Montana Leads 49ers Against Manley, Redskins

Joe Montana says he has more important things to worry about than threats from Washington Redskin defensive end Dexter Manley.

Montana, who underwent back surgery in September, returned last Sunday to throw for 270 yards and 3 touchdowns in San Francisco’s 43-17 rout of the St. Louis Cardinals. The five-time Pro Bowl quarterback will be trying for an encore tonight when the 49ers meet the Redskins at RFK Stadium.

Manley, third in the NFL with 12 1/2 sacks, claimed he won’t forgo a chance to clobber Montana if the opportunity arises. “Am I going to pass up a good lick because he’s had surgery?” Manley said. “No, I’m going to ring his clock. If he’s hurt, then don’t play him.

“Put a skirt on him and I won’t hit him. I promise.”

Washington Coach Joe Gibbs, who dislikes providing opponents with newspaper clippings that can be used to generate added inspiration, scolded Manley for using “a bad choice of words.” But Gibbs did express concern that officials might overprotect Montana, and claimed at least one of the two penalties called against St. Louis for roughing the passer last week was “unjustified.”

Montana and the league’s second-ranked passing attack will test a Washington secondary that has been altered in recent weeks.