Who has the better running duo in NFC east?

[Defensewins]

Originally Posted by 44Deezel

The Skins could have the best backfield in the NFC if the coaches utilized all their weapons. There's no reason that Portis, Betts and Carwright (maybe even Sellers) couldn't have been the NFC version of McGahee, McLain and Rice (at least during the first half of the season).

The best running teams don't run their primary back into the ground - Titans, Giants, Ravens, etc.

There is a big reason: Our O-Line sucked in 2008. The Ravens have one of the best/young O-lines in the NFL.

[44Deezel]

Originally Posted by Defensewins

There is a big reason: Our O-Line sucked in 2008. The Ravens have one of the best/young O-lines in the NFL.

That's why I qualified my comment with (at least during the first half of the season). Portis had gaping holes to run through early in the season and even with the Ravens stellar O line, McLain and McGahee (their 2 leading rushers) only averaged 3.9 yards a carry each. Portis averaged 4.3.

And how about passing the ball to the running backs once in a while? Did anyone see what Sproles, Westbrook and that dude named Cobbs in Miami were able to do in the passing game? I'd like to see Cartwright more on third down while Portis and Betts operate more like the backs in Carolina, Baltimore, New York, Miami, etc.

I bet Cartwright would be good for 4-6 big plays each year (like Westbrook's 71 yard scamper yesterday off a screen pass). The Eagles O line didn't have anything to do with that play.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by 44Deezel

That's why I qualified my comment with (at least during the first half of the season). Portis had gaping holes to run through early in the season and even with the Ravens stellar O line, McLain and McGahee (their 2 leading rushers) only averaged 3.9 yards a carry each. Portis averaged 4.3.

And how about passing the ball to the running backs once in a while? Did anyone see what Sproles, Westbrook and that dude named Cobbs in Miami were able to do in the passing game? I'd like to see Cartwright more on third down while Portis and Betts operate more like the backs in Carolina, Baltimore, New York, Miami, etc.

I bet Cartwright would be good for 4-6 big plays each year (like Westbrook's 71 yard scamper yesterday off a screen pass). The Eagles O line didn't have anything to do with that play.

What are you talking about. The Eagles O line was down the field providing blocking while WB ran around them to break the play open. The O line made that play.

[44Deezel]

Originally Posted by firstdown

What are you talking about. The Eagles O line was down the field providing blocking while WB ran around them to break the play open. The O line made that play.

I hear you. The point I'm trying to make is that there are ways to make plays in the passing game without requiring our O line to give JC all day to pass and without needing all-world receivers. If we have weaknesses in O line, it's not because they're unable to block downfield. We have good backs. Get them all involved and get them the ball in the passing game. You can run those playe with any O line in the league.