Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 22, 1993 TAG: 9307220069
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Jack Bogaczyk
DATELINE: CARLISLE, PA. LENGTH: Medium
The Redskins are downright defensive.
After 12 years under the strait-laced and bludgeon-and-bomb offensive mind of Joe Gibbs, a head-coaching change to longtime defensive boss Richie Petitbon has brought a new attitude to the Dickinson College fields.
"I thought about it just a little bit ago," veteran cornerback Darrell Green said after the Redskins' first workout Monday. "For years, they'd blow the whistle to end practice, and we'd have to run down to where the offense was because that's where Coach Gibbs was standing.
"This time, I heard the whistle, looked up, saw Coach Petitbon right by me and watched those big, sweaty offensive lineman trying to run down the field.
"That was nice. We've got the head man on our side now."
Think about it. When you heard or read about the Redskins in the past decade, what was the focus? Gibbs. A quarterback controversy. The Posse receiving corps. The Hogs of the trenches.
That's very offensive. No, defensive end Dexter Manley wasn't an exception. He was outrageous.
Because Petitbon is a defensive coach, that side of the line of scrimmage will receive more attention now. It's only natural. He understands that the Redskins' stealth defense will be more like an open book now. That's OK.
"Defense comes first," he said. "That will be a change around here."
Green, the five-time Pro Bowler, said the difference between Gibbs and Petitbon is a coaches - not a players - adjustment.
"The players simply are supposed to follow whatever leadership is provided," Green said. "We try to implement what the braintrust wants. A coach is a coach.
"The attitude is different in some ways now, but that's just human nature because a different person is in charge. Gibbs was tough. He was no wimp, believe me. Richie is tough.
"He may tell people something in a different way, but the message is a lot the same. He's not going to bite anybody's head off. Nothing weird is going to happen here. I mean, Richie's not going to tell everybody to run to Gettysburg and back."
An undercurrent of electricity accompanied this camp from the first day's workout. In Monday afternoon's drill, three player tiffs erupted. They were brief and to the point.
Gibbs' workouts included those differences of opinion, but never on the first day.
"Coach Gibbs was more laid back," said Brian Mitchell, who is getting an opportunity to be the featured ballcarrier as the Redskins move to a two-back set. "Coach Petitbon is more of a go-getter type.
"Some people say a change like this can wake you up. I think there's some of that here."
Before Washington's dismantling of Buffalo in Super Bowl XXVI 18 months ago, Petitbon said "everything is not what it appears" about his defense, which is mean as well as sneaky.
Green remembers that the Redskins were more aggressive than in the past in that game and how "it was a defensive scheme for one game that wasn't typical."
"Our defense will be more analyzed now," Green said. "People will pay more attention to what we're trying to do."
What they will find is a solid unit. Last season, the Redskins' defense allowed more than two touchdowns in only four of 18 games, including two NFC playoff dates.
Because Petitbon has been the leader of that defense, its quality is no surprise to him. He's got other things to worry about at this camp.
"My biggest problem is where to stand," he said with a laugh.
Actually, Petitbon has spent most of the first three days of camp watching the offense, where coordinator Rod Dowhower is in charge of Gibbs' former unit.
"When you have a little change, it adds a little excitement," said Earnest Byner, who has been shifted to fullback. "When you have change, there's always a little fear and a lot of uncertainty.
"Everyone has favorites. It's just natural. Coach Gibbs had his favorites, and Coach Petitbon has his favorites. If you have kids, you love them all, but you have a favorite. It's human nature.
"A change like we've had here can create an uneasiness. That's coming through."
Petitbon may sense it, but he says he doesn't see it. Of course, on the field, he's still trying to pick his spots.
by CNB