Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, October 6, 1995 TAG: 9510060061
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: ASHBURN LENGTH: Medium
The red, loose-leaf binders easily are spotted on the top shelves of the players' lockers at Redskin Park.
About one-inch thick, they contain the secrets of Norv Turner's game plan, a savvy compilation of words and drawings from the offensive guru of two Super Bowl champion teams.
Turner's stock jumped a notch or two when he out-coached Barry Switzer in the Redskins' 27-23 upset Sunday over Dallas, but it was the latest affirmation of what his players, assistants and peers knew all along: When it comes to formulating an offensive strategy, Turner is one of the best in the NFL.
``It's like he is a chef, and you have to eat what he's prepared,'' six-year veteran tight end Scott Galbraith said. ``And it's always something nice, and it's always something fresh and well-done and well-seasoned. A new wrinkle here and there, something that can work for us. He has a tremendous understanding of how to attack a team.''
So far this year, Turner has spent his 20-30 hours per week cooking up enough ideas to have the Redskins (2-3) playing above expectations, maybe even a little over their heads. Though 3-13 last season, some of the players are starting to talk about the playoffs.
``He's a student of the game,'' said offensive line coach Jim Hanfian, an NFL mainstay for 23 years. ``No.1, he's a very intelligent person. I think he has a great feel for the game of football. You can have your game plan, but as the play-caller, you need to be one play ahead of the other guy.''
Despite starting the season without a proven quarterback and working around a patched-up offensive line, the Redskins are fourth in the NFC in offense and second in rushing to Dallas. Quarterback Gus Frerotte consistently has been ranked in the top half-dozen quarterbacks in the conference.
It was much easier for Turner to achieve genius status during his three years as offensive coordinator on a Dallas team awash with talent. Though his game plans have been just as shrewd since his arrival in Washington last year, they don't always turn into victories because he doesn't have the same level of talent.
Still, it's easy to spot the difference he makes. In addition to the usual elements of Turner's game plan - a heavy reliance on one running back, a quick-release passing game that emphasizes slants and tight-end routes, constructing big plays based on the other team's weakness - there are individual moments that stand out.
In the season opener, Turner knew that Arizona coach Buddy Ryan would be looking for a certain running play that the Redskins used successfully against the Cardinals last year. This time, Turner had the Redskins fake the play and run a reverse. The Cardinals overpursued, and Michael Westbrook ran 58 yards for a touchdown.
Against Denver, Turner had running back Brian Mitchell - an option quarterback in college - run an option play with halfback Terry Allen as the trailing back. The confused Broncos defense allowed Mitchell to run 36 yards for a touchdown.
Against Dallas, Turner decided to exploit a weakness - Cowboys cornerback Clayton Holmes - on the first play. Westbrook blazed by Holmes and was wide open for a touchdown, but the pass grazed his fingertips. With proper execution, the Redskins would have been leading 7-0.
Gutsy calls, perhaps, but the players gain confidence in knowing the more daring elements in the red binder aren't just there for mid-week exercises.
``He doesn't use those plays in vain,'' Mitchell said. ``That's one thing the players like in the coach, that he's not afraid to make the calls.''
It's all part of Turner's No.1 rule when preparing for an opponent: Put your strengths, one-on-one when possible, against the other team's weaknesses.
``Good teams have tendencies,'' Turner said. ``And as long as you're aware of your tendencies and you break them often enough where people become aware that it's not an absolute, then I think you're fine.''
by CNB