With a Lot on the Line, Bugel, Fazio Hired as Consultants
By Mark Maske
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 21, 2003; Page D01
The Washington Redskins have rehired Joe Bugel, their offensive line coach from their Super Bowl glory days, to serve as a consultant as they attempt to fix the pass-protection problems that have led to quarterback Patrick Ramsey being knocked out of each of their past two games, sources said last night.
Bugel, who worked on the staff of former Redskins coach Joe Gibbs between 1981 and '89 before head coaching stints with two other NFL teams, is scheduled to be at Redskins Park today, according to sources. The club does not intend to fire offensive line coach Kim Helton, sources said, but will seek input from Bugel without adding him to the coaching staff.
Redskins Coach Steve Spurrier, without mentioning Bugel, said earlier yesterday that the team might add an offensive consultant. Spurrier confirmed that Foge Fazio, who was rehired by the Redskins as a part-time scout after being fired as the Cleveland Browns' defensive coordinator following last season, would work with the club's defensive coaching staff as a consultant.
"We always ask some people to watch some tape," Spurrier said. "Foge is actually a consultant. We may send some offensive tape off to somebody and say, 'Look at that. What do you think we're doing?' We're open to suggestions. We don't have all the ideas around here."
Bugel retired as the San Diego Chargers' offensive line coach prior to last season. He helped Gibbs to Super Bowl titles in the 1982 and '87 seasons with the Redskins while overseeing "the Hogs," the line that was the backbone of Gibbs's high-powered offenses. Bugel was far less successful as a head coach, compiling a record of 24-56 with the Phoenix Cardinals and Oakland Raiders.
The Redskins have struggled all season to keep Ramsey from absorbing one wicked hit after another. He made an early exit from Sunday's 24-7 loss at Buffalo because of a bruised right (throwing) hand and a bruised right hip. Ramsey said yesterday at Redskins Park that he intends to practice by next week and be ready for the Redskins' next game, on Nov. 2 at Dallas. The Redskins are scheduled to practice today, Wednesday and Thursday on their bye week before the players are given the weekend off.
"One time [Sunday] we were blocking with eight guys and they were rushing four, and we couldn't quite get a guy blocked," Spurrier said. "We're looking at ways to see if we can pass-block better."
Left tackle Chris Samuels said earlier yesterday that he expects the Redskins to find a way to improve their pass protection.
"I think we'll be able to protect him," Samuels said. "It's a little bit of everything factoring in. We've just got to keep our heads up and stay positive."
Fazio, 64, was a Redskins linebackers coach in 2000 under head coach Norv Turner. He was defensive coordinator with the Cleveland Browns last year but was fired after the Browns lost, 36-33, to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the playoffs.
In his new position as defensive consultant, Fazio will be a tool for Redskins defensive coordinator George Edwards, as one Redskins official put it.
Redskins Notes: Tailback Ladell Betts could miss the Dallas game because of the fractured left forearm he suffered Sunday. Betts had his arm examined by doctors yesterday and said he was told that he could be sidelined about three weeks. He has a fracture of the radius, he said, and doctors are wary of him aggravating the injury if he attempts to return too soon.
Tailback Trung Canidate missed the Buffalo game because of a high ankle sprain. He is aiming to return to the lineup in Dallas. Spurrier said the Redskins will get rookie tailback Sultan McCullough ready for the Cowboys. . . .
The Redskins plan to sign two players today and must release two players to clear roster spots. One of the additions could be offensive lineman Mitch White, who was one of seven players to work out for club officials yesterday. The team could consider signing defensive end Ron Warner, who spent the previous two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and worked out for the Redskins last week. . . . Spurrier entered and left Redskins Park on crutches yesterday after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in the morning. He recently had his sore knee drained, and was involved in a sideline collision at the end of a play Sunday.
WTF 
