Portis v. Riggins

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Let me just preface this thread with the comment that Portis has not yet proven that he is going to be as valuable to this franchise as John Riggins. However, I do believe Portis will turn into the most productive back in team history, will set a number of records, and will ultimately become the best tailback in 'Skins history.

In nine seasons with the Redskins, John Riggins had just 4 seasons in which he carried the ball over 200 times in a season. In 1978, appearing in 15 games, Riggins rushed 248 times for 1,014 yards (4.1 ypc) and 5 TDs. In 1979, appearing in 16 games, Riggins rushed 260 times for 1,153 yards (4.4 ypc) and 9 touchdowns. In 1983, appearing in 15 games, Riggins carried the ball 375 times for 1,347 yards (3.6 ypc) and a whopping 24 touchdowns. In 1984, appearing in 14 games, Riggins carried the ball 327 times for 1,239 yards (3.8 ypc) and 14 touchdowns.
All told, in his nine seasons with the Redskins, Riggins rushed 1,988 times for 7,472 yards (3.76 ypc) and 79 touchdowns.

In his first season in Washington, Clinton Portis rushed 343 times (more than Riggins did in 8 of his 9 seasons), for 1,315 yards (more than Riggins did in 8 of his 9 seasons), for 3.8 yards (.04 yards per carry more than Riggins' career average as a Redskin), and for 7 receiving and rushing touchdowns.

Now mind you, Portis wasn't rushing behind guys like Grimm, Jacoby, Bostic, George Starke, or Mark May. Nope, instead he was rushing behind Dockery, Samuels, Thomas, Friedman/Raymer, and Brown/Jones/Wilson. Moreover, instead of rushing with a fantastic passing attack (a Gibbs trademark), Portis rushed with 8 or 9 defenders stacking the box because our passing attack was as anemic as an Ethiopian vegan.

Statistically, when you compare Portis to Riggins, Portis had a damn good year. I understand Portis didn't show us the consistent ability to get 3.5 yards - especially on 3rd and short. However, when you consider the line play, the passing attack, this was Gibbs' first year back in the league, opposing defenses were stacking the box, and Portis is a good 30 pounds lighter than Riggins, I'd say one has to recognize that Portis had a good year.

So quit this trade/release talk, it's non-sense.