Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS

[44Deezel]

Originally Posted by PennSkinsFan

Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS | DC Pro Sports Report -- Sports news, stats and analysis from the capital of the free world



Also, vote in our Poll, in the review article!

The Skins definitely have weapons at this position. I'd just like to see them be used more effectively. Whether or not it hurts Portis' feelings, the coaches should get everyone involved in the offensive attack.

I knows Betts was injured for a few games, but he should have gotten more than 61 carries. And many of Portis' 28 receptions were on check downs vs. plays designed to get him the ball in space.

I'd like to see Betts and Portis used almost equally with Portis being the official goal-line back. I'd also like to see Cartwright emerge as a passing threat, much like we saw Sproles, Westbrook, Norwood and Cobbs (in Miami) used over the weekend. I think Rock can do damage in the passing attack. He's the one guy that can make things happen if given some space to operate.

Better play calling (Wildcat anyone?) and a commitment to use all of the backs in the running AND passing game could help the Skins become more dynamic on offense, keep Portis and others healthier at the end of the season and keep defenses honest.

Just my two cents.

[44ever]

look at how many times Jacobs was slowed just to have Ward come in to finish off a tired D with big runs. Or the way Dallas used Barber in the 4th quarter of out last game. Our D was helpless against a fresh back.

So I agree we need a duo in the back but at the least we should be alternating backs

Frustrating to think of what we could be doing with a balanced Portis/Betts combo, but not.

[freddyg12]

I totally agree about Betts, it really made me wonder if there wasn't more behind it. Betts saw little more than spot duty in several games. He's a solid back & might at this point have more elusiveness & break away potential than Portis. Anybody ever think that maybe Danny wants to keep CP's #s up?

Rock isn't much of an every down back, he's in his place at 3rd. However, I do think he could make plays on screens & be a 3rd down back. He blocks well, he's the punter's protector after all, but probably hasn't had enough experience at picking up blitzes to be really good at it. If JZ really wants to run a 2 back system it would be ideal to have a 3rd back that can spell them for 5 plays or so a game to preserve them & limit injury potential.

Certainly not this year, but in the 10 draft Vinny would be wise to look at some mid round rb's.

[SmootSmack]

I'm not sure really why Betts isn't used more, apart from the fact that he has an aggravating tendency to fumble at the worst times. Especially considering the few carries he gets.

Someone like a Tyrell Sutton or a Keegan Herring could be an interesting 5th round or so choice for us.

As for FB, I wonder if they ever have any plans of having Nemo on the active roster. Otherwise, it's Sellers or bust. Though I wouldn't be totally surprised if Zorn suggest they make a run at Heath Evans

[Skins4L]

ive discussed this so much in similar threads but this is new... CP & BEANIE WELLS would be a sick tandem.

[Defensewins]

Portis is a ProBowl player. When he is healthy and fresh Portis is a top 3 RB in the NFL. That being said Portis is reaching an age that most RB start to be become less productive due to injuries. Portis has a lot of miles on him. I am not sure how long we can rely on him to be our #1. I would bet all my chips on him to keep this up much longer. We need to have a young RB waiting in the wings. Currently we do not have one. But we have two young WR's. Nice going FO.

Betts has a reoccuring knee problem. Betts is a talented RB with the skills to be an excellent backup. But I think he has had only one or two seasons where he has not missed games due to injury. His first couple of seasons he could not stay healthy at all. It was a major problem. He has a knee that he injures every so often. the more you use him the more it becomes a problem.

Bottom line - we need to get a young RB to prepare for Portis' eventual decline and departure. After 28 years of age RB's age in dog years.

[artmonkforhallofamein07]

We could have had CPs successor this year in the 2nd round instead of 3 recievers. Steve Slaton.

[artmonkforhallofamein07]

Rock is set were he is. He is a special teams player. That's it. It would have been nice to keep Mason around as the fourth but we didn't. I really think a third back is in order this year. I know we don't have many draft picks though, so maybe a cheaper veteran Rb who is in for all of training camp until we draft one in '10. I think the guys on the page who are discussing another RB are on to something, CP and Betts just arent enough to keep the guys fresh. Who knows maybe Zorn has figured that part out after one year in his system here in DC. I think we need a third.