Fast Finish Slows Talk About Need to Rebuild

In the aftermath of a confusing season for the Washington Redskins, wide receiver Gary Clark was reminded of his rookie season.

After the Redskins ended the 1989 season Saturday with a 29-0 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, Clark said, “It’s kind of like the 1985 season, almost exactly like the 1985 season, except it took us to the last game to find out we weren’t going to make the playoffs that year.”

In 1985, the Redskins started out 5-5, won five of their last six to finish 10-6, but still missed the playoffs.

This season, the Redskins started out 5-6, won their last five to finish 10-6, but still missed the playoffs.

The 1985 season was a year of transition. Quarterback Joe Theismann suffered a broken leg that ended his career, leading the way for Jay Schroeder to take over. Running back John Riggins was benched for the last three games and retired, opening the door for George Rogers.

This season, Mark Rypien established himself as the No. 1 quarterback after being benched in mid-season. Coach Joe Gibbs learned he could plug several young players into the lineup and still win.

But the reason Clark likes to talk about 1985 season probably is the team went to the National Football Conference title game in 1986 and won the Super Bowl in the 1987 season.

“I’m looking forward to coming back next year,” Clark said. “I think the Redskins lost a little bit of respect because we weren’t in the playoffs two straight years, but we gained some of it back the last five weeks. I think if we come out strong next year, we’ll make some people believers again.”