Sean Salisbury

[Sociofan]

Originally Posted by jdlea

I think that this team could win with Betts for a game or two, but I'm saying what if Portis were to miss 5 or 6 games, then I think we'd be in real trouble. Just like pretty much any other in the league, but I just don't think that Betts can come in and carry the load for long.

I'm sure that's what they were saying about undrafted free agent (from NC no less) Willie Parker in Pittsburgh a year ago.

Look at how THAT worked out.

[Monksdown]

Betts=Sean Salisbury?

[Southpaw]

Originally Posted by Sociofan

I'm sure that's what they were saying about undrafted free agent (from NC no less) Willie Parker in Pittsburgh a year ago.

Look at how THAT worked out.

Betts is not even close to Willie Parker, and Betts was a 2nd round pick. He didn't exactly come out of nowhere. Secondly, he's been on the team for four seasons, and has had only mild success. So implying that he could carry the load if Portis went down, is an over-estimation of his ability, in my opinion.

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by Southpaw

Betts is not even close to Willie Parker, and Betts was a 2nd round pick. He didn't exactly come out of nowhere. Secondly, he's been on the team for four seasons, and has had only mild success. So implying that he could carry the load if Portis went down, is an over-estimation of his ability, in my opinion.

our oline is good enough that he could probably be alright though. he does have some injury issues... I think after this year we migth just let him go and keep rock an nemo (depending on how nemo shows this pre/reg season).

[Sociofan]

Originally Posted by Southpaw

Betts is not even close to Willie Parker, and Betts was a 2nd round pick. He didn't exactly come out of nowhere. Secondly, he's been on the team for four seasons, and has had only mild success. So implying that he could carry the load if Portis went down, is an over-estimation of his ability, in my opinion.

For his career numbers, Betts averages 4.0 a carry and 9.8 a catch.

Compare that with backs like:
Rudi Johnson (4.2 a carry, 5.4 per catch).
Ricky Williams (4.0 and 7.7)
Curtis Martin (4.0 and 6.9)
Tiki Barber (3.2 and 9.3)

So are you questioning his ability to be productive or his durability? Betts could be a starter on many teams and the Skins would not be in purgatory if he had to carry the team. Especially now that the passing game should relieve some pressure at the line.

[Monksdown]

I agree that Ladell is a fantastic breather back. He is a north - south runner with the ability to generate missed tackles when at full speed. His acceleration isnt great, and so he needs a strong o-line to get behind the d-line in order to generate the speed needed to bounce of would be tacklers.

He would struggle in a system with an average-poor o-line. But who wouldnt you say that about.

Betts seems to miss the home run speed though.

[Southpaw]

Originally Posted by Sociofan

For his career numbers, Betts averages 4.0 a carry and 9.8 a catch.

Compare that with backs like:
Rudi Johnson (4.2 a carry, 5.4 per catch).
Ricky Williams (4.0 and 7.7)
Curtis Martin (4.0 and 6.9)
Tiki Barber (3.2 and 9.3)

So are you questioning his ability to be productive or his durability? Betts could be a starter on many teams and the Skins would not be in purgatory if he had to carry the team. Especially now that the passing game should relieve some pressure at the line.

Are you trying to say that Betts is better than Tiki Barber? Or any of the backs you have listed, for that matter? Comparing the numbers of a spot back to the numbers of a starting tailback is apples and oranges. Betts has 1271 rushing yards for his career. Tiki had 1860 yards, last season. If teams gameplanned for Betts the same way they did for Portis last season, Betts would be lucky to break 1000 yards, much less make it to week 10 without getting injured.

[Sociofan]

Originally Posted by Southpaw

Are you trying to say that Betts is better than Tiki Barber? Or any of the backs you have listed, for that matter? Comparing the numbers of a spot back to the numbers of a starting tailback is apples and oranges. Betts has 1271 rushing yards for his career. Tiki had 1860 yards, last season. If teams gameplanned for Betts the same way they did for Portis last season, Betts would be lucky to break 1000 yards, much less make it to week 10 with getting injured.

I'm saying the numbers speak for themselves. When Betts is in the game, he is productive.

I would not start him ahead of Clinton Portis nor Stephen Davis either. But when he is in, he gets it done.

Speaking of Stephen Davis, he spent his first 3 years basically on the bench. Total carries: 198 in three years. What if we had applied your logic to Davis? Oh yeah, he got nicked a few times those first few years and didn't play in every game.

Why are you so down on Betts? He's done everything coaches have asked of him and done it well.

[Southpaw]

Originally Posted by Sociofan

Why are you so down on Betts? He's done everything coaches have asked of him and done it well.

I actually like Betts for what he is, which is a spot back. If he were anywhere close to Portis' level of ability, or any of the backs you mentioned, I don't think Gibbs would've given up the farm to get Portis. And if being a good role player and doing what the coaches say makes a player top tier, then Chris Clemons must be on the same level as Marcus Washington.