Evening star., 1956-12-24
Kuhorich Says Strategy
Against Colts Was Sound

An intentional safety in the
last minute of play wouldn't
have saved the Redskins from
their last-Second 1917 defeat by
the Colts yesterday in Baltimore,
Coach Joe Kuharich said after
the game.
With about minute left to
play and the ball on Washing
tons l8-yard line. Sam Baker
was called in to punt. Why,
some grandstand coaches asked
didn't he retreat into the end
zone. kill as much time as pos
Sible, and give up a two-point
safety that would have helped
run out the clock?
"We would have had to kick
from the 20-yard line anyway,
lKuharich replied. 1T wouldn't
have made any difference"
Whether it would or wouldn't
is a moot point. but the Colts
chances didn't look bright even
after they got the ball on their
own AZ.
1t is noteworthy, however. that
after Quarterback AL Dorow hit
the line on first down for a yard
in an obvious stalling tactic, in
istructions were sent in for wide
plays. Dick James went around
right end for 4 yards, and Tom
my Runnels around the opposite
side Tor 2 more to the 18
Obviously. the idea was to keep
the clock running even if neither
got away for the all-important
first down that would have
clinched matters.
The Colts were alert. too. They
called for time-outs after each
play, boarding each precious Sec
ond for one last try that would
give them a chance for the jack
pot.
There was less criticism of tie
strategy that called FOR Bakers
8-yard field goal in the first Pc
riod after John Paluck had re-
covered L. G. Dupre's bobble on
the kickoff. 1t was fourth and
one to go for a touchdown out
the Redskins were in a sand
filled mudhole and footing was
bad. A miss would have bolstered
Baltimore's morale. The field
goal put a little pressure on
them, and for while Sans
three points looked mighty big
Frank Clifford. New York
Giants star halfback, received
the National Football League S
player of -the-year award be-
tween halves. but the ceremony
was held in the press box. before
TV cameras, instead Of on the
field. Clifford modestly told re-
porters before the game that he
didn't deserve it.
"Chuck Drazenovich should be
getting this Clifford said, re-
ferring to the Washington line
backer. Hes the best man in
the league at his position. He
really killed me in Washington.
Even in New York. when we were
beating them, he was the only
man tackling me and he was
really hitting. He owns me-"
Clifford praised Kuharichs
coaching. and called the Red
skins mentor a great guy. He
didn't think the Redskins had
the right TO be battling for a
second-place tie. appraising the
squad with the Chicago Cardi-
nails on a man-for-man basis.
He credited Kuharich's fine work
for keeping the team in the race.
Johnny Unitas. a semipro
quarterback with the Bloomfield
Rams in the Greater Pittsburgh
League last season. received the
award as the Colts outstanding
rookie OF the year. The former
Louisville University star played
a starring role In yesterdays
game. despite set OF bruised
ribs. after replacing George
Shaw VINO was injured.
UnitaS selection made Her
man Bail smile. for the one-time
Redskins coach recommended
him 70 Coach Webb Ewbank
after the Pittsburgh Steelers
gave up on him
Many fans thought Lenny
Moore, the Penn State back
whose legs seem % come up %
hA armpits. might have gotten