33 Years Later: A Quarterback, an Injury, and a Scare on the Exact Date
This is some creepy stuff. 33 years ago to the day on Monday Night Football, the Washington Redskins took on the New York Giants at RFK Stadium where Joe Theismann suffered a career-ending injury after a sack by Lawrence Taylor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mznBvAGScdg
Fast forward to 33 years later at FedEx Field with the first-place NFC East Redskins against the first-place AFC South Houston Texans. In the third quarter, Redskins quarterback Alex Smith went back to pass but couldn’t find an open target. Instead, the Texans blitzed and Smith was wrapped up by defensive back Kareem Jackson with defensive lineman JJ Watt following after. You can watch the replay below. Or don’t watch it if you are squeamish.
Here's the Alex Smith injury. Get well soon, Alex. pic.twitter.com/ReXlYU79f4
— Ian Valentino (@NFLDraftStudy) November 18, 2018
Stay strong, Alex ???? #httr pic.twitter.com/XfT7kCCxml
— NBC Sports Commanders (@NBCSCommanders) November 18, 2018
Like Theismann, the injury occured near the 40-yard line. Although Smith was helped up, he was carted off the field as his first season in Washington came to an end sooner than one would like. After the game. head coach Jay Gruden told reporters that Smith broke his tibia and fibula, requiring surgery ASAP.
Jay Gruden said Alex Smith broke his tibia and fibula and needs surgery “right away.” #Redskins
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) November 18, 2018
Theismann tweeted the following after the game, “Alex’s leg is exaclty like mine 33 years ago.”
Alex’s leg is exactly like mine 33 yrs ago
— Joe Theismann (@Theismann7) November 18, 2018
We don’t know if this injury will be career-ending but history sort of repeating itself in a negative way will put a weird twist in Redskins fan’s stomachs. Smith finished his afternoon with 12 completions in 27 throws for 135 yards and two interceptions. Colt McCoy, who has patiently waited for his chance since 2014, threw for 54 yards and a touchdown completing six of his 12 passes. As if this article wasn’t creepy enough before, the final score was 23-21. The only difference was the Redskins came up on the losing side.
With nobody to backup McCoy currently, the Redskins are bringing in some quarterback reinforcements to work out before making a decision on who to add to the roster. McCoy will get the spotlight in Dallas on Thanksgiving Day, a place where he beat the Cowboys on Monday Night Football four years ago.
Photo credit: @BleacherReport
