Portis vs. Betts
 

I know we've covered this to a degree before but what the hell, it's slow right now so let's talk about it anyway.

Who will lead the Skins in rushing this year? Portis or Betts?

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

Unless he get's injured, I think Portis will be the leader. I think Betts will lead the running backs in receiving yards, however.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

Well, the first topic of discussion would have to be the system that will be in place. IF it is a one back system, as this article claims [URL="http://redskins.scout.com/2/655551.html"]Scout.com: Scouting the 'Skins Running Backs[/URL], it will definitely be portis. Betts, as of now, has no shot to take the spot from portis and in that system portis will have far more yards. If we are going to play running back by committee then i hope it will be too close to call. I hope that both of them end up with similar carries and yards so that if either had more it wouldn't be statistically significant. Yesterday i was reading an article saying that they probably will be on the field together, much of the time. Betts' yardage really has to do with what saunders does.

How did Saunders balance LJ and Priest back in KC? I mean, when priest went down LJ picked up the slack(big time). But what where LJ's numbers like when Priest was the front man?

Overall, its hard to pick betts in this poll.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=BigSKINBauer;323482]Well, the first topic of discussion would have to be the system that will be in place. IF it is a one back system, as this article claims [URL="http://redskins.scout.com/2/655551.html"]Scout.com: Scouting the 'Skins Running Backs[/URL], it will definitely be portis. Betts, as of now, has no shot to take the spot from portis and in that system portis will have far more yards. If we are going to play running back by committee then i hope it will be too close to call. I hope that both of them end up with similar carries and yards so that if either had more it wouldn't be statistically significant. Yesterday i was reading an article saying that they probably will be on the field together, much of the time. It really depends on what Saunders does.

How did Saunders balance LJ and Priest back in KC? I mean, when priest went down LJ picked up the slack(big time). But what where LJ's numbers like when Priest was the front man?

Overall, its hard to pick betts in this poll.[/quote]

I really don't see them both on the field MUCH of the time. Saunders said that he wanted to use them both at the same time before last season, but I can't remember 1 play where that happened.

In passing plays it might be good, keep CP in to block & let Betts hit the flats, then let CP go out if there's no one to pick up. On running downs, Sellers is too good at what he does - maul people- to not be on the field.

The answer to the question though, is simply who will play the most games? whoever does, will lead the team in rushing, just like last year.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

I voted Betts. He's a bring yer lunch in a bucket and run over people runner. Portis will break again on us very early in the season I predict.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

I have Portis runninng for 1,534 yards and 13TDs and a pro bowl vote and Betts running for 717 yards and 5 TDs.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=freddyg12;323486]I really don't see them both on the field MUCH of the time. Saunders said that he wanted to use them both at the same time before last season, but I can't remember 1 play where that happened.

In passing plays it might be good, keep CP in to block & let Betts hit the flats, then let CP go out if there's no one to pick up. On running downs, Sellers is too good at what he does - maul people- to not be on the field.

The answer to the question though, is simply who will play the most games? whoever does, will lead the team in rushing, just like last year.[/quote]

I think Betts tends to run the screen plays a little better than Portis. I could really see him creating some problems for defenses.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

I'm amazed how so many fans have such short memories. If you want a reminder of how good Portis is watch the highlights from the film room of the skins 5 game wining streak at the end of 2005 season. It will be clear to you again just how good a player portis is. Betts however is great to, especially as a receiver out of the backfield. Look for Saunders to utilize them both in some two back sets. Also if Suanders record in KC is any indication, there will be a plethra of yards for the both of them.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

I think if Betts doesn't stop dropping the ball we are in big trouble.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[QUOTE=Sammy Baugh Fan;323487]I voted Betts. He's a bring yer lunch in a bucket and run over people runner. Portis will break again on us very early in the season I predict.[/QUOTE]

He's actually not as good a power runner as Clinton Portis.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=jdlea;323497]He's actually not as good a power runner as Clinton Portis.[/quote]


He really isnt anything better than Portis. Portis is a top 5 back when healthy and has proved that. Betts is a nice backup who could start somewhere else.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

Portis ans Betts again??? Wow. I thought we were done with this subject till the season started.

If CP can stay healthy, and that's a big if, he will lead the team in rushing. He is the more talented player. But Betts seems to be a better between the tackles runner and that is what this coaching staff seems to like. So who knows? All I know is I like both of them and I'm glad we have both.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

Portis will have more yards and TD, Betts will have more fumbles.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

Portis will be out at week 5 and Betts will run us right to the playoffs.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=skinsfan69;323511]Portis ans Betts again??? Wow. I thought we were done with this subject till the season started.

If CP can stay healthy, and that's a big if, he will lead the team in rushing. He is the more talented player. But Betts seems to be a better between the tackles runner and that is what this coaching staff seems to like. So who knows? All I know is I like both of them and I'm glad we have both.[/quote]


why is that a big if.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=Redskin Rich;323522]Portis will be out at week 5 and Betts will run us right to the playoffs.[/quote]


hmmmmmmmmmmmm why did I see that coming. It is ridiculous though, seeing that this was the frist season Portis missed significant time and the first that Betts satyed healthy all the way through, so I dont see how Portis is more injury prone. But whatever you say RR if Portis gets hurt and misses a lot of time no way we make the playoffs.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[QUOTE=Redskin Rich;323522]Portis will be out at week 5 and Betts will run us right to the playoffs.[/QUOTE]

It's almost like you're hoping this is what happens. Not so much the playoffs part, but the Portis getting hurt part

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=SmootSmack;323526]It's almost like you're hoping this is what happens. Not so much the playoffs part, but the Portis getting hurt part[/quote]
No, I never hope for any man to be hurt... but I have made this prediction and will stick to it until I am proven wrong.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=Redskin Rich;323527]No, I never hope for any man to be hurt... but I have made this prediction and will stick to it until I am proven wrong.[/quote]


Why would you stick to this? I think Portis had two freakish injuries.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

Seems strange to predict injuries... but hey whatever gets you through the offseason I guess.

I think CP will come back strong this year. I think he'll be determined to get back on track, and Saunders will ease his workload by giving Betts more work.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=12thMan;323529]Why would you stick to this? I think Portis had two freakish injuries.[/quote]

Not much you can do about a broken hand, but his shoulder injuries go back quite a way with him. I believe he's had surgeries to both shoulders now.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=Redskin Rich;323522]Portis will be out at week 5 and Betts will run us right to the playoffs.[/quote]

If Portis does go down, it's going to be tough for Betts to "run them into the playoffs" without the ability to get into the endzone. Yards are nice, but one touchdown per every 2+ starts isn't all that impressive.

And with the emphasis that Gibbs and company put on not turning the ball over, I'm surprised that Betts is still valued so highly, considering the multiple game changing fumbles he had towards the end of last season.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

The good news with Betts is the coaches have been working with him during this offseason regarding holding on to the ball, so at least they know it's an issue and are trying to correct it.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

The fact that we can have this debate is a big positive for the Skins.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

I think the key to having Portis lead our team in rushing is to rush Betts more often. If Portis gets 30+ touches a game I am pretty sure he will go down half way through the season, but if you keep Portis around 15-20 carries and Betts at about 5-10 I think that is a good formula for a successful and injury free season.

Thoughts?

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=Mattyk72;323530]Seems strange to predict injuries... but hey whatever gets you through the offseason I guess.

I think CP will come back strong this year. I think he'll be determined to get back on track, and Saunders will ease his workload by giving Betts more work.[/quote]
Matty.... Look, I hope your right about CP... my gut just tells me all of his work is starting to catch up with him. He has taken alot of abuse during his career.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

I happen to think that they will be pretty close to equally effective with the carries they are given, but there is little doubt in my mind that Portis will see at least 100 more carries this year than Betts. That makes the choice an easy one.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=Redskin Rich;323539]Matty.... Look, I hope your right about CP... my gut just tells me all of his work is starting to catch up with him. He has taken alot of abuse during his career.[/quote]

You're forgetting that Portis will play half dead if he has to. If he is at 50%, his heart gets him the rest of the way. Portis is all football.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=Southpaw;323532]If Portis does go down, it's going to be tough for Betts to "run them into the playoffs" without the ability to get into the endzone. Yards are nice, but one touchdown per every 2+ starts isn't all that impressive.

And with the emphasis that Gibbs and company put on not turning the ball over, I'm surprised that Betts is still valued so highly, considering the multiple game changing fumbles he had towards the end of last season.[/quote]Yeah, but the goal of the game is to score points, not necessary do so by way of Ladell Betts. Even though Betts is not a goalline runner, he is hardly a top reason to blame for lack of power running last year. Blame the coaches for the poor personel packages, or the blockers up front for a crappy job, but there aint too many running backs who are going to make a successful play when hit 2 yards in the backfield.

We can have a very successful offense without raising Betts' rushing totals.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=GTripp0012;323543]Yeah, but the goal of the game is to score points, not necessary do so by way of Ladell Betts. Even though Betts is not a goalline runner, he is hardly a top reason to blame for lack of power running last year. Blame the coaches for the poor personel packages, or the blockers up front for a crappy job, but there aint too many running backs who are going to make a successful play when hit 2 yards in the backfield.

We can have a very successful offense without raising Betts' rushing totals.[/quote]

I agree, on short yardage situations it never seemed like our line got the push or the blocking needed. There was obviously some confusion and conflict between Gibbs and Saunders philosophy.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=Redskin Rich;323539]Matty.... Look, I hope your right about CP... my gut just tells me all of his work is starting to catch up with him. He has taken alot of abuse during his career.[/quote]
I've never really seen anyone making an argument (not really an argument) for a player getting hurt and training camp has not even started. I can see it now if Portis breaks a finger nail RR will be starting a post saying "see I told you Portis was going to get hurt". LOL

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

IF both backs are healthy - Portis wins the yardage poll. Portis has been burdened by nicks /bumps / bruises /shoulder pain in recent history. If Portis gets nicked up again, Betts wins the yardage poll.

I voted Betts --- predicting that Portis will not last the full season. I hope CP proves me wrong! He is an amazing back when healthy.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=hesscl34;323542]You're forgetting that Portis will play half dead if he has to. If he is at 50%, his heart gets him the rest of the way. Portis is all football.[/quote]
There is a difference between half dead and bad legs my beautiful Ms. Hess

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=Redskin Rich;323554]There is a difference between half dead and bad legs my beautiful Ms. Hess[/quote]

He doesnt have bad legs... bad shoulders, yes, but he can take the pain.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

Portis is easily a better back than Betts...

So, barring injury, Portis will have more yards.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=firstdown;323548]I've never really seen anyone making an argument (not really an argument) for a player getting hurt and training camp has not even started. I can see it now if Portis breaks a finger nail RR will be starting a post saying "see I told you Portis was going to get hurt". LOL[/quote]
Maybe not a finger nail... but a TOE nail... that's another story :cheeky-sm

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

Both are great backs, one (Betts) that could not stay healthy in his first couple of seasons. The other has had recent injury history.
I am concerned that Portis may be a high mileage back and might have a difficult time staying healthy. He has had shoulder and knee issues in recent years. The knee was tendinitis which is not a major injury, but it is not great either.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

I think Portis is now injury prone but I am still going to say CP. I think CP will get somewhere around 1000 yds while Betts will fumble at a few inopportune times and Gibbs will play him less & less.

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

I'm excited because of Portis playing a full season in Saunders offense. remember Priest Holmes? and Larry Johnson? and Betts in about a half a season? Portis is easily the superior back. and if he stays healthy( redskin rich), lookout

Re: Portis vs. Betts
 

[quote=GTripp0012;323543]Yeah, but the goal of the game is to score points, not necessary do so by way of Ladell Betts. Even though Betts is not a goalline runner, he is hardly a top reason to blame for lack of power running last year. Blame the coaches for the poor personel packages, or the blockers up front for a crappy job, but there aint too many running backs who are going to make a successful play when hit 2 yards in the backfield.[/quote]

I'd have to disagree with the idea that the blockers up front did a "crappy job". Towards the end of the season, the run blocking in particular seemed to take off, and Betts benefited tremendously by having gaping holes to run through.

My comment was mostly directed at Betts' lack of big play ability. I think he has very good vision and patience, which allows him to hit holes better than a lot of backs in the league, but his lack of speed and ball handling skills make him inferior to Portis in the second level of the defense.