The Redskins may look back on this day, 10 years from now, and feel that it was pretty important to have depth at a position not listed on the two-deep chart. Just as General Manager Charley Casserly succeeded Bobby Beathard, Petitbon will do all right following the legend — you watch. Different driver, same steady hand negotiating the same course. Like the 49ers’ George Seifert following Bill Walsh. Petitbon undoubtedly will implement his own ideas as he goes, but he’s not some egomaniac rubbing his hands together, going through his Rolodex to find run-and-shoot coaches to run the offense. …

Petitbon will do just fine because all the support systems that were in place for Gibbs presumably will be in operation for him too. “There are so many teams in this league that have absolutely no chance to win because of their ownership,” he said. …

Petitbon said yesterday he’s been interested in only three jobs. “New Orleans [in 1985] because I was born there. Chicago, because I played there and I love Chicago. And here. I love this town. That’s it.”

New Orleans hired Jim Mora; the Bears, Wannstedt. Petitbon returned to work each time saying he had a great job, working for the best organization in football. But any man who’s as competitive as Petitbon, any man who’s good enough to intercept a pass in the end zone as he did to win the ’63 championship for the Bears, any man who’s designed the defense for three Super Bowl champions, any man who’s quietly waited his turn even when it looked as if his turn wasn’t coming, wants the chance to stand or fall on his own. Richie Petitbon earned that chance long time ago. He’s just now getting it.