New role for Portis-From SI.com

[Paintrain]

After studying Clinton Portis on tape during the offseason, Redskins coach Jim Zorn is preparing the seven-year vet for a bigger role in the offense.

Portis, who finished sixth in the league in rushing with 1,262 yards, is spending his offseason training at the team's complex. "We think that he can be a 1,800-yard back this season," assistant head coach/running backs Stump Mitchell said. "Running behind that offensive line, he should average four-and-a-half to five yards per carry."

The Redskins are keeping their blocking schemes intact and believe that continuity will allow Portis to thrive as their feature back. Furthermore, the Redskins are contemplating expanding Portis' role as a receiver after the vet hauled in a career-high 47 passes last season.

"We know that he was productive as a receiver last season, but most of his receptions were of the 'check-down' variety," Mitchell said. "We will see how he runs routes during mini-camps and O.T.As (Organized Team Activities) and determine if we can make him a bigger part of the passing game. He is a complete player with an unbelievable set of skills and we must find a way to maximize his talent." SI.com - Writers - Bucky Brooks: Houshmandzadeh wants new deal, more buzz - Thursday March 27, 2008 5:39PM

A better Portis means a better Campbell which should add up to more wins.. Why isn't it August??

[FRPLG]

I always believed that when healthy he is a top tier back in the company of the best. I think a lot of non Skins fans have forgotten that.

[onlydarksets]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

I always believed that when healthy he is a top tier back in the company of the best. I think a lot of non Skins fans have forgotten that.

He was in the top 3 for total yards - nobody should forget that. He's carried this team (on and off the field) for the past two years.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

I always believed that when healthy he is a top tier back in the company of the best. I think a lot of non Skins fans have forgotten that.

Skins fans too at times.

[GusFrerotte]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

I always believed that when healthy he is a top tier back in the company of the best. I think a lot of non Skins fans have forgotten that.

I don't think that is true. Thing is our o line gets banged up too often and it really got whacked last season especially, hurting Clinton's effectiveness, and folks knew that. I don't think non Skins discount Portis, but they discount everything else about the team. Been a pretty messy situation with our team since 2000. Hard for a non Skins NFL
fan to take us too seriously lately. We seem to generate a lot of issues that would impede any great individual effort, CP included. Just hope that our o line stays relatively healthy.

[diehardskin2982]

i hope with his expanded role means that portis will participate more in offseason and preseason.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by diehardskin2982

i hope with his expanded role means that portis will participate more in offseason and preseason.

Personally I don't want to see him much in the preseason. What does that accomplish?

[Dlyne8r]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Personally I don't want to see him much in the preseason. What does that accomplish?

Same here. Let's see, he could screw up his shoulder again, blow out a knee, etc., etc. I don't like the risks we take putting top-tier players like CP (I'm forever in the tank for this guy) into pre-season match-ups, but they still need to get into "game" shape as long as the coaches have a good feel for when to pull him out. I'm pleased to hear positive comments emanate from the 'Skins coaching staff, it certainly can't hurt.

[Ijaeger]

Sounds good, let's see if Zorn and Co. can take the RB position to Westbrook status or even further. It would open up so much, glad to see coaches boosting up players by telling them what they think they're capable of... love the quote from Stump about Portis being an "1800" yd back behind "that line."

[jsarno]

Well, we always hear stuff like this BEFORE the season starts, then when it does, it never happens.
I love the enthusiasm, but let's see how we play after the first week of the season before thinking Portis can do 1800+ yards. That is laughable at this point.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by jsarno

Well, we always hear stuff like this BEFORE the season starts, then when it does, it never happens.
I love the enthusiasm, but let's see how we play after the first week of the season before thinking Portis can do 1800+ yards. That is laughable at this point.

Listen to what these guys are saying. All Portis got was check downs. Did we ever see Portis motion out of the backfield and run routes? No. They are already thinking about being more creative in getting Portis more involved in the passing game. Gruden does this very well or he did well when he had Garner in Oak and to some degree with Pittman. So far, I really like what I'm hearing from these guys.

[SkinEmAll]

Originally Posted by jsarno

Well, we always hear stuff like this BEFORE the season starts, then when it does, it never happens.
I love the enthusiasm, but let's see how we play after the first week of the season before thinking Portis can do 1800+ yards. That is laughable at this point.

How is that laughable? Ok maybe it would be if last years staff and philosophy was still here, but their not. Its new and more likely to give CP a lot of opportunities to get massive yards. Actually whats laughable is thinking you can watch the first week of the season and then make a conclusion on if he will get 1800 yards or not. lmao

[Dirtbag59]

I wonder if the desire to make Portis an 1,800 yard rusher will get the Redskins to invest a first round pick in a guy like Albert, considering the importance they've stressed on the O-Line in this article, as a key factor in reaching this goal. I know it sounds like they're set at O-Line, but I'm hoping that they realize how much injuries and age along the O-Line hurt the offense last year.

I sware if they don't at least get Mike McGlynn this April then I'm going to be very upset. Personally I would love to see Chilo Rachel or Branden Albert in Maroon and Black next year (To save Smootsmack the trouble, I'm kidding here about the colors, I know we're really burgendy and gold).

[DGreene28]

Originally Posted by Dirtbag359

I wonder if the desire to make Portis an 1,800 yard rusher will get the Redskins to invest a first round pick in a guy like Albert, considering the importance they've stressed on the O-Line in this article, as a key factor in reaching this goal. I know it sounds like they're set at O-Line, but I'm hoping that they realize how much injuries and age along the O-Line hurt the offense last year.

I sware if they don't at least get Mike McGlynn this April then I'm going to be very upset. Personally I would love to see Chilo Rachel or Branden Albert in Maroon and Black next year (To save Smootsmack the trouble, I'm kidding here about the colors, I know we're really burgendy and gold).

I agree give me Albert in the first or Rachal in the 2nd and I'll be happy

[hagams]

I just like hearing that they are pumped for Clinton this year. Towards the mid/late games of last year he started running harder. He said that "he's got the chip back on his shoulder", and I hope he does good this year. And if "that line" stays healthy, I think he'll have a big year.....just not 1800yds big. Maybe in total offense.
I'd actually like to see them line him up in the slot with Betts in the backfield. That would throw a defense off.