Commanders season opener in 16 days: Washington’s best No. 16

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 16 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 16?

Several players have worn jersey No. 16 in Washington history whom readers will recall but did not have abundant success for the Redskins.

Stan Humphries (1989-90) appeared to be more physically gifted but was beaten out by Mark Rypien and subsequently traded to San Diego.

Rich Gannon (1993) started four games for Washington in 1993. He later matured into a fine quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs and later an All-Pro and AFC champion with the Oakland Raiders.

Colt McCoy (2014-18) wore No. 16 his first two seasons in Washington and then switched to No. 12 for his final three seasons in Washington. His finest game came at Dallas on MNF when McCoy completed 25 of 30 attempts for 299 yards in a 20-17 Washington win in 2014.

Ed Rubbert (1987), a quarterback, led Washington to wins in the strike-shortened season of 1987. He was one of the “scabs” signed by Charley Casserly and Bobby Beathard.

Gary Beban (1968-69) was a quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner at UCLA, traded to Washington when the Rams could not sign him. Sonny Jurgensen would turn 34 a few months later, and the Redskins had their quarterback of the future. However, Beban lasted only two seasons and never started an NFL game.

Richie Petitbon (1971-72) was traded for by George Allen. He started at safety in 1971 but was injured in the third game of 1972 and retired following the season. He later was Washington’s defensive coordinator and head coach in 1993.

Norm Snead (1961-63) was drafted 2nd overall by Washington in 1961. He played and started in every game in his three Washington seasons, passing for 46 touchdowns. He led the NFL with 27 interceptions in 1963. He was then traded to Philadelphia in exchange for another quarterback, Sonny Jurgensen.

Story originally appeared on Commanders Wire