Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS

freddyg12 · 01-07-2009, 01:17 PM

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 · 01-07-2009, 01:20 PM

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

44ever · 01-07-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PennSkinsFan

Rock's been in the NFL a few years now. If he was going to develop, don't you think he would have by now?

Yes. I do. That's why I said "at said position" I agree with scud. He is where he is. I never said I think he should be a "RB". I was talking about Betts if you read all my earlier posts. With that said: I'm a big Rock fan and would love to see him have a bigger role on offense. Sorry obout the misunderstanding

BigHairedAristocrat · 01-07-2009, 01:48 PM

if "splitting carries" means using Portis and Betts interchangeably during a game, then I think its a bad idea. The idea is that if one guy is in there, he's going to get the "feel" of the defense and wear it down. I'm not saying one back should be on the field for every offensive snap, but one guy should be there for an entire series or quarter at a time. Someone somewhere suggested making Betts the "feature back" in about 4 games next year. Portis would still play in these games, but he would just play a series or two here and there. This would take the load off portis and keep him fresh for December (and hopefuly January). I like that idea alot. What do you guys think?

sportscurmudgeon · 01-07-2009, 03:49 PM

I doubt that Clinton Portis would "share the RB job" with anyone. And when Clinton Portis is unhappy, he has a tendency to let the world know about it...

Betts was definitely underutilized this year. However, recall the spitting contest that erupted when Zorn tried to use him instead of Portis...

Rock is a special teams player. He might give you a big game at RB once every other season but he has had shots there in the past and is mediocre.

I think the evaluation of Sellers is a bit over the top in praise. As a blocking back, he's fine. As a guy to get you important yards on short yardage situations - - remember his two great shots at the goal line from the one-yardline this year. Could not average 18 inches per carry there - - and it cost the team a game and a playoff shot...

freddyg12 · 01-07-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigHairedAristocrat

if "splitting carries" means using Portis and Betts interchangeably during a game, then I think its a bad idea. The idea is that if one guy is in there, he's going to get the "feel" of the defense and wear it down. I'm not saying one back should be on the field for every offensive snap, but one guy should be there for an entire series or quarter at a time. Someone somewhere suggested making Betts the "feature back" in about 4 games next year. Portis would still play in these games, but he would just play a series or two here and there. This would take the load off portis and keep him fresh for December (and hopefuly January). I like that idea alot. What do you guys think?

This would be unconventional but who's to say it wouldn't work? I don't like the idea as much as them just splitting carries.

To your first point, if you watched the games this year when Betts played it was either as 3rd down back or for a whole series in the 2nd quarter. I liked the plan, they just didn't keep Betts in enough to follow through w/it. I agree you want each back to get a feel for the game, but they should be able to do that w/a couple of series. Bottom line is if you run the ball well there will be plenty of carries for 2 guys.

Skins4L · 01-07-2009, 05:50 PM

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

Defensewins · 01-07-2009, 05:50 PM

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.

44Deezel · 01-07-2009, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paintrain

We have differing opinions on our backup RB. I see them both as slower, smaller versions of Portis. I know that people love Rock, but to me he's just a guy. He's not special in any of his abilities. He's not exceptionally fast, quick, elusive or powerful. He's a hard worker and a tough SOB but he's not a difference maker in any regard.

I wouldn't associate 'quick' nor 'nifty' in regards to Betts. I don't know that I've ever seen him shake a defender in the open field, rather he just puts his head down and tries for an extra yard or two. He just seems to be more of what we already have. I'd much rather have a Sproles, Leon Washington, Chris Johnson, Norwood type of pure speed-explosive type back to represent a true 'change of pace'.

Betts looks quicker than Portis to me, but I concede that him and Rock are no spring chickens. Neither is Portis for that matter. It couldn't hurt to look for a complimentary back in the middle to late rounds. Leon, Norwood and Sproles were all 3rd or 4th round picks. Michael Turner was a 5th rounder.

RBs can be found anywhere, so I don't think they need to chase any in free agency, especially with Portis' salary already on the books.

44Deezel · 01-07-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigHairedAristocrat

if "splitting carries" means using Portis and Betts interchangeably during a game, then I think its a bad idea. The idea is that if one guy is in there, he's going to get the "feel" of the defense and wear it down. I'm not saying one back should be on the field for every offensive snap, but one guy should be there for an entire series or quarter at a time. Someone somewhere suggested making Betts the "feature back" in about 4 games next year. Portis would still play in these games, but he would just play a series or two here and there. This would take the load off portis and keep him fresh for December (and hopefuly January). I like that idea alot. What do you guys think?

I don't know what the formula should be, but I think they should do whatever it takes to figure it out. Other teams have figured out a way to do it, so why not the Skins? I guess at the end of the year, I'd like to see Portis with 200 plus carries and Betts with 100 plus (and at least 40 receptions). I'd like to see Portis get ALL the goal line carries. I still think Rock can get some reps on passing downs.

I'd even like to see Betts AND Portis on the field at the same time a few plays each game. Don't Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown share the backfield every once in a while?

Someone said having fresh backs would help against tired defenses in the 4th quarter... much like teams ran the ball on our defense to run out the clock late in games. I concur.

artmonkforhallofamein07 · 01-07-2009, 09:13 PM

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

artmonkforhallofamein07 · 01-07-2009, 09:19 PM

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.

01-07-2009, 01:17 PM	#16
freddyg12 Playmaker Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,540	Re: Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS 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.

01-07-2009, 01:20 PM	#17
SmootSmack Uncle Phil Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 45,256	Re: Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS 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 __________________ You're So Vain...You Probably Think This Sig Is About You

01-07-2009, 01:48 PM	#19
BigHairedAristocrat Playmaker Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 4,712	Re: Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS if "splitting carries" means using Portis and Betts interchangeably during a game, then I think its a bad idea. The idea is that if one guy is in there, he's going to get the "feel" of the defense and wear it down. I'm not saying one back should be on the field for every offensive snap, but one guy should be there for an entire series or quarter at a time. Someone somewhere suggested making Betts the "feature back" in about 4 games next year. Portis would still play in these games, but he would just play a series or two here and there. This would take the load off portis and keep him fresh for December (and hopefuly January). I like that idea alot. What do you guys think? __________________ Dolphins get good press for saving drowning humans.But we only hear about the swimmers theyve pushed ashore.You know who we havent heard from: all the people theyve pushed out to sea.Dolphins dont know what theyre doing-they just like pushing things.

01-07-2009, 03:49 PM	#20
sportscurmudgeon Playmaker Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,159	Re: Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS I doubt that Clinton Portis would "share the RB job" with anyone. And when Clinton Portis is unhappy, he has a tendency to let the world know about it... Betts was definitely underutilized this year. However, recall the spitting contest that erupted when Zorn tried to use him instead of Portis... Rock is a special teams player. He might give you a big game at RB once every other season but he has had shots there in the past and is mediocre. I think the evaluation of Sellers is a bit over the top in praise. As a blocking back, he's fine. As a guy to get you important yards on short yardage situations - - remember his two great shots at the goal line from the one-yardline this year. Could not average 18 inches per carry there - - and it cost the team a game and a playoff shot... __________________ The Sports Curmudgeon www.sportscurmudgeon.com But don't get me wrong, I love sports...

01-07-2009, 05:50 PM	#22
Skins4L Impact Rookie Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 886	Re: Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS ive discussed this so much in similar threads but this is new... CP & BEANIE WELLS would be a sick tandem. __________________ ALL HAIL

01-07-2009, 05:50 PM	#23
Defensewins Playmaker Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 3,749	Re: Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS 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. Last edited by Defensewins; 01-07-2009 at 06:01 PM.

01-07-2009, 09:13 PM	#26
artmonkforhallofamein07 Pro Bowl Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Charleston , SC Posts: 5,001	Re: Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS We could have had CPs successor this year in the 2nd round instead of 3 recievers. Steve Slaton. __________________ Just win.

01-07-2009, 09:19 PM	#27
artmonkforhallofamein07 Pro Bowl Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Charleston , SC Posts: 5,001	Re: Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS 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. __________________ Just win.

Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS

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