ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, December 21, 1995 TAG: 9512210048
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: COMMENTARY
SOURCE: By JIM DUCIBELLA LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE
My source at the North Pole tells me the world missed a huge story, one generated by the arrival of the Washington Redskins' Christmas wish list. Santa, noting even the lowest salary was in six figures, for the first time decided not to grant any material requests made by players or coaches.
Instead, he has written each a note explaining it may not look as nice under the tree, but it's better to get something you need rather than something you want. My source was e-mailing me copies of Santa's notes when his computer crashed.
For owner Jack Kent Cooke: Better health than in 1995, continued progress on the new stadium and a 1996 season in which the team shows real improvement.
For coach Norv Turner: Better fourth-down calls (it's a popular item among coaches this season) and a couple more footballs that bounce your way in the close ones.
For running back Terry Allen: Other teams that will place more stock in your consecutive 1,000-yard seasons than in your past knee problems and make you the offer you deserve during the free-agency period. (The Redskins will match it.)
For receiver Henry Ellard: Consistency at quarterback, so everyone can marvel at the skills you still possess at age 35.
For quarterback Heath Shuler: The hardest gift to give is health, especially to those in your line of work. But that's what you need, plus another 1,000 plays from scrimmage.
For quarterback Gus Frerotte: Patience. Given the frequency of Shuler's injuries, your NFL team may be the first in ages to platoon quarterbacks.
For defensive end Rich Owens: The extra 25 pounds of muscle you need for your strength to equal your speed. You may then become the diamond in the rough Redskins coaches saw when they drafted you.
For guard Tre Johnson: The maturity to see that carrying 335 pounds, or whatever your weight is, isn't helping your battered ankle or your potentially amazing quickness.
For safety Stanley Richard: Consistency. That's what's keeping you from the Pro Bowl.
For linebacker Marvcus Patton: More games like the one Sunday against St.Louis (15 tackles, two forced fumbles) and people taking the time to learn how to pronounce your first name. (It's MARV-kus.)
For defensive coordinator Ron Lynn and defensive line coach Bob Karmelowicz: Two top free-agent linemen with the wisdom to see all that stands between your team and a serious shot at the playoffs is their signature on a Redskins contract.
For offensive line coach Jim Hanifan: Another Jim Lachey to counsel and recognition as one of the best assistants in football.
For jack-of-all-trades Brian Mitchell: A few more carries a game and the occasional halfback-option call by Turner.
For cornerback Darrell Green: Satisfaction. You've had it all in football. You have it all in life.
For guard Ray Brown: The tag ``overnight sensation,'' even though you've been at pro football for 10 seasons.
For forgotten running back Reggie Brooks: A new home or another chance.
For receiver Michael Westbrook: A grip, on more of the passes thrown your way and on your vast potential. If you need a guide, see Seattle's Joey Galloway.
For linebacker Ken Harvey: Continued success, and more help up front next season.
For general manager Charlie Casserly: A draft to rival Bobby Beathard's 1981 haul (Mark May, Russ Grimm, Dexter Manley, Darryl Grant and Clint Didier), and a better opening contract offer to your early-round picks. No one is ``delighted just to be in the NFL'' anymore.
For kicker Scott Blanton: A 1996 training camp to rival the workout that persuaded the Redskins to give you a contract. They need more leg than Eddie Murray has at this stage of his career, especially on kickoffs.
For Redskins fans: A new, industrial-strength throat lozenge to soothe your throat after cheering or booing. You'll likely have the opportunity to do both in '96.
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines KEYWORDS: FOOTBALLby CNB