Changes at RB for 2007

[EternalEnigma21]

they are great compliments to each other. I think alot of betts success has to do with defenses not exactly keying in on him thinking since portis is out and we're out of contention we're going to be working on Campbells progress more and thats the way to beat us... defend against the pass.

The saints knew what they were up against, but for the first couple of games, I would imagine that D's not preparing for him had something to do with it.

I'd still take portis over betts as a full time back, I think portis has earned his stripes around here...

... but damn betts has looked good the last few weeks!

I just hope the D gets on track next year and we have an offense that can run for 5 yards a carry avg the whole year. That'll be fun...

[brent]

Originally Posted by canthetuna

they are great compliments to each other. I think alot of betts success has to do with defenses not exactly keying in on him thinking since portis is out and we're out of contention we're going to be working on Campbells progress more and thats the way to beat us... defend against the pass.

The saints knew what they were up against, but for the first couple of games, I would imagine that D's not preparing for him had something to do with it.

I'd still take portis over betts as a full time back, I think portis has earned his stripes around here...

... but damn betts has looked good the last few weeks!

I just hope the D gets on track next year and we have an offense that can run for 5 yards a carry avg the whole year. That'll be fun...

I think the temptation is to think what you just said, but do you seriously think that defenses are abandoning run defense because of Jason Campbell and our inconsistent lot of receiving weapons? More likely, you shut down the run and dare the Redskins to throw, as they graciously did 35+ times two weeks ago.

[EternalEnigma21]

Originally Posted by brent

I think the temptation is to think what you just said, but do you seriously think that defenses are abandoning run defense because of Jason Campbell and our inconsistent lot of receiving weapons? More likely, you shut down the run and dare the Redskins to throw, as they graciously did 35+ times two weeks ago.

I have concerns, because this ISNT betts first year playing. He's been in the league and couldn't crack the lineup for several years. I believe there are many factors contributing to his success and DON'T believe he's a better running back than Portis, unless he's suddenly Become a better back, which is unlikely.

I like what I'm seeing, but just trying to keep a realistic point of view. He does look like he's hitting a hole with purpose, which I never gave him any credit for in the past... in fact that was my #1 critisism of him.

It looks to me like he's a straight ahead runner who keeps his feet turning and is very decisive with his lane choosing, which works for this offense, but I don't think he'll ever be the improvisor that portis is. I just think that before the last few weeks, if you're game planning for the redskins, you think, "well clinton portis is out, and thats the reason they win games, so lets pressure the young QB and cause some turnovers and put them away." and spend time doing that more than anything during preparation.

I don't think you game plan for stopping the run as much when Clinton Portis goes on IR with us, because traditionally, we don't run well without him... .until the last few weeks.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by canthetuna

I have concerns, because this ISNT betts first year playing. He's been in the league and couldn't crack the lineup for several years.

Now that's a bit unfair, don't you think? He was drafted in 2002 when we still had Stephen Davis, and with Steve Spurrier in charge -- and he wasn't a fan of running the ball anyway. 2003 was a complete mess, and in 2004 Portis came in.

Plus, he had injury issues in the beginning. So to say he "couldn't crack the lineup" is misleading. He didn't really have the chance.