Clinton Portis on the JT Show

[Dlyne8r]

While I don't think it's a good idea to air all this crap out through the media, CP has every right to be frustrated. The dude is a workhorse and has done most everything ever asked of him on the field. If he truly is as banged up as it's been reported, then God bless him for sucking it all up and at least trying to contribute game time. Yeah, it'd be great for him to practice, but if you're that wrecked, how can you expect him to make any real contribution for what is left of our season?

[SC Skins Fan]

Originally Posted by Dlyne8r

While I don't think it's a good idea to air all this crap out through the media, CP has every right to be frustrated. The dude is a workhorse and has done most everything ever asked of him on the field. If he truly is as banged up as it's been reported, then God bless him for sucking it all up and at least trying to contribute game time. Yeah, it'd be great for him to practice, but if you're that wrecked, how can you expect him to make any real contribution for what is left of our season?

Did you watch the Zorn presser? He wasn't ripping Portis. He didn't say he was benched because he didn't practice. He said Betts was doing better in the passing game (basically), that they were behind and had to pass, that they were trying to get Portis healthy, etc. I know what Portis is referring to, the part where Zorn said that Portis was helping too much in pass pro and not getting into routes, but it takes a pretty thin skin to take that to the level that Portis did. He is a great player, but super high maintanence as well. Gibbs understood that (or accomodated that) and coddled Portis. Zorn is not. Now Portis is pouting. But it's BS. Zorn might be well advised to follow a more Gibbsian model in his pressers (the reporters hated it, but being tight lipped helps hold a locker room together) but that is not his style and I doubt he will pull back. But go watch the presser and see if you think Zorn's comments warranted a very Owens-like outburst by Clinton Portis.

Having said all that, much of the offensive struggles have to fall to Zorn. If your offense, that you implemented and call plays in, has scored fewer points than Detroit then execution is probably not the only problem. But Portis' comments are still way out of line.

[wolfeskins]

Originally Posted by SC Skins Fan

Did you watch the Zorn presser? He wasn't ripping Portis. He didn't say he was benched because he didn't practice. He said Betts was doing better in the passing game (basically), that they were behind and had to pass, that they were trying to get Portis healthy, etc. I know what Portis is referring to, the part where Zorn said that Portis was helping too much in pass pro and not getting into routes, but it takes a pretty thin skin to take that to the level that Portis did. He is a great player, but super high maintanence as well. Gibbs understood that (or accomodated that) and coddled Portis. Zorn is not. Now Portis is pouting. But it's BS. Zorn might be well advised to follow a more Gibbsian model in his pressers (the reporters hated it, but being tight lipped helps hold a locker room together) but that is not his style and I doubt he will pull back. But go watch the presser and see if you think Zorn's comments warranted a very Owens-like outburst by Clinton Portis.

Having said all that, much of the offensive struggles have to fall to Zorn. If your offense, that you implemented and call plays in, has scored fewer points than Detroit then execution is probably not the only problem. But Portis' comments are still way out of line.

i could not have said it better myself.
nice post

[Dlyne8r]

Originally Posted by SC Skins Fan

Did you watch the Zorn presser? He wasn't ripping Portis. He didn't say he was benched because he didn't practice. He said Betts was doing better in the passing game (basically), that they were behind and had to pass, that they were trying to get Portis healthy, etc. I know what Portis is referring to, the part where Zorn said that Portis was helping too much in pass pro and not getting into routes, but it takes a pretty thin skin to take that to the level that Portis did. He is a great player, but super high maintanence as well. Gibbs understood that (or accomodated that) and coddled Portis. Zorn is not. Now Portis is pouting. But it's BS. Zorn might be well advised to follow a more Gibbsian model in his pressers (the reporters hated it, but being tight lipped helps hold a locker room together) but that is not his style and I doubt he will pull back. But go watch the presser and see if you think Zorn's comments warranted a very Owens-like outburst by Clinton Portis.

Having said all that, much of the offensive struggles have to fall to Zorn. If your offense, that you implemented and call plays in, has scored fewer points than Detroit then execution is probably not the only problem. But Portis' comments are still way out of line.

Unfortunately, no, I did not see the presser as I no longer subscribe to CSN here in the ATL (no thanks to our local economy), nor did I see it anywhere else. But, thanks for enlightening me on Zorn's reasoning. Look, even though I'm completely in the tank for CP, I'm painfully aware of his need to have his ego stroked and that he can be very high maintenance. However, sometimes it's impossible to keep everything pent up inside and you must vent. It's very likely that CP being so emotional is what gives him such great drive and determination. Yet, I do wish that he had not made his feelings known in the media as now it will become just another distraction.

[maroonandblack30]

ProFootballTalk.com - PORTIS NOT HAPPY WITH ZORN

Here is a related article on profootballtalk.com

Portis needs to STFU. Zorn is the coach, he calls the shots. Period.

Stuff like this is why Portis rubs me the wrong way, 2nd time this year he has thrown teamates/coaches under the bus. He always gets a pass though.

Like previously said, this would never happen under Gibbs. Above all the Skins were family under Gibbs... even during the 5-11 season you got the sense that everyone was soldout for the team first concept.

Great point by a previous poster...."Quitters and losers start blaming others when things go wrong."

[Dlyne8r]

Originally Posted by maroonandblack30

ProFootballTalk.com - PORTIS NOT HAPPY WITH ZORN

Here is a related article on profootballtalk.com

Portis needs to STFU. Zorn is the coach, he calls the shots. Period.

Stuff like this is why Portis rubs me the wrong way, 2nd time this year he has thrown teamates/coaches under the bus. He always gets a pass though.

Like previously said, this would never happen under Gibbs. Above all the Skins were family under Gibbs... even during the 5-11 season you got the sense that everyone was soldout for the team first concept.

Great point by a previous poster...."Quitters and losers start blaming others when things go wrong."

In response to your first comment, yes, you're absolutely correct, Zorn is the boss. But, in response to your other comment, sometimes you gotta get in someone's face when they aren't performing (i.e.-CP's comment about the O-line earlier this season). It happens in our families, at work, etc. Not long after that statement, our O-line improved and possibly because they were called out. Who really knows. Maybe CP is hoping for the same response from Zorn...doubtful, and the wrong place to do it, but maybe he just thinks out loud too much.

[maroonandblack30]

Originally Posted by Dlyne8r

In response to your first comment, yes, you're absolutely correct, Zorn is the boss. But, in response to your other comment, sometimes you gotta get in someone's face when they aren't performing (i.e.-CP's comment about the O-line earlier this season). It happens in our families, at work, etc. Not long after that statement, our O-line improved and possibly because they were called out. Who really knows. Maybe CP is hoping for the same response from Zorn...doubtful, and the wrong place to do it, but maybe he just thinks out loud too much.

I have no problem with CP getting in teammates face (or coaches for that matter) in private. Once you take that crap to the media you become a punk.

Portis said (in regards to Zorn) "If you have a problem with me come talk to me" Take your own advice CP.

Also, that fact that he even said "I made no mistakes" is BS.... Remember your fumble CP? He comes across as a douche.

[diehardskin2982]

Originally Posted by maroonandblack30

I have no problem with CP getting in teammates face (or coaches for that matter) in private. Once you take that crap to the media you become a punk.

Portis said (in regards to Zorn) "If you have a problem with me come talk to me" Take your own advice CP.

Also, that fact that he even said "I made no mistakes" is BS.... Remember your fumble CP? He comes across as a douche.

So was Zorn a douche in every game that we lost? Because he has taken it upon himself to blast players for week now.

[jbcjr14]

Originally Posted by maroonandblack30

ProFootballTalk.com - PORTIS NOT HAPPY WITH ZORN

Here is a related article on profootballtalk.com

Portis needs to STFU. Zorn is the coach, he calls the shots. Period.

Stuff like this is why Portis rubs me the wrong way, 2nd time this year he has thrown teamates/coaches under the bus. He always gets a pass though.

Like previously said, this would never happen under Gibbs. Above all the Skins were family under Gibbs... even during the 5-11 season you got the sense that everyone was soldout for the team first concept.

Great point by a previous poster...."Quitters and losers start blaming others when things go wrong."

AMEN, and this is soooo true in many facets of life

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by maroonandblack30

ProFootballTalk.com - PORTIS NOT HAPPY WITH ZORN

Here is a related article on profootballtalk.com

Portis needs to STFU. Zorn is the coach, he calls the shots. Period.

Stuff like this is why Portis rubs me the wrong way, 2nd time this year he has thrown teamates/coaches under the bus. He always gets a pass though.

Like previously said, this would never happen under Gibbs. Above all the Skins were family under Gibbs... even during the 5-11 season you got the sense that everyone was soldout for the team first concept.

Great point by a previous poster...."Quitters and losers start blaming others when things go wrong."

I understand where your coming from but I have to say Zorn started calling people out first. Zorn was the one calling out the Rookies on public TV saying they were out of shape, and didn't understand the plays. Then he started with the Vets and Monday blaming Portis for not knowing the blocking scheme for which he was in the meeting on then saying there was no blocking shceme. Hell, Sellers looked bad out there Sun. I kept screaming at the TV when Sellers would let the first CB run right by him then take on the LB. Why wouldn't he take on the first guy and hope to block him into the second?

I think Zorn has bitten off more then he can chew. HC, OC, play caller, playbook writer, draft picker, ....on and on. I know he has help but for whatever reason Zorn is looking like he tripped and can't get up. The offensive shceme is not working cause the other teams have figured it out. He can't incorporate more cause the players are having a hard time with all the different plays and players forgetting assignments. Then top it off with all the injuries. Our train has ground to a halt. Zorn needs to man up and fix it and that does not include embarrasing individuals in order to get the job done. At certain times it might be needed but not from the start in preseason and every game there after. Lloyd deserved being called out after numerous games. Arrington deserved being called out after screwing up his assignment several times during several games. Zorn took the wrong approach and the team has jumped from his ship. If he wants to get them back he needs to man up and stop blaming others. Maybe have private meetings or a team meeting about what needs to be done but you can't speak your mind on TV and Radio about others and then not expect for the same to happen to you. It's not fair and not right and the players probably feel this way. Some of you would say ...but Zorns the boss so they have to eat it. No they don't. People expect to be treated with respect and to get respect you have to give it first.

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

Our train has ground to a halt. Zorn needs to man up and fix it and that does not include embarrasing individuals in order to get the job done. At certain times it might be needed but not from the start in preseason and every game there after. Lloyd deserved being called out after numerous games. Arrington deserved being called out after screwing up his assignment several times during several games. Zorn took the wron approach and the team has jumped from his ship. If he wants to get them back he needs to man up and stop blaming others. Maybe have private meetings or a team meeting about what needs to be done but you can't speak your mind on TV and Radio about others and then not expect for the same to happen to you. It's not fair and not right and the players probably feel this way. Some of you would say ...but Zorns the boss so they have to eat it. No they don't. People expect to be treated with respect and to get respect you have to give it first.

In respect to Portis, Jim Zorn has repeatedly praised him and given him lattitude with respect to practice. Perhaps JZ was trying to set a boundary for the team because it seemed like more and more people were missing practice time. Big shots don't like boundaries, kids don't like boundaries, I doubt many people like boundaries. BUT once made clear most everyone respects them.
I believe most coaches that won't set boundaries on their stars do not last as a head coach. (although they may get a lot of chances -ie Norv)

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

In respect to Portis, Jim Zorn has repeatedly praised him and given him lattitude with respect to practice. Perhaps JZ was trying to set a boundary for the team because it seemed like more and more people were missing practice time. Big shots don't like boundaries, kids don't like boundaries, I doubt many people like boundaries. BUT once made clear most everyone respects them.
I believe most coaches that won't set boundaries on their stars do not last as a head coach. (although they may get a lot of chances -ie Norv)

Agreed. However the coach needs to make a decision about Portis. Either he's hurt and needs a week or two off in which case pull him aside and tell him...."Hey I'm going to rest you." or " hey I'm going to use you the first half and see how you do cause I know your hurting and if it's not going well I'm playing Betts." These are adults. The coach needs to communicate with them let them know why he's doing what he's doing. Hell even if it means going over to him during the game and say " hey it's not working I'm putting Betts in to keep you healthy." I don't know but waiting till the day after to explain why he did what he did on TV/Radio with giving the employee a curtisy call or meeting telling him why he did what he did is BS. I know the media may have trumped him with the question as to why CP was on the bench but there are tactful ways to approach that. Tell the audience he simply wanted to see if Betts could give the team a spark cause he was healthy ....you don't go out on TV and say "Oh it was cause Portis didn't practic and didn't know the blocking scheme and was really stinking up the joint out there.

If I were Portis I would claim injuries for the year and go on injured reserve and let Zorn eat his words and figure out what he can do with Betts or Cartwright. Hell maybe we can bring back the TTB. lol. Here you have a player who is giving everything he's got on every play in every game and during the second half of the year he has some injuries but is still playing through the injuries to better help the team and the coach calls him out on the TV? Did the coach call out Fletcher? Samuels? Jansen? Springs? Horton? I don't recall hearing anything about how Fletcher was benched cause he was not on the field during practice and didn't know the scheme. Or how Samuels and Jansen were going to be benched cause they did not practice and didn't know the scheme. They stayed out untill they got injured and they kept letting people wiff by them so Sellers could let the 1st defender wiff by him and pick up the second. Everytime that happened ....sack.

[724Skinsfan]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

Zorn took the wron approach and the team has jumped from his ship. If he wants to get them back he needs to man up and stop blaming others. Maybe have private meetings or a team meeting about what needs to be done but you can't speak your mind on TV and Radio about others and then not expect for the same to happen to you.

The team has definitely jumped from his ship? I wish I had the same locker room source as some of you guys.

He does not expect the same to happen to him? Has he made any complaint about Portis venting his frustrations? Made any comment about Portis needing to keep his mouth shut? This whole thing is an overblown mess simply consisting of a bunch of competitors that are individually trying to do their part and not succeeding.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by 724Skinsfan

The team has definitely jumped from his ship? I wish I had the same locker room source as some of you guys.

He does not expect the same to happen to him? Has he made any complaint about Portis venting his frustrations? Made any comment about Portis needing to keep his mouth shut? This whole thing is an overblown mess simply consisting of a bunch of competitors that are individually trying to do their part and not succeeding.

It's also a lot of simple miscommunication and poor choice of words. Zorn says Portis misses practice, and Portis says "I never miss practice. I'm always there." Well he probably is, but I think Zorn's point was it's not the same as actually participating in the practice. It's like that old joke

Teacher: "Why'd you miss school yesterday?"

Student: "I didn't miss it. I was absent, but I didn't miss it"

[Miller101]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

I understand where your coming from but I have to say Zorn started calling people out first. Zorn was the one calling out the Rookies on public TV saying they were out of shape, and didn't understand the plays. Then he started with the Vets and Monday blaming Portis for not knowing the blocking scheme for which he was in the meeting on then saying there was no blocking shceme. Hell, Sellers looked bad out there Sun. I kept screaming at the TV when Sellers would let the first CB run right by him then take on the LB. Why wouldn't he take on the first guy and hope to block him into the second?

I think Zorn has bitten off more then he can chew. HC, OC, play caller, playbook writer, draft picker, ....on and on. I know he has help but for whatever reason Zorn is looking like he tripped and can't get up. The offensive shceme is not working cause the other teams have figured it out. He can't incorporate more cause the players are having a hard time with all the different plays and players forgetting assignments. Then top it off with all the injuries. Our train has ground to a halt. Zorn needs to man up and fix it and that does not include embarrasing individuals in order to get the job done. At certain times it might be needed but not from the start in preseason and every game there after. Lloyd deserved being called out after numerous games. Arrington deserved being called out after screwing up his assignment several times during several games. Zorn took the wrong approach and the team has jumped from his ship. If he wants to get them back he needs to man up and stop blaming others. Maybe have private meetings or a team meeting about what needs to be done but you can't speak your mind on TV and Radio about others and then not expect for the same to happen to you. It's not fair and not right and the players probably feel this way. Some of you would say ...but Zorns the boss so they have to eat it. No they don't. People expect to be treated with respect and to get respect you have to give it first.

Couldn't have said it better myself!

Doesn't Zorn kind of remind you of George Bush? They both screw everything up for everybody then blame Clinton for all of their problems!