Clinton Portis Interview-Part II

[GTripp0012]

Portis 2002-06 was probably the quickest or 2nd quickest (nod to LT) player in and out of his cuts in that timeframe. He never was a great vision back (aside from that excellent cut in 2004 against TB).

Portis 2007-2009 has been one of the least elusive backs in the NFL. He's still got some power in his legs to run through an arm tackle, but really, really needs a powerful line that doesn't allow penetration to be able to get those long seams. Regardless of what happens in 2010, he's just a part timer from here on out.

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Portis 2002-06 was probably the quickest or 2nd quickest (nod to LT) player in and out of his cuts in that timeframe. He never was a great vision back (aside from that excellent cut in 2004 against TB).

Portis 2007-2009 has been one of the least elusive backs in the NFL. He's still got some power in his legs to run through an arm tackle, but really, really needs a powerful line that doesn't allow penetration to be able to get those long seams. Regardless of what happens in 2010, he's just a part timer from here on out.

I mean the optimist might hope CP's field vision might improve such that he can still evade tacklers despite the diminution in agility. One might further hope a slimmer Portis will cut better than the heavy/injured Portis of the last couple years.

Basically I tend to think CP is a fairly bright guy who wants to play longer and augment his stats/reputation/legacy as the greatest back to wear the B & G and one of the greatest of all time. If your analysis is accurate Tripp, which I believe it is, we should expect CP to embrace the transition to a different king of running strategy/scheme.

[SouperMeister]

Originally Posted by The Goat

I mean the optimist might hope CP's field vision might improve such that he can still evade tacklers despite the diminution in agility. One might further hope a slimmer Portis will cut better than the heavy/injured Portis of the last couple years.

Basically I tend to think CP is a fairly bright guy who wants to play longer and augment his stats/reputation/legacy as the greatest back to wear the B & G and one of the greatest of all time. If your analysis is accurate Tripp, which I believe it is, we should expect CP to embrace the transition to a different king of running strategy/scheme.

Portis was spectacular for Denver running from this scheme. Admittedly, he has lost a step, but the key to a good RB in the Zone Blocking scheme is a single, DECISIVE cut upfield. I'm hopeful that if our O-line executes the scheme well, Portis can still be a 1,000 yard back sharing carries with LJ. The biggest key is the O-line play, as they were the weak link that destroyed the offense for the last year and a half.

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by The Goat

Basically I tend to think CP is a fairly bright guy who wants to play longer and augment his stats/reputation/legacy as the greatest back to wear the B & G and one of the greatest of all time. If your analysis is accurate Tripp, which I believe it is, we should expect CP to embrace the transition to a different king of running strategy/scheme.

Riggins, Larry Brown, Stephen Davis, Ernest Byner, Cliff Battles, all were better backs. Portis only has one Pro Bowl appearance in B & G. At this point Portis would need to basically carry the Skins on his back to a SB win before he's even in the discussion.

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

Riggins, Larry Brown, Stephen Davis, Ernest Byner, Cliff Battles, all were better backs. Portis only has one Pro Bowl appearance in B & G. At this point Portis would need to basically carry the Skins on his back to a SB win before he's even in the discussion.

I absolutely agree. His yards have been some of the most ineffective in terms of wins that I've seen. Does he ever score? You could say the whole offense doesn't score but Portis is a part of that.