It’s a Snap Solution in Washington: Redskins Release Problem Snapper

Coach Joe Gibbs of the Washington Redskins Tuesday criticized his team for lack of playing intelligence against the New York Giants and cut a player whose fourth-quarter mistake contributed to the season-opening loss.

The Redskins released center Mike Scully, the team’s long snapper. Scully bounced two snaps to punter Steve Cox, the second leading to Gary Reason’s blocked punt that was returned 27 yards for a touchdown by Tom Flynn in the Giants’ 27-20 win.

“We will go with a different snapper, we’ve made the decision on that,” Gibbs said. “(We’re) not making Scully the scapegoat or anything because it wouldn’t be fair to him. But we’ve had four snaps in two games on the ground now and that’s not acceptable.”

Scully had two bad snaps in the exhibition final against Atlanta and was cut last week, but later was re-signed.

Gibbs was angry about 10 penalties assessed against the Redskins for 76 yards, as well as two turnovers that led to touchdowns. One of the penalties was on Scully for releasing downfield before the ball was punted.

Gibbs said center Jeff Bostic could handle the long snapping, but Washington worked out several long snappers Tuesday.

Defensive end Dexter Manley’s first game back following his 30-day suspension for drug use was less than auspicious. Manley, who practiced with the team only one week, was admittedly frustrated about playing only as a designated pass rusher.

First, he threw a tantrum on the sidelines, trashing a table supporting drinking water. Then, on a third-down play on which the Redskins stopped a Giants drive, Manley was whistled for a personal foul for fighting with William Roberts, extending the drive that resulted in a New York touchdown.

“I hurt the team in a bad situation,” Manley said. “I feel sorry for my actions.”