By Mark Maske and Liz Clarke
Washington Post Staff Writers
Monday, September 7, 1998; Page C5

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Sept. 6 – On a day when the Washington Redskins' offense betrayed their defense, linebacker Marvcus Patton gave quarterback Gus Frerotte a verbal kick in the pants on the sideline.

Following the first of Frerotte's two third-quarter interceptions that gave the New York Giants a pair of touchdowns on their way to a 31-24 victory, Patton yelled at Frerotte near the Redskins' bench. Patton declined to discuss the episode following the game, and Frerotte left the locker room without speaking to reporters. But Coach Norv Turner and several Redskins players said it was simply part of an always-emotional sport.

"Last week we said everybody has to be held accountable when they do something wrong and we're going to let you know about it," said running back and kick returner Brian Mitchell. "That's all that was happening. I don't want anyone to think it was any kind of dissension. We're family. If you make a mistake, your brother or your sister is going to tell you you're doing something wrong. That's the way we are.

"We're here every week together. We're a family. If you make a mistake, I think someone has to be the one to let you know that you're making a mistake. This is our team just as much as it's anybody else's team. He was just telling him, 'Don't quit. I hope you're not quitting.' It's nothing."

Turner said: "He's trying to keep Gus going. He's trying to keep him focused and keep him in the game."

The Redskins knew before today's season opener that most of their problems in 1998 will be on offense, not defense. But the point was driven home this afternoon. The Giants generated only 235 yards, to 331 by the Redskins. But Frerotte's interceptions produced a return for a touchdown and a Giants possession that started at Washington's 2-yard line. That led to a two-yard touchdown run by Charles Way.

A fumble by Frerotte's replacement, Trent Green, later in the third quarter gave the Giants the ball at the Washington 22, and set up New York's other second-half touchdown.

"It's a no-brainer," veteran cornerback Darrell Green said. "We're human beings. In any business, people get frustrated. I've been frustrated in Super Bowl-winning seasons."

Said defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson: "It's a team game. Our mindset is to go out there and keep playing good defense and give our offense as many opportunities as we can. It's not a great feeling for a defensive player. But we're going to be put up against tough odds like that all year. I think we played well today."

Members of the Redskins' offense acknowledged that they must find a way to carry their share of the load.

"We've got to come out and play better," left tackle Brad Badger said.