OPINION:
For once in the storied history of Washington’s football team, a ball hit the goalpost in a playoff game and something good happened (“Commanders survive, advance with last-second win against Buccaneers,” Web, Jan. 12). It hadn’t previously been that way.
In the 1945 NFL championship game in Cleveland, Ohio, Washington Redskins quarterback Sammy Baugh threw the ball from his own end zone — but his pass to Wayne Millner hit the goalpost instead. (Goalposts were moved from the goal line to the back of the end zone in 1974.) Under the rules at the time, that gave the then-Cleveland Rams a safety.
Later, the Rams scored a touchdown, and Bob Waterfield attempted the extra point. His kick hit the crossbar but bounced over and was good. Those two bizarre plays helped Cleveland win, 15-14.
Washington’s next NFL championship game was Super Bowl VII, on Jan. 14, 1973. With Washington trailing 14-0, Billy Kilmer drove the Redskins to Miami’s 10-yard line. On second down, Kilmer had Jerry Smith wide open for a sure touchdown. But Kilmer’s pass struck the crossbar instead. The next play, Kilmer’s pass for Charley Taylor, was intercepted by Miami’s Jake Scott.
Washington later scored when cornerback Mike Bass ran 49 yards for a touchdown after his teammate Bill Brundige blocked a Miami field goal attempt and Dolphins kicker Garo Yepremian picked it up and fumbled while trying to throw. But Kilmer’s missed touchdown pass to Smith proved fatal. Washington lost, 14-7.
On Sunday, Washington finally flipped the script. With the score tied in a playoff game against Tampa Bay, Washington kicker Zane Gonzalez attempted a game-winning field goal. Remarkably, he nailed the goalpost. However, the ball hit the upright and went through. Washington won!
STEPHEN A. SILVER
San Francisco, California
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