Sports: Redskins quotebook

Redskins quotebook

By Compiled by Times staff writer

Coach Norv Turner on his team's attitude: "Since training camp opener, I've been asked 9,000 times about our team chemistry. This team has unbelievable chemistry and character. We gave the Bucs an early touchdown on a fumble. After that, we played great defense."

Turner on Shaun King's touchdown pass, when Bruce Smith stripped the football from Tampa Bay's quarterback, only to have it retrieved on the bounce and thrown to Reidel Anthony: "I'm going to tell our guys to stop knocking it out of Shaun's hand, because every time we do, he picks it up and makes a big play. Shaun King is a great competitor."

Deion Sanders on his punt return that set up Michael Husted's game-winning field goal: "Maybe I'm getting old, but I'm not ready for a pine box. It was a very, very, very wonderful and emotional win. I'm delighted to contribute."

Darrell Green, 40-year-old cornerback, on being forced into overtime after having a 17-7 lead in the fourth quarter: "Everybody felt devastated. We thought it was over. But the fortunes turned our way in the fifth quarter. Even when you're down, a true professional finds a way to give his best."

Turner on Sanders' punt return, after Deion had been booed for poor results in recent games: "I'm glad I didn't panic and make a change. I'm glad I get to watch Deion every day in practice and can always be reminded of what he can still do. It's nice when a guy makes you look smart."

Turner on facing the Tampa Bay defense: "You might kick and scratch to run the ball against them. The hardest part about playing the Bucs defense is you can't do anything with both success and consistency."

Sanders on his resurgence: "I know how a woman in labor feels, waiting nine months for that baby to come. And boy, did that baby come. She was a big one wasn't she? All you doubters, I've got room on the bandwagon."

Sanders, when asked if he was desperate for a big play: "No, I don't feel like I needed it. I believe in me. I don't care what you guys believe in. I believe in me no matter what. We've been trying every punt return. I wish TV would show the end zone view, so you could see what I face when I catch the ball."

Sanders, recounting his punt return: "The key was getting away from the first guy and the next guy, the next guy. Then the next guy wasn't there like they'd been the whole night. I don't even remember the play really. I think I bounced outside some sort of way."

Green on his interception: "Our defensive line made that play. They made Shaun King run around. I could never draw it up the way it happened. I've been around too many seasons to try to predict how interceptions might come."