Portis vs. Betts

[RobH4413]

Originally Posted by Grim21Reaper

Obviously you are not getting it.

If you want to compare Tiki from 3 years ago and earlier than, yes, it might make some sense to compare him to Betts (even though he had some very good TD years which Betts may never have). Barber of the last couple of was exceptional at holding the ball (as long as the Tarantula wasn't beating him up).

When someone blurts out Tiki Barber, I think of the guy who was one of the best backs in football the last two years. A guy who fixed his fumbling problem and turned into an MVP candidate. What has Betts done to make anyone think that he has fixed anything?

I hate to break this to people, but Tiki fixing his fumbling problem isn't something that just anybody can do. To be able to ignore years of training and improve yourself like that is an exception, not a rule.

LT - seemed to fix his fumbling problem.
fumbles:
8,3,2,6,3,2

Travis Henry-
fumbles:
5,11,7,0,2,3

All I'm saying is that it's possible, and worth arguing that Betts can fix his fumbling problem. He's not the worst fumbler in the world. Yes, it's indicative of a trend, but not disastrous.

It's not dripping of ignorance to argue that since other running backs can fix there fumbling problems Betts can too.

Is Betts a Tiki caliber player? Time will tell.

Betts is early in his career, and has put up numbers similar to that of Barber. I don't see this as heresy to compare the two this early on, especially since that is when Barber had his fumbling woes. See this statistic.

Ladell
First 566 carries = 2,245 yds 9 TD 11 Fumbles

Tiki
First 629 carries = 2,606 yds 14TD 26 fumbles

Exactly why is this such a bad comparison?

We aren't arguing that Betts is going to be the next Tiki and rush like he has. Simply that since several RB's have fixed their fumbling woes, it's entirely reasonable to suggest that Betts, when given the proper coaching, can work on his problems (especially since it's not an abysmal one).

[EARTHQUAKE2689]

He should change the way he holds the ball. Look at what it did for Tiki.

[MTK]

Betts fumbles more often than Portis, let's look at the numbers.

Betts has 751 career touches including rushing attempts, receptions and kick returns. He has 11 career fumbles, or one fumble for every 68.27 touches.

Portis has 1543 career touches including rushing attempts and receptions. He has 16 career fumbles, or one fumble for every 96.44 touches.

[Waleo]

Come on now people. Betts had a great year. But did we forget how Portis carried our squad to the playoffs. A healthy Portis is the man for this squad.

[dmek25]

grim, no one is comparing their abilities. i think the point that is trying to be made is that Tiki Barber had some fumbling issues, and corrected them. it has nothing to do with his ability. barber is a far superior back to Betts

[Mizzin44]

Assuming both stay healthy, Portis.