Memory Lane - 1976 Washington Redskins Previes

Head coach George Allen (HOF) builds his teams around proven veteran players and very few rookies. Last year’s “Over the Hill Gang” missed the playoffs for the first time under his leadership with an 8-6 record. Since he trades away draft picks for veterans, the earliest draft pick isn’t until the fifth round, infusing this group with fresh young talent isn’t an option.

Unrestricted free agency is decades away. The NFL had the “Rozelle Rule” (which states when team “A” signs a free agent from team “B”, team “A” must compensate team “B”) was struck down in 1976 by the courts. Afterwards, the original team could match a free agents offer. SPOILER ALERT: Because of signing free agents, Washington won’t get another first round pick until 1980, long after George Allen's departure. Do you know who that first round pick would turn out to be? (Answer at the end.)

In the offseason, Washington signs RB Calvin Hill and TE Jean Fuegett from the Cowboys and RB John Riggins from the Jets. Starting at QB will be Billy Kilmer, who missed two games in 1975 but still threw 23 TD’s, second only to Fran Tarkenton. The Redskins also have QB Joe Theismann who spent three years in the CFL and the last two as Kilmer’s backup. The Redskin offense ranked 10^th in the league in 1975 and the new acquisitions look to improve on that performance.

Defensively, in 1975, Washington ranked 15^th and most starters were over thirty years old. They weren’t able to add much to their defense so it will be almost the same only a year older. Placekicking isn’t a major concern because they have, a young for this team, 28 year old Mark Mosely, one of the remaining straight away kicker left in the game. The 1976 Draft didn’t add any significant players.

Redskins 1975 Rankings:

Tot Yds Off: 10

Tot Yds Def: 15

Tot Pts Scored: 10

Tot Pts Against: 11

1975 Results:

1976 Opening day roster:

Trivia Answer: Washington 1980 1st round draft pick. Answer: WR Art Monk (HOF) out of Syracuse

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