[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

- Portis loss of lateral quickness and explosiveness. Unfortunately this was made crystal clear on two plays:

1) Our second to last possession of the 1st half. 2 & 6, the pitch to Portis running left. The Safety closed in run support to Portis' outside, rather than attempt to beat the S to the sideline, Portis cutback inside for a gain of 1. Not only was this a bad decision, but it's an indication Portis knowns he's lost his quickness. Portis from a couple of years ago would've outrun the S to the sideline and picked up 4 or 5 yards, no problem.
2) Last possession before the Safety, swing pass to Portis in the right flat. He's in the open field against a LB and can't make a move to get by the LB to pick up a few yards. Most backs will make this play, the bigger backs would run over the LB. Portis is stopped for a 2 yard gain.

Portis' best days are in the rear view. He is simply a downhill, between the tackles runner, who isn't very big or very physical. Not a good recipe for a starting NFL RB....in the NFC East, no less. Portis' efforts for the Skins should be appreciated, he ran hard and had some good years here. But it's time to move on.

I know I am going to sound over dramatic, but I was floored when I saw this play. Portis really looked like any statuesque QB out there running in that pitch.