OPINION:
On Wednesday, both the Washington Commanders’ placekickers — Zane Gonzalez and Greg Joseph — were excused from practice when their wives went into labor. Washington has a colorful history when it comes to kickers missing in action.
Late in the 1974 season, Washington lost placekicker Mark Moseley to an injury. Head coach George Allen turned to the then-Redskins’ longtime punter, Mike Bragg, and in the final two regular season games and a playoff loss to the Rams, Mr. Bragg was 2-for-2 in field goals and 8-of-9 on extra points.
In a regular-season finale 42-0 blowout of Chicago, Mr. Bragg went 5-for-5 on extra points before stepping aside to let defensive end Deacon Jones attempt the final extra point. Sonny Jurgensen, Washington’s regular holder, thought Jones kicking would come across as rubbing it in and refused to hold for him, so Joe Theismann held instead. Jones’ wobbly kick hit the upright, but it made it through and was good. It was the final regular-season game for both Jones and Mr. Jurgensen.
Eleven years later, Washington was again playing Chicago when Redskins punter Jeff Hayes was injured. Mr. Theismann volunteered to fill in. Unfortunately, he shanked the punt, which went only 1 yard beyond the line of scrimmage. Mr. Theismann was replaced as punter by Jay Schroeder in the 45-10 loss. Mr. Schroeder also would replace Mr. Theismann at quarterback later that season.
After Mr. Theismann suffered a gruesome leg injury in a Monday night game against the New York Giants, Mr. Schroeder rallied Washington to a 23-21 come-from-behind victory.
STEPHEN A. SILVER
San Francisco
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