PRO FOOTBALL: WASHINGTON REDSKINS 24, RAMS 21 : Ram Review

First Quarter: Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the stadium, not a creature was stirring, not even a Melonhead. . . . The uniforms were hung by the lockers with care, in hopes that everyone but Wymon Henderson soon would be there. . . . Last game, first play, and for the 12th time this season, Rams open with a Jerome Bettis running play. Redskins are fooled--Bettis gains a yard. . . . Anthony Newman intercepts, returns for TD, proving you can’t keep a good man on the bench. . . . Free agent Roman Phifer shuts down ‘Skins on fourth and one at Ram 16. Henry Ellard, Kevin Greene, Duval Love and Jim Everett figure to have competition for ex-Ram of the year honors in 1995. Rams 7, Redskins 0.

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Second Quarter: Wayne Gandy replaces Jackie Slater, and Brad Ottis replaces Sean Gilbert. Talk about finding coal in your stocking. . . . Desmond Howard pulls a Heisman on Darryl Henley; at least it wasn’t a badge. . . . Reggie Brooks scores, and apparently the end zone isn’t off limits to all former Notre Dame backs. . . . Troy Drayton runs for four yards, now has better average than Bettis. . . . Todd Kinchen makes TD catch, gets so excited, shakes hand of everyone in attendance. It takes 15 seconds. . . . Bettis tops the 1,000-yard mark. Finding the cure for cancer should be easier. . . . Brian Mitchell returns punt 78 yards for TD. He could have gone further if necessary. . . . Martin Bayless intercepts Chris Miller pass. Miller blames Bayless for being in wrong spot. . . . Halftime show is to feature America’s Finest Frisbee Dogs. Inspired Jermaine Ross leaps into air and snatches Miller pass for TD with four seconds left. . . . Rams 21, Redskins 17.

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Third Quarter: Miller scrambles for first down without getting a concussion. . . . Ken Harvey clobbers Miller, forces fumble, but ref rules Miller was trying to pass. Ref also indicates Rams will stay in Anaheim, and Georgia Frontiere will donate money to bail out Orange County. . . . Refs penalize Miller for intentional grounding. Odd, it didn’t look any different than his other passes. . . . Holding called on Gandy, and Gandy throws helmet at bench. Press box was too far away. . . . Todd Lyght interferes with Howard in end zone. Redskins need three tries to go in from one-yard line. Rams are improving. . . . Redskins 24, Rams 21.

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Fourth Quarter: Miller gets sacked. Others will follow in next few weeks. . . . Rams adjust strategy, have 12 men on field to keep Redskins from returning punt for TD. Refs take exception, award Redskins first down. Rams consider themselves lucky. . . . Ineligible receiver downfield called on Rams. No name mentioned, but based on the way the coaches regard him, it could have been Drayton. . . . Robert Bailey has apparent interception at Redskin 25, but drops the ball. Playoff hopes dim. . . . Bettis gains eight; 2,000 yards or bust. . . . Tony Zendejas misses tying 33-yard field-goal attempt. Santa has work to do at home; there will be no overtime on Christmas Eve. . . . Redskins 24, Rams 21.

Game Summary: And I heard the boys exclaim as they left for St. Louis, Merry Christmas to all, and to Ram Review, good riddance.