all effort, all the time: Clinton Portis

Did any of you hear on 101 this morning about Saunders making comments about Portis taking himself out of the game last week, and how it hurts the offense and he shouldn't be making those decisions for himself (telling the coaches when he wants out and in)..... It didn't sound good. I don't like that there is controversy.....

You know it is funny, I have a son who just turned nine and plays pop-warner football. I have never been a fan of trying to show him modern athletes as role models. But yesterday I shared with him the "Dolimite Jenkins" clip and he has watched Clinton play for the Skins with me many times and he said to me.
"You know what Dad? Clinton seems to really just want to be happy and do the best he can on every play even if he does not touch the ball" My son, playing on the D and O line has struggled with this and I think he now gets that it is about effort, not being the star. I have tried to explain this to him many times but I must say Clinton gets the message across thru his actions more effectively than my words.

Thanks Clinton for helping me teach a boy how to play the game, the right way.

So nice to see a player in this day in age who can actually serve as a role model for kids. They're a dying breed.

Did any of you hear on 101 this morning about Saunders making comments about Portis taking himself out of the game last week, and how it hurts the offense and he shouldn't be making those decisions for himself (telling the coaches when he wants out and in)..... It didn't sound good. I don't like that there is controversy.....

Sounds to me like it's getting blown out of proportion. I don't see it as a big deal. Portis was told by Gibbs to get out of the game if he's not 100%. Gibbs has also told Portis in the past that we don't want you in there if you're tired - because Ladell can just go in. So Portis took himself out when he was tired.

If Saunders doesn't want that to happen, then I'm sure he'll talk to Portis about it and Portis will do as he's asked. He's not the kind of guy that will just do whatever he wants, ignoring the coach's wishes.

I think it's one of those things that gets cleared up very easily and won't be an issue.

Sounds to me like it's getting blown out of proportion. I don't see it as a big deal. Portis was told by Gibbs to get out of the game if he's not 100%. Gibbs has also told Portis in the past that we don't want you in there if you're tired - because Ladell can just go in. So Portis took himself out when he was tired.

If Saunders doesn't want that to happen, then I'm sure he'll talk to Portis about it and Portis will do as he's asked. He's not the kind of guy that will just do whatever he wants, ignoring the coach's wishes.

I think it's one of those things that gets cleared up very easily and won't be an issue.

I agree and the last time I checked Gibbs was the head coach and Saunders was not.

Did any of you hear on 101 this morning about Saunders making comments about Portis taking himself out of the game last week, and how it hurts the offense and he shouldn't be making those decisions for himself (telling the coaches when he wants out and in)..... It didn't sound good. I don't like that there is controversy.....

That's old news.

But just to comment, Gibbs has allowed CP this sort of freedom since he got here. Saunders is the new guy on the block and isn't used to this sort of thing. I'm sure they'll get something worked out.

I just don't like them (Saunders) talking to the media about it. Do it behind closed doors. It just causes more controversy than is necessary when you tell it to the media...

That's old news.

But just to comment, Gibbs has allowed CP this sort of freedom since he got here. Saunders is the new guy on the block and isn't used to this sort of thing. I'm sure they'll get something worked out.

Oh, well I like hearing that it's old news.... Hopefully it will is nothing. That guy on 101 picked the Giants to win.... :(

Props to CP! It's great that he's getting recognition about his off the ball skills--and I agree, those blocks on Santana's first TD were amazing.

He's now gained big yardage for Shanahan, Gibbs, and Saunders--"system back," my ass!

And he's a cool guy--those pressers are awesome, and he just has a positive attitude and style all the time.

That's old news.

But just to comment, Gibbs has allowed CP this sort of freedom since he got here. Saunders is the new guy on the block and isn't used to this sort of thing. I'm sure they'll get something worked out.

Yeah it sounds like some signals between Gibbs and Saunders are getting crossed. Gibbs has told Portis to get out of the game if he's tired. Now Saunders is saying he doesn't like it. Sounds like the two of them need to get together and decide how they want to handle Portis's rest.

I'd like to see Portis resting himself earlier in the game so he can be fresher for the fourth quarter, that's probably what Saunders was expressing. He's probably fine with Portis taking himself out in the 2nd quarter to get a breather, but I imagine that when the game's on the line in the 4th quarter, he wants Portis in there.

I'm sure they'll clear it up.

PS It certainly seems that Al and CP have been on the same page the last two weeks.