Ryan’s Defense Takes a Beating in 41-14 Loss

Buddy Ryan, the architect of the “46” defense, watched it crumble Sunday against the Washington Redskins.

The Redskins trounced Philadelphia, 41-14, in Ryan’s debut as an NFL head coach, ripping the “46” defense for 433 yards. Jay Schroeder passed for two touchdowns and ran for another, and former USFL star Kelvin Bryant scored twice to pace the romp.

“I didn’t have the best game mentally,” Ryan said. “I made a couple of bad calls and should have known better. This was a tough loss, but I know we’re going to be tough.”

Ryan, an NFL assistant for 18 years, devised the “46” defense with its multiple variations of alignments and coverages, and it helped the Chicago Bears win Super Bowl XX.

The defense backfired Sunday and drew chants of “Buddy, Buddy,” from fans during the final minutes of the game.

Schroeder, opening his first full season as a starter, completed 19 of 38 passes for 289 yards. He threw one interception.

Bryant, in his first NFL game after gaining his release from the Baltimore Stars of the USFL in August, caught a 36-yard touchdown pass from Schroeder in the second quarter and ran 16 yards for a third-quarter touchdown. The USFL’s second-leading rusher gained a combined 112 yards Sunday--36 in 6 carries and 76 on 4 receptions.

Bryant said he noticed immediately the difference between the NFL and the USFL.

“It’s a lot different,” he said. “It’s a lot more physical than it was in the other league. I wanted to be in this league all my life.”

George Rogers, alternating with Bryant in Washington’s one-back alignment, gained 104 yards in 20 carries and scored once.

Eagle quarterback Ron Jaworski completed 23 of 40 passes for 227 yards, but Philadelphia had only three first downs after halftime.

The game marked the 150th straight sellout at RFK Stadium, an NFL record.