For Fouts, It’s a Time of Changes : During His Absence, Saunders Has Moved Into Leadership Role
He has sufficiently recovered from a concussion to regain his starting job, but Dan Fouts’ status as the unquestioned spiritual leader of the Chargers has undergone a subtle displacement in the past three weeks.
Fouts, named the starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against Dallas, was indisputably the most forceful and influential personality on the team during the Don Coryell regime.
But circumstances have changed since Fouts suffered the concussion, his second of the season, against Kansas City Oct. 19. Al Saunders has replaced Coryell as coach and has moved quickly and firmly to establish that he, and no one else, is in command.
If Fouts was No. 1 before, he is no better than 1-A now.
There is no rift or conflict between coach and quarterback. They speak of each other amicably and respectfully. The difference is, the coach has made it clear he sets the tone these days.
Since becoming coach Oct. 29, Saunders has delicately, but undeniably sent a message to his team and his sure-fire Hall of Fame quarterback. Repeatedly, in the course of several interviews, he asserted that Fouts would not automatically return to the lineup at the first sign he was feeling better. Under Coryell, there never would have been any doubt about Fouts’ position.
Saunders cloaked his message in the guise of caution related to Fouts’ head injury, but the implication was clear enough. Saunders would not be hurried or intimidated. By waiting, he not only did all he could to ensure the health of an invaluable asset, but also staked out his turf.
“Dan has been most cooperative,” Saunders said. “I know he will do anything we ask of him to help us win. I’m very pleased with the way he has responded. He’s a team man, and wants to go in the direction we all want to go.”
Saunders declined to discuss the early-season slump that afflicted Fouts.
“I’m not concerned about the past, or about things like individual goals or statistics,” he said. “If you get caught up in individual achievements, the team concept suffers. Dan has 1/45th of the responsibility in a game. We don’t want to put any undue pressure on anybody.”
It was never stated explicitly in those terms, but under Coryell, Fouts was generally seen as being more than 1/45th of the team. After all, he is the team’s highest paid player and one of a handful with a guaranteed contract. He is to make $750,000 a year through 1988.
Fouts, happy to be back in the lineup, said he thinks highly of Saunders.
“Only a few people realize it, but we went to the same high school in San Francisco (St. Ignatius) and we have roots in the same area,” he said.
“Al was very knowledgeable and hard-working as an assistant coach here, and I am sure he will be the same as our head coach.”
Fouts, relieved that the concussion-related headaches he endured for more than two weeks have abated, said his only headache now is talking to reporters.
“I’m excited about playing Sunday and I feel ready for a big day,” he said. “This is the time of year when I should be playing football on weekends. It’s been a part of my life for about 25 years now.”
Tom Flick, who started the last two games and was scheduled to start against Dallas until Fouts was judged ready, will be the backup Sunday. Mark Herrmann, still recovering from a concussion, will play only in an emergency.
When Saunders announced at the Charger Backers luncheon that Fouts would be the starter, it was greeted with hearty applause.
“It certainly gives the team a boost that Dan is ready to roll again,” he said.
Questioned by a member of the audience about the team’s possible interest in Miami’s Vinny Testaverde, Saunders was at his best.
“We don’t regard this season as lost yet,” he said. “This is a little like Alcoholics Anonymous; we’re taking it a day at a time. We’re not looking down the road too far. I’m looking forward to seeing Dan Fouts in a controlled offense and see what he can do. He’s one of the greatest ever. You can’t easily replace a man with his 14 years of experience and the things he can do in a huddle.”
That’s an undeniable vote of confidence, but with a kicker--the phrase “controlled offense.” This is not Air Coryell. Al Saunders controls the offense these days.
Charger Notes Reserve tight end Bob Micho, whom the Chargers waived a day earlier with the intent of reclaiming Friday, instead was picked up by the Denver Broncos, who had waived him two years ago. “He would have participated a great deal in our game this week, and it hurt our preparations by having him claimed,” Charger Coach Al Saunders said. Saunders said he did not believe Denver Coach Dan Reeves claimed Micho as a payback for the Chargers claiming him in 1984. . . . Cornerback Gill Byrd did not practice Friday, but should be able to play against the Cowboys. . . . Saunders also said linebacker Woody Lowe and running back Tim Spencer should be recovered from injuries in time for the game.