Portis concerns
 

yes i know he's great. and you guys are gonna laugh but...

i been playing ESPN 2k5 like a madman, fantastic game, and been counter-treying Clinton Portis all over the field. the guy is amazing, and in game terms, he's a 'balanced' back, which means he's just as good at stiff arms and shoulder charges as he is at spins and jukes. good stuff. but halfway through the regular season i'm realizing something that affects REALITY...

Clinton Portis is small.

tough sure, but small. no amount of toughness will affect gravity. he's the same size as Trung Canidate! he definitely won't be pushing any piles, or running over first contact when going between the tackles, and isn't that what Gibbs is used to? is it gonna be Rock on every 4th-1? of course he'll draw up the perfect playbook for his personnel, but if he's gonna be used like i think Gibbs will use him then long term durability concerns me as well.

i never watched Denver games (certainly wont now, hurts too much to see Champ). all i know is he's great but i dont know how he plays. did the Broncos have a fullback? did they throw Portis in on short yardage just the same, if so how did he fare? i'm super excited about this guy, but maybe i'm just old-school and clearly not over Stephen Davis...

He may not be a big back but he does run with quite a bit of power for someone his size.

He's not afraid of contact and he does break his share of tackles.

You kind of answered your own question, Gibbs will tailor the offense to suit his personnel. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the offense Gibbs runs this year looks totally different than the one we are used to. I'm sure the basics will be there, the motion, the formations, etc., but with a ton of new wrinkles.

I can also guarantee that one of the offenses Gibbs closely studied this offseason was the Broncos. One, because he wanted to see what sort of plays Portis excels in and two because Denver over the years has been the NFL benchmark for running games.

Illdefined, I can certainly understand your concern about Portis' size, but you have to remember that Joe Gibbs is an offensive genius. He won the Superbowl with not only 3 different quarterbacks, but three different running backs as well. Each had their own talents which Gibbs catered to. So the new running attack isn't going to necessarily be better or worse than the old one, just different.
As far as durability goes, Barry Sanders (one of the greatest backs of all time) was only 5'8", 200 lbs., while Clinton Portis is actually a bigger back at 5'11", 205 lbs. He can draw some comparisons to Barry, considering his shifty, "ankle breaking" running style. He has the speed and shiftiness to avoid most direct hits (his 5.5 yds. per carry just go to show this fact). As a running back he has all of the essentials and although he may not be as big as some other backs, his variety of other skills (which includes great hands) will propel him to the top of the game for a while.

I think Portis might be bigger than Byner was when he was playing. Can someone check on that?

Regardless Portis plays with a lot of heart and he's running behind a pretty good o-line. I'm sure he'll have some bumps and bruises here and there, but he's a durable back.

Even though Gibb's usually used a power back, I alway's felt he would have been better suited with a break away type of back, reason, those big back's running behind the hog's used to see alot of day light, and could have accumulated more yard's if they had that 5th gear, Portis has that gear, I think he will be more productive in this offense than any back Gibb's has ever had.

Portis is a very strong guy for his size, he doesn't really lack stregth, what he lack's is bulk, but with his moves and ecceleration will make him hard to get a hold of, and your not going to arm tackle him, the only thing he won't do for you, is push a pile, but he will slither through any crack in the front line, plus remember the success smaller back's with speed had under Gibb's, ricky ervin's comes to mind, Joe Washington, and Kelvin Bryant, both had success but more so as reciever's, because we had primary back's, and neither of those guy's where pure runner's like Portis, plus Portis gives Gibb's more of an elimate of surprise, he can throw to him at any time, Gibb's doesn't have to tip his hand on 3rd down, or when it's 1st and very long, Portis can do it all, and very effectivly I might add.

[QUOTE=Redskins_P]I think Portis might be bigger than Byner was when he was playing. Can someone check on that?

Regardless Portis plays with a lot of heart and he's running behind a pretty good o-line. I'm sure he'll have some bumps and bruises here and there, but he's a durable back.[/QUOTE]


Byner had about 20lbs. on Portis.

As Matty and Winskins mentioned, the key is Joe Gibbs. He knows how to design an offense around his players talents, and that is exactly what he'll do. Actually, I could see this offense being a lot more pass-oriented than many people think, [I]because[/I] of the threat of Portis in the backfield (as well as the great depth at WR). Don't get me wrong, he'll still get his carries, but because of that, he'll bring the defense up and open things up for our QB to get the ball to Coles and co.......he may not have quite as many carries as a bigger back, but could very possibly gain more yards.

I dont think coach Gibbs will run Portis like the dolphins bruised ricky williams. we will have a balanced attack he will get carries but coach Gibbs is too smart to wear him out.

Portis is tough. Hes small in height but its still built. He doesnt play like his size, he does run pepole over. THe only concern that I have with Portis, and I said this before he was drafted, that hes going to be an elite back in teh NFL, he'll probably break a bunch of records, but hes not going to have a very long career because of the abuse he puts on himself.

I hope im wrong, but he is small and runs up the gut as if he was ricky williams. Hopefully that will just be a maturity thing where he learns how to protect his body more and doesnt get dinged up as easy. But in the meantime I dont want any back other than portis in on 4th and 1.

Gibbs won't run him in to the ground either, Betts and the other backups will play a significant role in this offense.

4th and 1 cooley goes in motion, leads Portis through the gap, Portis 45 yards for the score!!! Bill Parcells throws donw his visor!!!!!

:lol:

[QUOTE=joethiesmanfan]4th and 1 cooley goes in motion, leads Portis through the gap, Portis 45 yards for the score!!! Bill Parcells throws donw his visor!!!!![/QUOTE]
:dallas: :dallas: I sure hope so!! I'll be that the game!! :dallas: :httr:

yeah im confident Gibbs will make the perfect gameplan with what he's got. i'm just wondering who he'd put in on 4th and Goal at the one.

didn't get an answer from any Denver watchers. what did Portis tend to do, up the middle or bounce outside? i know he can do both. what would Denver do on short yardage, and how did they their FB? did they do lots of singleback? how does he play?

I doubt that we'll be 4th and 1 all season. The Offense will move the chains like Lance.

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]Gibbs won't run him in to the ground either, Betts and the other backups will play a significant role in this offense.[/QUOTE]

Absolutely. There will be several offensive sets without Portis on the field. Short yardage plays will probably go to Betts or Cartright - any indication yet which it will be?

I don't think Gibbs will overwork Portis.. He will probably give him 18-25 carries a game, I expect to see a lot more of Betts (assuming he's healthy) this year than we anticipate.. Plus, there is a misconception that Gibbs is a grind it out type of coach.. He's a short pass, sweep, play action type of coach who will run the ball to keep the clock moving when he has a lead.. Everyone brace themselves, but remember how (ugh) Norv Turner called plays for the (ugh ugh) Cowboys during their run in the 90's? Get the lead early thru the air then grind it out on the ground. That's the same way that Gibbs did in his years.. He was ahead of the game offensively at the time. Remember his offense is the same as Air Coryell and what Mike Martz and the Rams run now.. It'll be a good balance to help protect Portis..

[QUOTE=Paintrain]I don't think Gibbs will overwork Portis.. He will probably give him 18-25 carries a game, I expect to see a lot more of Betts (assuming he's healthy) this year than we anticipate.. Plus, there is a misconception that Gibbs is a grind it out type of coach.. He's a short pass, sweep, play action type of coach who will run the ball to keep the clock moving when he has a lead.. Everyone brace themselves, but remember how (ugh) Norv Turner called plays for the (ugh ugh) Cowboys during their run in the 90's? Get the lead early thru the air then grind it out on the ground. That's the same way that Gibbs did in his years.. He was ahead of the game offensively at the time. Remember his offense is the same as Air Coryell and what Mike Martz and the Rams run now.. It'll be a good balance to help protect Portis..[/QUOTE]

Actually, the Coryell offense was the BASIS for his offense, but he made dramatic changes (improvements) to it in his last stint here. And expect to see many more new wrinkles this season. He has spent MANY hours studying the new NFL defensive schemes, and will certainly have surprises to counter them. His total offensive package will surely be uniquely his. Every time a new defensive wrinkle shows up to counter his offense, he makes new adjustments.

Uhh you guy's it's a video game! Portis is big enough to av 5.5 yrds a carry. That's all I need to know.

Words stolen!
 

I want to report a theft! Matty stole my thoughts and posted first! Betts, my friends, is a Stephen Davis Clone, only a step or two faster! I still have his stats, 40 times, Wonderlic score and such from when he was drafted!

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]Gibbs won't run him in to the ground either, Betts and the other backups will play a significant role in this offense.[/QUOTE]

Unconcerned about Portis' size. He averages 1500 yds a season, and 5.5 yards per carry. I have no doubt that Gibbs will run his share of 50 gut, and counter treys, but I also know that by now Gibbs knows what Portis' best plays were in Denver and will probably install a couple of them here.

Gibbs' best quality is his adaptability. True he's always had a power back, but he's also been very clever at adjusting what he does to suit his talent. Laugh now, but I really think Ladell Betts is going to have a monster year in short yardage situations. Early last season he was solid in goal line situations, and if we do hit 4th and 1 believe me Gibbs will find the play to get it done.

On the 2k5 tip, I ran for 205 yards versus the Eagles with Portis, I can't wait for the HOF game to see him for real, even if its just one or two carries.

[QUOTE=memphisskin]Unconcerned about Portis' size. He averages 1500 yds a season, and 5.5 yards per carry. I have no doubt that Gibbs will run his share of 50 gut, and counter treys, but I also know that by now Gibbs knows what Portis' best plays were in Denver and will probably install a couple of them here.[/QUOTE]

trying to find out what those plays are. and if he's used to having an FB leading. etc.

[QUOTE=backrow]I want to report a theft! Matty stole my thoughts and posted first! Betts, my friends, is a Stephen Davis Clone, only a step or two faster! I still have his stats, 40 times, Wonderlic score and such from when he was drafted![/QUOTE]


Excellent job BR, it's no secret my thought's of Bett's, your assesment is dead on IMO, faster, quicker, and almost as strong, and he will catch better out of the backfield, I expect big thing's from him under Gibb's, but unless an injury hit's Portis, it will be limited.

Betts has the skills, BUT he's got a long way to go before we can compare him to Stephen Davis.

He needs to stay healthy for one, whether his injuries have been just bad luck or maybe he's dogging it I don't know, but sitting on the sidelines doesn't help anybody.

[QUOTE=memphisskin] if we do hit 4th and 1 believe me Gibbs will find the play to get it done.[/QUOTE]

Yep, and I'm sure many of you have that same SB picture hanging in your house that I do. 4th and 1, and the play ended up going outside with Riggo shedding the DB. Yes, Gibbs will call the right plays, and Portis and Betts will be more than ready to improvise. There are many ways to make 4th and 1 with an effective front line. Bugel will develop that for us.

Hogskin, NO I DO NOT HAVE THAT ONE, BUT I WANT IT VERY BAD!!!!! Where can I get it? My uncle has it and ever since I was 7 or 8 I wanted it. Now that I have my own house I need it!!! Please anyone help!!!

I think if you look at the trends of great running backs in the league, he certainly has the size. Ladanion tomlison and preist holmes are only about 10 pounds heavier than portis. Not to mention what marshal faulk has been able to do. Also don't forget that portis is 23 he's gonna put on at least 10 pounds.

How tall are those other running backs though , Portis is kinda short.

Here are some stats for you Canes:

Clinton Portis: 5'11" 205 lbs.
Priest Holmes: 5'9" 213 lbs.
LaDanian Tomlinson: 5'10" 221 lbs.
Emmitt Smith: 5'10" 209 lbs.
Barry Sanders: 5'8" 200 lbs.
Walter Payton: 5'10" 202 lbs.

[QUOTE=illdefined]didn't get an answer from any Denver watchers. what did Portis tend to do, up the middle or bounce outside? i know he can do both. what would Denver do on short yardage, and how did they their FB? did they do lots of singleback? how does he play?[/QUOTE]

I can't really recall Portis' specific style of play, as in whether he bounced out a lot, or if he was the prototypical 'North-South' runner, but the fullback in Denver is Mike Anderson who is excellent, one of the very best in the league at his position. A few years ago, after Terrell Davis sustained a career ending ACL tear, Anderson took over as the primary running back and gained over 1500 yards. Then the very next year, he went back to the fullback role, and has had it ever since.

Mike Shanahan is a West Coast offensive coach -- meaning he uses fullbacks extensively. Whatever success Portis had, his offensive line and Mike Anderson deserve their due credit. I'm not saying Portis can't do the same here, but it will be interesting to see him in the one-back, 'Air Coryell' offensive scheme Gibbs' uses.

Everything I've heard about Portis is that he is a running back who can do it all, and consistently racks up big yardage no matter how it comes.

If you guys want a little taste of what Portis brings to the table check out this clip, just watch those open field moves!

[url]http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=609&videoID=167[/url]

[QUOTE=smootsmack]Here are some stats for you Canes:

Clinton Portis: 5'11" 205 lbs.
Priest Holmes: 5'9" 213 lbs.
LaDanian Tomlinson: 5'10" 221 lbs.
Emmitt Smith: 5'10" 209 lbs.
Barry Sanders: 5'8" 200 lbs.
Walter Payton: 5'10" 202 lbs.[/QUOTE]

damn I didn't know Holmes was only 5'9 and Payton was only 5'10.

thanks for the info smoot.

At this point then, no worries. I figure Portis is improving as a running back and is still young. And as far as im concerned he hasnt even reached his full potential by a long shot. AKA, Emmit better have a good year in Arizona because im looking forward to CP taking that record off teh wall.

I cannot remember entirly but when Davis emerged did we not use Sellars as a blocking FB/TE? It was only when Sellers left for the browns we utilised the single back packages more...

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]If you guys want a little taste of what Portis brings to the table check out this clip, just watch those open field moves!

[url]http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=609&videoID=167[/url][/QUOTE]


That was sweet. Portis is so quick when he hits the holes. He showed that he's willling to put his head and gain those tough yards also. I know some of you might disagree, but I think we got the better half of Portis/Bailey deal.

When he gets in the open field he's gone, he's just too shifty and quick to bring down. He breaks ankles left and right.

Also, if you notice he shows some nice power on the short TD plunge, and he also throws a nice cut block on Plummer's TD pass.

I did notice that. He took that guy out. Can't wait for Aug 9th. I don't care if it's two carries. He can break it at any point.

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]When he gets in the open field he's gone, he's just too shifty and quick to bring down. He breaks ankles left and right.

Also, if you notice he shows some nice power on the short TD plunge, and he also throws a nice cut block on Plummer's TD pass.[/QUOTE]

I saw the block, and then I saw him running over to congratulate Draughons in the end zone. That shows me he's a team first guy willing to do whatever to win.

Most of Portis' big runs were up the middle, did u see the move he put on the safety on his last big run? One cut and then it was all speed. Can't wait for his first big run as a Skin.

[QUOTE=Mattyk72][url]http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=609&videoID=167[/url][/QUOTE]

good grief. so fast. he gets a head of steam by the time he gets to the line. 200 yds +5TDs that game? sounds like Madden not real life.

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]Betts has the skills, BUT he's got a long way to go before we can compare him to Stephen Davis."

Yea he needs to get his ass kicked by one of our WR!! :boxing: :FIREdevil