Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS

[PennSkinsFan]

Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS | DC Pro Sports Report -- Sports news, stats and analysis from the capital of the free world

This is another position that really is not in need of critical repair, personnel wise, we’ll explain more later. RB Clinton Portis is the star here, no question. Portis had his second season as a Washington Redskin, rushing for 1,487 yards on 342 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Portis also carried the ball into the end zone 9 times. He also finished the season with 28 receptions for 218 yards.

Also, vote in our Poll, in the review article!

[Paintrain]

So do you think that a Portis-Betts backfield tandem is an effective combo? Any thoughts on whether we'd be better off with a back that brings more speed/pass catching ability rather than Portis-lite which is what Betts represents?

[Spence]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

So do you think that a Portis-Betts backfield tandem is an effective combo? Any thoughts on whether we'd be better off with a back that brings more speed/pass catching ability rather than Portis-lite which is what Betts represents?

Betts is a very nice pass-catching tailback. He doesn't block as well as Portis, but he's improved and he's got better hands than Portis does out of the backfield.

[Dblock804]

Originally Posted by Spence

Betts is a very nice pass-catching tailback. He doesn't block as well as Portis, but he's improved and he's got better hands than Portis does out of the backfield.

Not only dose CP get's pounded when he runs but also is blocking like an O Lineman the rest of the time. No doubt he is tough, but how long can he take it. Betts seems to be the next choice, but it's the same style of play. JZ needs to find away to mix it up a little with his running game. Let Rock and Sellers get involed.

[44Deezel]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

So do you think that a Portis-Betts backfield tandem is an effective combo? Any thoughts on whether we'd be better off with a back that brings more speed/pass catching ability rather than Portis-lite which is what Betts represents?

I think they can use both effectively and even get Rock more involved on third downs. It doesn't always have to ba a thunder and lightning-like combo. Besides, Portis is as physical as anyone. He's great on the goal line and has evolved into a punishing runner (as good as anyone not named Brandon Jacobs).

Betts is quick and nifty enough to be a change of pace back, especially if the Skins learn how to use the screen pass a la the Eagles, Chargers, Falcons, Pats, Dolphins, etc. The bottom line is that they are both very good NFL backs. Betts could and should be used more effectively.

[Paintrain]

Originally Posted by 44Deezel

I think they can use both effectively and even get Rock more involved on third downs. It doesn't always have to ba a thunder and lightning-like combo. Besides, Portis is as physical as anyone. He's great on the goal line and has evolved into a punishing runner (as good as anyone not named Brandon Jacobs).

Betts is quick and nifty enough to be a change of pace back, especially if the Skins learn how to use the screen pass a la the Eagles, Chargers, Falcons, Pats, Dolphins, etc. The bottom line is that they are both very good NFL backs. Betts could and should be used more effectively.

We have differing opinions on our backup RB. I see them both as slower, smaller versions of Portis. I know that people love Rock, but to me he's just a guy. He's not special in any of his abilities. He's not exceptionally fast, quick, elusive or powerful. He's a hard worker and a tough SOB but he's not a difference maker in any regard.

I wouldn't associate 'quick' nor 'nifty' in regards to Betts. I don't know that I've ever seen him shake a defender in the open field, rather he just puts his head down and tries for an extra yard or two. He just seems to be more of what we already have. I'd much rather have a Sproles, Leon Washington, Chris Johnson, Norwood type of pure speed-explosive type back to represent a true 'change of pace'.

[44Deezel]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

We have differing opinions on our backup RB. I see them both as slower, smaller versions of Portis. I know that people love Rock, but to me he's just a guy. He's not special in any of his abilities. He's not exceptionally fast, quick, elusive or powerful. He's a hard worker and a tough SOB but he's not a difference maker in any regard.

I wouldn't associate 'quick' nor 'nifty' in regards to Betts. I don't know that I've ever seen him shake a defender in the open field, rather he just puts his head down and tries for an extra yard or two. He just seems to be more of what we already have. I'd much rather have a Sproles, Leon Washington, Chris Johnson, Norwood type of pure speed-explosive type back to represent a true 'change of pace'.

Betts looks quicker than Portis to me, but I concede that him and Rock are no spring chickens. Neither is Portis for that matter. It couldn't hurt to look for a complimentary back in the middle to late rounds. Leon, Norwood and Sproles were all 3rd or 4th round picks. Michael Turner was a 5th rounder.

RBs can be found anywhere, so I don't think they need to chase any in free agency, especially with Portis' salary already on the books.

[Spence]

Good work. I thought Zorn really under-utilized Betts this season. Betts might not be a 350-carry-per-year back, but neither is Portis, as everyone should have learned by now. Portis should be carrying the ball no more than an average of 20 times per game, which still yields over 300 carries for a season. The Skins need to cut Portis' workload whether he likes it or not [and it would be nice if the owner would tell Portis to keep his mouth shut whether he likes it or not].

I don't know why the Redskins didn't throw to Sellers more. Pass-catching fullbacks are a staple of west coast offenses and Sellers can really get yards after the catch once he gets moving. I suppose, like so many things, Sellers had to sacrifice his yards to cover for an inadequate offensive line.

[44Deezel]

Originally Posted by Spence

Good work. I thought Zorn really under-utilized Betts this season. Betts might not be a 350-carry-per-year back, but neither is Portis, as everyone should have learned by now. Portis should be carrying the ball no more than an average of 20 times per game, which still yields over 300 carries for a season. The Skins need to cut Portis' workload whether he likes it or not [and it would be nice if the owner would tell Portis to keep his mouth shut whether he likes it or not].

I don't know why the Redskins didn't throw to Sellers more. Pass-catching fullbacks are a staple of west coast offenses and Sellers can really get yards after the catch once he gets moving. I suppose, like so many things, Sellers had to sacrifice his yards to cover for an inadequate offensive line.

Amen on more passes to the backs. What about Rock though? Maybe I'm delusional, but I think he can do damage if he gets some passes in space. It almost becomes a punt return at that point. And Campbell doesn't need all day to set up a screen pass, so the O line isn't required to block for long. They just need to get their fat asses downfield to block

[44ever]

Originally Posted by PennSkinsFan

Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS | DC Pro Sports Report -- Sports news, stats and analysis from the capital of the free world



Also, vote in our Poll, in the review article!

Like I've been saying, our challenge ahead is going to be @ RB. If Zorn does not allow our other backs to develop we will be shaking our heads in 2010. Unless of course our star keeps shining.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by 44ever

Like I've been saying, our challenge ahead is going to be @ RB. If Zorn does not allow our other backs to develop we will be shaking our heads in 2010. Unless of course our star keeps shining.

I think our other running backs are alldready developed they just need to see more playing time.

[44ever]

Originally Posted by firstdown

I think our other running backs are alldready developed they just need to see more playing time.

I was talking about developing into a equal to Portis and/or eventual sucsessor.

Rock still need to develop if we are to use him in said position IMO

[PennSkinsFan]

Originally Posted by 44ever

I was talking about developing into a equal to Portis and/or eventual sucsessor.

Rock still need to develop if we are to use him in said position IMO

Rock's been in the NFL a few years now. If he was going to develop, don't you think he would have by now?

[44ever]

Originally Posted by PennSkinsFan

Rock's been in the NFL a few years now. If he was going to develop, don't you think he would have by now?

Yes. I do. That's why I said "at said position" I agree with scud. He is where he is. I never said I think he should be a "RB". I was talking about Betts if you read all my earlier posts. With that said: I'm a big Rock fan and would love to see him have a bigger role on offense. Sorry obout the misunderstanding

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by 44ever

I was talking about developing into a equal to Portis and/or eventual sucsessor.

Rock still need to develop if we are to use him in said position IMO

Rock is 29 years old and has been a Redskin since 2002. He is what he's going to be.