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Originally Posted by redwarrior111
OK, I'm pretty sure I won't be making any friends with this one. So let me diclamier first by saying again, I'm new and a little retarded still. =)
But I just had a thought today. Is Clinton Portis really that great a running back....Or do we just use him all the time?
What I mean is, are there other running backs in the league that are as good or better, who would be just as close to the record or even further along, if they were used as frequently as we use Portis?
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No offense, but that is retarded. Just look at the numbers, like the article says only Tomlinson has had more yards then him since he's been in the league, and I'd contend that if he can stay healthy and productive for a few more seasons, he'll surpass even Ladanian.
Now, he has run behind two teams that perenially have good offensive lines, and yes we have always relied on him, he has in fact carried this team since he's been here (obviously Ladell took over for a little). But even when our line was injured last season, and he was still a little hobbled from the year before he still put up the kind of numbers you expect from a starting running back. Also remember that he holds the Redskins single season rushing record. He has consistantly put up good numbers no matter how we've used him.
And this year he is just playing out of his mind. Does he get alot of opportunities? Yes, but he is breaking off 6-7-8 yard runs in the fourth quarter when they know it's coming. Several times he has run the ball on crucial short yardage situations and somehow despite a good push from the D-line he has dug it out to move the sticks, or score. And It seems like he is setting records every week.
So, okay, can anyone say for sure that if we had Marion Barber rushing for us that he wouldn't be putting up the same numbers? Of course not, but if you consider that Clinton Portis has been a top-teir running back in the NFL for nearly all of his 7 year career, albeit quietly, and that he admittedly put extra effort in this off-season to be in good shape it is not suprising that he is leading the league in rushing. If you ask me, he deserves most of the credit, whether or not he is getting the ball alot he is still producing every time he does.