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Commanders season opener in 34 days: Washington’s best No. 34

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Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 34 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 34?

The Washington history of jersey No. 34 is rather lean. But there are some players who had their moments. So we gladly recognize those moments.

Martin Bayless (1994) came to Washington following 10 NFL seasons and four different teams. The safety out of Bowling Green at age 32 became a Redskin, played in 16 games, starting 15, and picked off a career-high three interceptions. Bayless also recovered a fumble, returning it 60 yards for a touchdown against the NY Giants at RFK. He also might be remembered for a nice hit he put on Jerry Rice on a slant pattern at RFK. Bayless then played two seasons in Kansas City and retired after the 1996 season.

Tony Green (1978) was drafted by Washington 159th in the 1978 draft. The former Florida Gator running back was the last running back on the depth chart to make the roster, having missed much of the reps due to a hamstring issue. Yet Jack Pardee kept Green and they assigned him to return punts and kickoffs though he had little experience doing so. Green dropped a punt against the Eagles, picked it up and 80 yards later had his first NFL touchdown. Green averaged 10.5 yards on punt returns and 25.6 yards on kickoff returns including a 99-yard touchdown return. But the Redskins released Green in the 1979 preseason. He spent that season with the NY Giants and Seattle Seahawks and it was his last season in the NFL.

Mack Brown (2016-17) was an undrafted running back out of Florida. Released by the Texans, he signed with Washington was released, signed to the practice squad, released and signed again to the squad in 2015. In 2016 Brown rushed for 149 yards in the preseason against Tampa Bay, yet was again released, signed to the practice squad then promoted to the active roster. In Chicago, Brown enjoyed his career highlight, a 61-yard touchdown run against the Bears. The Redskins released Brown in 2017. He was claimed by the Vikings, back to the Redskins in 2018 on the practice squad before being waived a final time.

Brian Davis (1987-90) was drafted by Washington 30th overall in the 1987 draft. Davis did not start any games his rookie year as Washington started Darrell Green and Barry Wilburn. However, being the fifth defensive back, Davis impressed, intercepting a pass in a playoff win at the Bears and in Super Bowl XXII. In 1989 Davis intercepted a career-high four passes but in 1990 was beaten out by Martin Mayhew. He would only start two more games in the NFL (1992 for San Diego).