Smoot Lays the Smack Down: WAS @ SF

Although Betts wasn't exactly bad in relief of Portis, it seems to be hard to find a situation where a team that isn't that great at running, like us in the 2nd half, can justify handing Betts the ball. He's too close to Portis. We don't have designed plays for Betts, because he's really just Portis lite. So a running play with Betts must seem like swallowing the bullet to Jim Zorn. We'll get Betts in the game a lot, but we're going to throw.

I'm not sure if that's the right call or not to change the run/pass ratio with Betts in, but it's certainly something we do.

My gripe is with not giving Betts the ball more early on in the year to keep Portis fresh for later on. I'd like to see a situation where Portis gets 15-20 carries and another guy gets a solid 10-15 per game.

My gripe is with not giving Betts the ball more early on in the year to keep Portis fresh for later on. I'd like to see a situation where Portis gets 15-20 carries and another guy gets a solid 10-15 per game.

Exactly. On a per season basis, we've got to have long-term thinking, if that makes any sense. Just like you said, because Portis is fresh early on doesn't mean we should beat him into the dirt. KEEP him fresh. We need a complimentary RB capable of around 10 carries a game right from the get go. I don't know if that's Betts or not.

Although Betts wasn't exactly bad in relief of Portis, it seems to be hard to find a situation where a team that isn't that great at running, like us in the 2nd half, can justify handing Betts the ball. He's too close to Portis. We don't have designed plays for Betts, because he's really just Portis lite. So a running play with Betts must seem like swallowing the bullet to Jim Zorn. We'll get Betts in the game a lot, but we're going to throw.

I'm not sure if that's the right call or not to change the run/pass ratio with Betts in, but it's certainly something we do.

Agreed. We need a lightning quick guy like Sproles or Norwood to contrast Portis. Someone like Joe Washington! Betts needs 20 carries a game to be effective.

Agreed. We need a lightning quick guy like Sproles or Norwood to contrast Portis. Someone like Joe Washington! Betts needs 20 carries a game to be effective.

I believe Sproles is a FA after this year... and he's a sick return man too. I'd be surprised if SD let him get away, but I would love to have him. Dude is the flash.

You guys can yell at me all you want, but I'd love to have a Darren Sproles in the backfield to compliment Portis. Guy is fast as hell and would be a nice change of pace from Portis, who has a more bruising style.

I believe Sproles is a FA after this year... and he's a sick return man too. I'd be surprised if SD let him get away, but I would love to have him. Dude is the flash.


We seem to be on the same page all the time, man.

We seem to be on the same page all the time, man.

It's the Jesuit education. ;)

My gripe is with not giving Betts the ball more early on in the year to keep Portis fresh for later on. I'd like to see a situation where Portis gets 15-20 carries and another guy gets a solid 10-15 per game.I think it's just a product of the games being on the line all the time.

But ultimately, I agree with you. If we're going to struggle in the first quarter of every game anyway, might as well go three and out with Betts carrying the ball, and gradually move to Portis as the plays become more and more decisive.

No, the OL is not totally to blame, but it's a big part. As they say it all starts up front and when you can't open holes for the running game and you can't pass protect, it's tough to get anything going on a consistent basis.
You are correct. We have multiple problems, but they have to be fixed on a worst first basis..............and the O-line is our worst problem. Additionally, it is such a limiting factor, it is not possible to fairly evaluate JC, Zorn, etc until that is fixed.
Look at Mark Rypien's performance when the Hog's were in their prime and.......not. That may be the kind of protection required for JC to have success.

You guys can yell at me all you want, but I'd love to have a Darren Sproles in the backfield to compliment Portis. Guy is fast as hell and would be a nice change of pace from Portis, who has a more bruising style.

I'm right there with you. I personally have never been a Betts fan and don't really care that he didn't get more touches. He had one decent season, in a contract year, when he was the guy. Other than that, he's failed to impress me since he's been a Redskin.

I would love Sproles as a complimentary/3rd down back and KR/PR. We also should draft a hybrid back like Brian Leonard a few years back from Rutgers who can play some HB and also have the power to be a short yardage threat.