Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/redskins/2006-08-02-portis-feature_x.htm?csp=34]USATODAY.com - Portis both a role player and face of the Redskins[/url]

[QUOTE]"Betts is better than a lot of people think," Saunders says. "Clinton is more like Larry Johnson, where Ladell is more like Priest Holmes. It will be fun to mix and match those guys."[/QUOTE]

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

Ahhh....that's sorta like the comment he made out about Collins earlier this year....Collins is this and that.

Please, this shouldn't be taken out of context in anyway.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

I don't think it was taken out of context, but I do agree that Saunders is just hyping his team for the sake of hype.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

He's saying that Betts can be used in the same style in which Priest was used. He is in no way saying that Betts is nearly as good as Priest Holmes.

It's a comparison in style of play, not in quality of play.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

Priest was a sleeper...I hope Betts is too.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[quote=TheInspector]Priest was a sleeper...I hope Betts is too.[/quote]

Hey, if Ladell turned out to be like Priest there's no way I'd have a problem with it. But we already have a shifty RB with top notch talent named Portis. If I had a choice, I'd rather see Nemo develop into Larry Johnson so we'd have a thundering goalline presence.

But neither is very likely.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[QUOTE=Schneed10]He's saying that Betts can be used in the same style in which Priest was used. He is in no way saying that Betts is nearly as good as Priest Holmes.

It's a comparison in style of play, not in quality of play.[/QUOTE]
quoted for truth.

don't look too deep into that quote. while he is hyping his men, and while Betts is a talented back, he hasn't don't anything to draw a man for man comparsion with Priest Holmes.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

I honestly feel that Betts is alot better than people give him credit for. Given the chance I think there are probally at least 20 or so teams he could start for around the leauge.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

Here's my take on Betts:

I think over the course of a 16 game season, he's capable of putting up perhaps a thousand yard season....which in today's league isn't saying a lot. Really good backs, in my opinion, are measured by 1300 -1500 yd seasons. Betts is good at changing the pace of a game. Where as a Portis can set it, change it, and do everything in between.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

Portis has the outside speed to get to the corners and still go around guys, Betts just runs you over.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

Betts is a free agent next year.... look for him to be in a different uniform next season.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[quote=12thMan]Here's my take on Betts:

I think over the course of a 16 game season, he's capable of putting up perhaps a thousand yard season....which in today's league isn't saying a lot. Really good backs, in my opinion, are measured by 1300 -1500 yd seasons. Betts is good at changing the pace of a game. Where as a Portis can set it, change it, and do everything in between.[/quote]

Yep this is about right. Betts can be a starter, but definitely not a star. I've said it before so I'll say it again here, he's got a Duce Staley career written all over him.

Effective but not spectacular.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[quote=dirthogs311]Betts is a free agent next year.... look for him to be in a different uniform next season.[/quote]

Yeah. I think that's why they signed Lumsden. 220 pounds and runs a 4.4. If Betts leaves, he's got a shot to replace Betts as a capable backup to Portis.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

You never know with running backs. Did anyone see Stephen Davis coming after his first couple of years in the NFL?

Bett's could breakout and bring a team 1300-1500 yards at some point in his career but it probably wont happen in Washington. Portis is the man and should be because he can do so many different things well AND get you 1500 yards AND score from any point on the field on any given play.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[quote=TrustinGibbs]You never know with running backs. Did anyone see Stephen Davis coming after his first couple of years in the NFL?

Bett's could breakout and bring a team 1300-1500 yards at some point in his career but it probably wont happen in Washington. Portis is the man and should be because he can do so many different things well AND get you 1500 yards AND score from any point on the field on any given play.[/quote]

Of course he could break out and have 1300-1500 yard season but I don't think it's likely.

Actually, I think Portis is probably designed to have a 1600-1700 yard season.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[quote=scowan]Betts just runs you over.[/quote]

I've never thought of Betts as any kind of power runner. You always hear NFL commentators make remarks like, "Betts is a hard runner" or "Betts could be the next Stephen Davis", but they obviously haven't seen much game film. Just because he looks like he should run hard doesn't mean that he actually does. His biggest plays have come from outside screens and swing passes in the flat. And Betts is the only running back I can recall in recent memory, to get tackled from behind, with one hand grabbing his jersey tail.

I do think that he's a good change of pace back, but he's nowhere close to the player Priest Holmes was. If he did start somewhere, I have a feeling it would look a lot like Troy Hambrick's season as Dallas' starter, a couple years back.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

Betts is an outstanding back, but he needs to stay healthy #1, and he has needed a real system that will spread the defense out to allow legitamate running lanes, he will get that this year, Betts yards per carry will be as good or better than Portis's this season.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

Rock Cartwright could end up with more yds per carry than Portis this year, what does that mean??

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[QUOTE=offiss]Betts is an outstanding back, but he needs to stay healthy #1, and he has needed a real system that will spread the defense out to allow legitamate running lanes, he will get that this year, Betts yards per carry will be as good or better than Portis's this season.[/QUOTE]

Why do you think it will be as good or even better than Portis'?

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[quote=offiss]Betts is an outstanding back, but he needs to stay healthy #1, and he has needed a real system that will spread the defense out to allow legitamate running lanes, he will get that this year, [B]Betts yards per carry will be as good or better than Portis's this season[/B].[/quote]

I think calling Betts an "outstanding" back is way premature, Offiss. Betts has proved himself to be solid. I'd save the word "outstanding" for guys like Ladainian Tomlinson and Shaun Alexander. Let's get a dose of realism in the picture, shall we?

Now as for the bolded part, I'm just not sure how that makes any sense. Won't Portis finally be back in an offense that allows legitimate running lanes, just like Betts? We saw what Portis did in open space in Denver, 5.5 yards per carry. Are you saying you think Betts could have rushed for 5.5 yards per carry or better if he played for Denver in 2003?

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[quote=offiss]Betts is an outstanding back, but he needs to stay healthy #1, and he has needed a real system that will spread the defense out to allow legitamate running lanes, he will get that this year, Betts yards per carry will be as good or better than Portis's this season.[/quote]

So outstanding that Joe Gibbs' first order of business, when he took over as head coach, was to trade away Champ Bailey and a second round pick to get Portis. You're correct about the health issue though, because he is rather fragile for never having more than 90 carries in a season. Betts is a solid back, but he has nowhere close to Portis' talent.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

i like betts but every time he runs with the ball i'm nervous, i'm always thinking "he's gonna fumble".

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[quote=12thMan]Here's my take on Betts:

I think over the course of a 16 game season, he's capable of putting up perhaps a thousand yard season....which in today's league isn't saying a lot. Really good backs, in my opinion, are measured by 1300 -1500 yd seasons. Betts is good at changing the pace of a game. Where as a Portis can set it, change it, and do everything in between.[/quote]

I would argue that the really good backs give you 1600 + like EDGE, Tomlinson, Williams and Alexander.

Portis will probably join that club this year.

Betts' problem is that he is behind Portis. Without a big injury he will not get to shine.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

"Taylor jacobs is the best receiver on this team"

just saying...


as far as what betts can and can't do, i on't really like that comparision all that much. holmes is really shifty, betts REALLY isn't. holmes also jumps and betts doesn't. cartwright is more shifty than betts.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[QUOTE=Southpaw]So outstanding that Joe Gibbs' first order of business, when he took over as head coach, was to trade away Champ Bailey and a second round pick to get Portis. You're correct about the health issue though, because he is rather fragile for never having more than 90 carries in a season. Betts is a solid back, but he has nowhere close to Portis' talent.[/QUOTE]


Gibbs has admitted that Betts is far better than he thought when he first arrived. The reason I say Betts is that good is this, Betts hits the hole harder and quicker than Portis, he's also a more powerful runner, yes Portis will get the bulk of the work but Betts is going to shine, as well he's playing for a new contract.

Personally I was alway's content with Betts talent wise as our featured back, but his inabilty to stay healthy has made him to unreliable up till now for a featured back.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

good coaches never continually tear down their players. every once in a while you have to throw them a compliment or two. betts is a fine back up. no more, no less

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

I dont know if i agree with the comparison...i would tend to think portis is more like priest. all i can say if they...portis and betts can produce similar results as johnson and holmes i'd say we are gonna have a great year

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[quote=Grim21Reaper]I would argue that the really good backs give you 1600 + like EDGE, Tomlinson, Williams and Alexander.

Portis will probably join that club this year.

Betts' problem is that he is behind Portis. Without a big injury he will not get to shine.[/quote]

I maintain, really good backs will give you 1300-1500. The backs you mentioned are exceptional. I think you're right, Portis could possibly join that upper echelon this year. Betts is and will never be, in my opinion, in either category. Sure he may be a featured back someday, but I don't think he'll be a game changer or a 1500 yd back no matter how many games he starts, no matter how wide the running lanes, etc.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

I am just happy to have some depth and options at the position. I remember a few years back with Spurrier and we had no options at the position.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[QUOTE=Schneed10]Hey, if Ladell turned out to be like Priest there's no way I'd have a problem with it. But we already have a shifty RB with top notch talent named Portis. If I had a choice, I'd rather see Nemo develop into Larry Johnson so we'd have a thundering goalline presence.

But neither is very likely.[/QUOTE]


What I say from Priest in BMore, I am not actually seeing in Betts. I would like to actually hear all that was said about this. Betts hits the line harder than Portis, but I don't see the power like Priest before he got hurt.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[QUOTE=Rhaamses]What I say from Priest in BMore, I am not actually seeing in Betts. I would like to actually hear all that was said about this. Betts hits the line harder than Portis, but I don't see the power like Priest before he got hurt.[/QUOTE]


I really don't see any real comparisons between our backs and KC's, I know Saunders said it but maybe that's why he's better off as a coordinator.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

I don't think Saunders has every made any direct comparisons, he was simply saying he sees Betts filling a similar role as Holmes, and maybe they have some similarities in their respective styles of play.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[quote=TheInspector;200357][URL="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/redskins/2006-08-02-portis-feature_x.htm?csp=34"]USATODAY.com - Portis both a role player and face of the Redskins[/URL][/quote]
Saunders saw the tallent in Betts who most viewed as a backup...maybe he should have something to do with this years draft, or even better take Vinny's job as director of player personnel.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[quote=Skins_4_Lyfe;270009]Saunders saw the tallent in Betts who most viewed as a backup...maybe he should have something to do with this years draft, or even better take Vinny's job as director of player personnel.[/quote]

That's a good point you've dug up there.

However I think the talent scouts have done a very good job. Keep in mind that they are the ones who actually did get Betts, and not Saunders.

GW wanted AA, and clearly that was a bust, but besides that, look at the talent we've acquired. We're stacked.

If we stop trading our draft picks away mabye we'll get a shot at actually manifesting the scouting talent we've got on board.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[QUOTE=Schneed10;200377]Hey, if Ladell turned out to be like Priest there's no way I'd have a problem with it. But we already have a shifty RB with top notch talent named Portis. If I had a choice, I'd rather see Nemo develop into Larry Johnson so we'd have a thundering goalline presence.

But neither is very likely.[/QUOTE]

people on here still talk about nemo? i thought that mess was over

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

It's alway's nice to pull up an old thread and see who got it right. All those anti Betts guy's including Gibbs now understand the kind of talent Betts posesses, as I said all along the Portis trade was a waste, we already had a back that could carry the load, and could have had a better back in Stephen Jackson that draft to groom behind Betts, along with some very nice draft picks we could have recieved for Bailey, that scenerio if done properly could have put us into elite status talent wise. But as we know GM Joe just had to have Portis, just like the rest of the big name free agents we aquired last year, does anyone in our organization have any ability or belief that they have the slightest idea about college talent evaluation, because they sure don't have it on the NFL level. IMO if you sign or trade for estabished NFL talent [other than an unforseen injury] you should be about 95% that you brought in the right player for your team, you already know what he can do against NFL caliber players, and right now we are way off. You would literly have to be trying to sabatoge a team to do worse than we did in free agency last year, a saftey who sits the bench, and a DE who get's manhandled by backup TE's.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

Wow don't break your arm trying to pat yourself on the back or anything.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[quote=Big C;270025]people on here still talk about nemo? i thought that mess was over[/quote]

Well thanks a lot for pulling up one of my posts that I wrote back in August, when Nemo was actually still a Redskin.

No, nobody's talking about Nemo now.

Please check the date of the posts you are referencing.

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;270096]Wow don't break your arm trying to pat yourself on the back or anything.[/QUOTE]

Come on now Matty. You know how it is......

Re: Ladell Betts...the next Priest Holmes?
 

[QUOTE=Schneed10;270101]Well thanks a lot for pulling up one of my posts that I wrote back in August, when Nemo was actually still a Redskin.

No, nobody's talking about Nemo now.

Please check the date of the posts you are referencing.[/QUOTE]

my fault didnt realize