By the time the Bills were done using John Beck as a trampoline Sunday, they’d registered nine sacks – the most the Redskins have ever allowed. Which raises the question: How did those past Redskins teams respond to such a debacle? Did their season go down in flames, or did they pull themselves together like the professionals they were?
Well, it depends on which season you’re talking about. The details:
SEE RELATED:
● Oct. 4, 1964 at D.C. Stadium – Gave up nine sacks in a 23-17 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Sonny Jurgensen received most of the abuse, though backup George Izo was dropped for a safety. Interesting game note: The Redskins weren’t blown out that day, as they were in Sunday’s 23-0 lambasting by Buffalo. Indeed, they drove for a late touchdown to pull to within six points.
What happened the next week: The Redskins jumped out to a 21-0 lead against the Eagles and, behind Jurgy’s five TD passes, won 35-20. In fact, they went 6-2 in their next eight games to rebound from an 0-4 start. Final record: 6-8.
● Nov. 19, 1978 at RFK Stadium – Yielded nine sacks in a 27-17 loss to the Cardinals. Joe Theismann was the quarterback of record, though – like most accident victims – he probably doesn’t remember much about it. Interesting game note: The Redskins weren’t blown out on this day, either. Indeed, Theismann threw for two touchdowns as they cut a 24-0 deficit to 24-17 in the third quarter. (A Jim Bakken field goal finished them off.)
What happened the next week: The Redskins were routed 37-10 at Dallas and kept right on losing. In fact, they didn’t win another game that year, dropping their last five to end up 8-8.
So these nine-sack atrocities can go either way, Redskins fans. Which way do you think this one is headed?
