Portis Injuries

Already posted this elsewhere but it applies:

I don't think any Skins' fan should get too hyped about Sproles. First, no way does SD let him go. LT seems to be breaking down and SD probably should have traded him and kept Turner: they won't make a similar mistake w/ another dynamite backfield threat.

Secondly, I'd venture to say Sproles wouldn't have much success here. I say that because our run-blocking, even at it's best, is nothing compared to SD. Our old fogies can push off the line a few yards when they're very fresh but rarely make blocks down field, which is why CP doesn't break the big ones anymore. Sure he can grit 7 or 8 yards w/ defenders battering him but there is a certain number of yards from the LOS where it's just CP facing several defenders and our lineman are nowhere in sight. At no time was this more evident than in SF, when I repeatedly saw the o-line give up on blocks/plays while CP was still on his feet. Heyer especially has a knack for giving up on plays, while Rabach/Thomas just don't seem to have what it takes to block DTs or really aggressive LBs. Not to get completely off subject but our line regressed so much this season to the point of looking lazy, slow and very incompetent IMHO. This is a very sad group at this point. Anyway, the whole point is Sproles would struggle mightily to break anything big w/ our line.

To the bigger debate of how to get more dynamic in our backfield, i don't know whether another/different RB is the answer. Again, speedsters and scat-backs just won't have success until we almost completely recycle the line. Have we forgotten that CP was the premier scat-back when we traded for him? To his extreme credit he's become a GD bruiser, but really it's what he had to do (to have success as a Skin). If anything, we should go the opposite direction of Sproles (until the line is completely recycled) and grab a great big bruiser. Honestly I'd hoped Betts would become this guy more each year, adding more bulk and strength to pound defenses whenever CP is out of the game (at least 10-10 carries). Betts is not that player I suppose. He's a Portis lite as someone said.

Already posted this elsewhere but it applies:

I don't think any Skins' fan should get too hyped about Sproles. First, no way does SD let him go. LT seems to be breaking down and SD probably should have traded him and kept Turner: they won't make a similar mistake w/ another dynamite backfield threat.

Secondly, I'd venture to say Sproles wouldn't have much success here. I say that because our run-blocking, even at it's best, is nothing compared to SD. Our old fogies can push off the line a few yards when they're very fresh but rarely make blocks down field, which is why CP doesn't break the big ones anymore. Sure he can grit 7 or 8 yards w/ defenders battering him but there is a certain number of yards from the LOS where it's just CP facing several defenders and our lineman are nowhere in sight. At no time was this more evident than in SF, when I repeatedly saw the o-line give up on blocks/plays while CP was still on his feet. Heyer especially has a knack for giving up on plays, while Rabach/Thomas just don't seem to have what it takes to block DTs or really aggressive LBs. Not to get completely off subject but our line regressed so much this season to the point of looking lazy, slow and very incompetent IMHO. This is a very sad group at this point. Anyway, the whole point is Sproles would struggle mightily to break anything big w/ our line.

To the bigger debate of how to get more dynamic in our backfield, i don't know whether another/different RB is the answer. Again, speedsters and scat-backs just won't have success until we almost completely recycle the line. Have we forgotten that CP was the premier scat-back when we traded for him? To his extreme credit he's become a GD bruiser, but really it's what he had to do (to have success as a Skin). If anything, we should go the opposite direction of Sproles (until the line is completely recycled) and grab a great big bruiser. Honestly I'd hoped Betts would become this guy more each year, adding more bulk and strength to pound defenses whenever CP is out of the game (at least 10-10 carries). Betts is not that player I suppose. He's a Portis lite as someone said.

I agree. After losing Turner they can't afford to let Sproles go too.

This might explain some things. Like why we ran him in the ground and why we didn't see more of Betts

Http://www.examiner.com/r-4893935~Clinton_Portis_and_the_Quest_for_1_500_Yar ds.HTML

I think this is the problem right here. I think Betts is a good back, he just can't get any chances with Portis wanting to get his numbers. Zorn wanted to play Betts in Baltimore and got trashed by Portis in the press because of it. I know some people hate to hear anything bad about Portis. He gives it his all when he's on the field. He's also thrives on attention and is a prima donna. These traits can co-exist in the same player.

I think this is the problem right here. I think Betts is a good back, he just can't get any chances with Portis wanting to get his numbers. Zorn wanted to play Betts in Baltimore and got trashed by Portis in the press because of it. I know some people hate to hear anything bad about Portis. He gives it his all when he's on the field. He's also thrives on attention and is a prima donna. These traits can co-exist in the same player.

Sort of makes him a fascinating player don't u think? Def not anything like TO as far as the prima donna complex but I'd say CP is more eccentric.

Agreed and additionally we need a two headed monster back there. The best teams in the league are getting it done with a 2 back system. If Portis goes 1500 for the season he'll be useless in the playoffs.

Zorn doesn't seem to trust Betts. Id like to see Rock get a real chance. What good will a good line do with Portis on the sidelines when we need him the most.

As far as his injuries. They are not serious but are chronic. His high ankle sprains date back to his days in Denver. So Im starting to question the neglect of our backs non involvement. I think this may come back on us.

I'd hate to see us finally start to gel and be short Portis. That would be frustrating.

When Gibbs first came here he didn't seem to trust Betts either, then once he saw what he could do he was a big fan. I almost wonder if Zorn is in the same boat.

AND, we need to bringing up Portis replacement anyway as he won't play forever. Perhaps we could glean a diamond in the rough ala Denver, NE

I would think they're trying to get some more picks this year for (among other reasons) a running back somewhere in the 4th or 5th round. They're not exactly young at RB

I would think they're trying to get some more picks this year for (among other reasons) a running back somewhere in the 4th or 5th round. They're not exactly young at RB

If Zorn begins to trust Betts one could argue we have a guy who's still pretty fresh. I know he's like 29 but other than '06 he's had few carries.

... you're still right. We need a young guy learning the system and hungry to make a name, but when CP and Betts are pretty well locked up via cap and Rock is such a locker room guy and special teams stud... glad I don't have to make the call here.

They work CP like a government mule. I thought to myself, "How can you one man carry the whole team?" Betts had a bad year. I do remember when they used CP, Betts, Cartwright, and Sellers to run the ball. Now that was good. Yeah he's our franchise running back but they shouldn't put the weight of the season on one man's shoulders. He has a big heart and I can fault him for that but so does Jansen. I love them to death but they're both only one injury away from retirement.
I think we made a big mistake letting Mason go although I'd like to have a big RB to complement CP's speed and drive.

If the complimentary back is not Betts or Rock, then it should be a solid player picked up in free agency, not some player with potential who is in a practice squad (Mason).

After looking at the injury report I noticed from 03 right up to 07 most of his injuries were soft tissue.

From 07 on he has began breaking down with more serious tendon and joint injuries including his back both times around Nov/Dec. The one that concerns me most is his recent knee injury involving the MCL.

I guess it reminds me of Stephen Davis. Maybe I'm just over thinking this. It just looks to me like he's starting to break down.

2 back system a must.

SI.com - NFL - Clinton*Portis Injuries (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/players/5937/injuries.html)