Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS

I think they can use both effectively and even get Rock more involved on third downs. It doesn't always have to ba a thunder and lightning-like combo. Besides, Portis is as physical as anyone. He's great on the goal line and has evolved into a punishing runner (as good as anyone not named Brandon Jacobs).

Betts is quick and nifty enough to be a change of pace back, especially if the Skins learn how to use the screen pass a la the Eagles, Chargers, Falcons, Pats, Dolphins, etc. The bottom line is that they are both very good NFL backs. Betts could and should be used more effectively.

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'.

I think our other running backs are alldready developed they just need to see more playing time.

I was talking about developing into a equal to Portis and/or eventual sucsessor.

Rock still need to develop if we are to use him in said position IMO

Betts is a very nice pass-catching tailback. He doesn't block as well as Portis, but he's improved and he's got better hands than Portis does out of the backfield.

Not only dose CP get's pounded when he runs but also is blocking like an O Lineman the rest of the time. No doubt he is tough, but how long can he take it. Betts seems to be the next choice, but it's the same style of play. JZ needs to find away to mix it up a little with his running game. Let Rock and Sellers get involed.

I was talking about developing into a equal to Portis and/or eventual sucsessor.

Rock still need to develop if we are to use him in said position IMO

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?

I was talking about developing into a equal to Portis and/or eventual sucsessor.

Rock still need to develop if we are to use him in said position IMO

Rock is 29 years old and has been a Redskin since 2002. He is what he's going to be.

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.

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

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

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 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...