Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS

PennSkinsFan · 01-07-2009, 10:43 AM

Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS | DC Pro Sports Report -- Sports news, stats and analysis from the capital of the free world

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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!

Paintrain · 01-07-2009, 10:52 AM

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?

Spence · 01-07-2009, 10:53 AM

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.

44ever · 01-07-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PennSkinsFan

Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS | DC Pro Sports Report -- Sports news, stats and analysis from the capital of the free world

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.

Spence · 01-07-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paintrain

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.

44Deezel · 01-07-2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PennSkinsFan

Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS | DC Pro Sports Report -- Sports news, stats and analysis from the capital of the free world

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.

44Deezel · 01-07-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paintrain

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.

firstdown · 01-07-2009, 11:04 AM

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Originally Posted by 44ever

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.

44Deezel · 01-07-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spence

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

44ever · 01-07-2009, 11:07 AM

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.

Paintrain · 01-07-2009, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44Deezel

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'.

44ever · 01-07-2009, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firstdown

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

PennSkinsFan · 01-07-2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44ever

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?

GMScud · 01-07-2009, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44ever

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.

freddyg12 · 01-07-2009, 12:17 PM

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.

01-07-2009, 10:52 AM	#2
Paintrain Playmaker Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL Age: 41 Posts: 4,233	Re: Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS 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? __________________ No Pressure-No Diamonds! Go Catch Your Dreams!

01-07-2009, 10:53 AM	#3
Spence Special Teams Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. Posts: 150	Re: Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS 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. __________________ For all your DC sports news: DC Pro Sports Report For all your NFL draft news: DC Pro Sports Report NFL Mock Draft Database

01-07-2009, 11:07 AM	#10
44ever The Starter Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: THE INSIDER Posts: 2,089	Re: Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS 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. __________________ What excuse will it be this season...

01-07-2009, 12:17 PM	#15
freddyg12 Playmaker Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,535	Re: Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS 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.

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Redskins in Review: RUNNING BACKS

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