster prior to Turner's arrival. Only Green, tackle Tim Johnson, cornerback Tom Carter and end Sterling Palmer were on the defensive roster before Turner left Dallas to come to Washington.
Two days after Washington closed last season with a 24-21 victory against the Los Angeles Rams, Turner insisted his offseason task wasn't to strengthen any one position, but to inject the entire roster with what he called ``elite'' players.
Along those lines, there have been 32 personnel transactions since Feb. 21, when Tom Hayes was named new defensive backs coach, to Friday, when offensive lineman Louis Age was signed.
Hayes, known for producing solid, fundamental secondaries as a college coach at UCLA, may help a Redskins defense that set three club records for futility last season - most yards allowed (5,609), most rushing touchdowns allowed (24) and most first downs allowed (331).
Washington also allowed 412 points, second-most in team annals. The Redskins were on the field for 1,080 plays, fourth-most in the league.
That's why there will be a new middle linebacker in Rod Stephens, over from Seattle. That's why there will be a new outside linebacker - Marvcus Patton, down from Buffalo - playing opposite Pro Bowler Ken Harvey.
And that's there will are two new safeties - former Cowboy James Washington on the strong side, ex-San Diego Charger Stanley Richard at the free position.
``There's a big difference already,'' Green said after the first official practice. ``James Washington really took control of the defense and calling the audibles. Stanley and Marvcus, when they come in and call the defense, I just listen and respect what they say.
``They really strengthen the defensive line and the linebackers.''
Turner agrees.
``There was a play today where the middle really opened up,'' he said. ``James closed from the left, Stanley closed from the right and they met the guy after a four-yard gain. That could have gone for a lot more.''
If the Redskins are to have a shot at making owner Jack Kent Cooke's prediction of 9-7 come true, the back seven had better be stellar. The back injury suffered Friday by Bobby Wilson leaves an already paper-thin line even lighter. Tim Johnson and Marc Boutte appear the best bets to open the season at that spot, especially if Wilson's injury is serious.
End Sterling Palmer is under pressure to bounce back from a '94 in which he recorded one sack and seven hurries. If he can't, second-year pro Dexter Nottage should displace him. Nottage, who started just one game last season, has added 15 pounds and line coach Bob Karmelowicz brightens when he intones, ``He's got a chance to be something special.''
Although the line and quarterback are set, the questions are far fuzzier on offense. Can oft-injured Terry Allen duplicate the 1,000-yard rushing performance he had with Minnesota last season? Can rookie Larry Jones, a fourth-round pick from Miami who never carried more than 100 times a season, handle more work? Will Reggie Brooks, saddled with a hamstring pull for the second year in a row, be the productive runner he was as a rookie or last year's bust?
``If you're going to be a better running team, everyone's got to do the job,'' Turner said. ``We've got a major emphasis on the offensive line.''
Heath Shuler is set at quarterback. Henry Ellard occupies one of the wideout spots. The other skill positions are up for grabs.
When - and if - Westbrook signs, he'll be placed opposite Ellard, who had 74 catches and 1,397 yards last year after coming over from the Rams. But if Westbrook enters the same type of protracted squabble as departed No. 1 pick Desmond Howard, then Tydus Winans, Olanda Truitt or Leslie Sheperd will be asked to carry that load. Combined, they have a pro total of 22 catches.
Tight end James Jenkins likely is in place as the primary blocker, but there are a host of prospects - Frank Wycheck, Scott Galbraith, Coleman Bell and fifth-round pick Jamie Asher - desperately trying to fill the pass-catching role Turner used with success in Dallas with Jay Novacek.
``You surround guys with better football players and they become better themselves,'' Turner said.
Interesting theory. It'll be a few months before he knows if it has a practical application. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo by Bill Abourjilie, Staff
Linebacker Marvcus Patton, who played for Buffalo last year, is one
of the new players brought in to strengthen the Redskins defense. by CNB