Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS

Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS | DC Pro Sports Report -- Sports news, stats and analysis from the capital of the free world (http://dcprosportsreport.com/?p=2403)

This is another position that really is not in need of critical repair, personnel wise, we’ll explain more later. RB Clinton Portis is the star here, no question. Portis had his second season as a Washington Redskin, rushing for 1,487 yards on 342 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Portis also carried the ball into the end zone 9 times. He also finished the season with 28 receptions for 218 yards.

Also, vote in our Poll, in the review article!

So do you think that a Portis-Betts backfield tandem is an effective combo? Any thoughts on whether we'd be better off with a back that brings more speed/pass catching ability rather than Portis-lite which is what Betts represents?

Good work. I thought Zorn really under-utilized Betts this season. Betts might not be a 350-carry-per-year back, but neither is Portis, as everyone should have learned by now. Portis should be carrying the ball no more than an average of 20 times per game, which still yields over 300 carries for a season. The Skins need to cut Portis' workload whether he likes it or not [and it would be nice if the owner would tell Portis to keep his mouth shut whether he likes it or not].

I don't know why the Redskins didn't throw to Sellers more. Pass-catching fullbacks are a staple of west coast offenses and Sellers can really get yards after the catch once he gets moving. I suppose, like so many things, Sellers had to sacrifice his yards to cover for an inadequate offensive line.

Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS | DC Pro Sports Report -- Sports news, stats and analysis from the capital of the free world (http://dcprosportsreport.com/?p=2403)



Also, vote in our Poll, in the review article!

Like I've been saying, our challenge ahead is going to be @ RB. If Zorn does not allow our other backs to develop we will be shaking our heads in 2010. Unless of course our star keeps shining.

So do you think that a Portis-Betts backfield tandem is an effective combo? Any thoughts on whether we'd be better off with a back that brings more speed/pass catching ability rather than Portis-lite which is what Betts represents?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.

Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS | DC Pro Sports Report -- Sports news, stats and analysis from the capital of the free world (http://dcprosportsreport.com/?p=2403)



Also, vote in our Poll, in the review article!

The Skins definitely have weapons at this position. I'd just like to see them be used more effectively. Whether or not it hurts Portis' feelings, the coaches should get everyone involved in the offensive attack.

I knows Betts was injured for a few games, but he should have gotten more than 61 carries. And many of Portis' 28 receptions were on check downs vs. plays designed to get him the ball in space.

I'd like to see Betts and Portis used almost equally with Portis being the official goal-line back. I'd also like to see Cartwright emerge as a passing threat, much like we saw Sproles, Westbrook, Norwood and Cobbs (in Miami) used over the weekend. I think Rock can do damage in the passing attack. He's the one guy that can make things happen if given some space to operate.

Better play calling (Wildcat anyone?) and a commitment to use all of the backs in the running AND passing game could help the Skins become more dynamic on offense, keep Portis and others healthier at the end of the season and keep defenses honest.

Just my two cents.

So do you think that a Portis-Betts backfield tandem is an effective combo? Any thoughts on whether we'd be better off with a back that brings more speed/pass catching ability rather than Portis-lite which is what Betts represents?

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.

Like I've been saying, our challenge ahead is going to be @ RB. If Zorn does not allow our other backs to develop we will be shaking our heads in 2010. Unless of course our star keeps shining.
I think our other running backs are alldready developed they just need to see more playing time.

Good work. I thought Zorn really under-utilized Betts this season. Betts might not be a 350-carry-per-year back, but neither is Portis, as everyone should have learned by now. Portis should be carrying the ball no more than an average of 20 times per game, which still yields over 300 carries for a season. The Skins need to cut Portis' workload whether he likes it or not [and it would be nice if the owner would tell Portis to keep his mouth shut whether he likes it or not].

I don't know why the Redskins didn't throw to Sellers more. Pass-catching fullbacks are a staple of west coast offenses and Sellers can really get yards after the catch once he gets moving. I suppose, like so many things, Sellers had to sacrifice his yards to cover for an inadequate offensive line.

Amen on more passes to the backs. What about Rock though? Maybe I'm delusional, but I think he can do damage if he gets some passes in space. It almost becomes a punt return at that point. And Campbell doesn't need all day to set up a screen pass, so the O line isn't required to block for long. They just need to get their fat asses downfield to block;)

look at how many times Jacobs was slowed just to have Ward come in to finish off a tired D with big runs. Or the way Dallas used Barber in the 4th quarter of out last game. Our D was helpless against a fresh back.

So I agree we need a duo in the back but at the least we should be alternating backs

Frustrating to think of what we could be doing with a balanced Portis/Betts combo, but not.