Portis and Betts: Should We Just Stick With Portis?

[SC Skins Fan]

Originally Posted by Southpaw

So now Portis is a scat back... I don't understand why people still have the impression that Betts is this bruising power back. Does anyone recall the play yesterday when Betts was running straight up the gut, and got blown up on a high tackle? Any "power" back in the league should have an advantage on a high tackle when the supposed power back is running downhill with a head of steam, but Betts got knocked two yards backwards.

And Betts isn't exactly in his "early" days. He's been in the league for six years now, which means over half his career is over. Running backs aren't really known for 10+ year careers.

I remember the play and basically Ernie Sims - a top 10 pick - flashed in the hole completely untouched (was on the right side of the line btw) and hit Betts in the backfield. I don't recall Betts being "blown up" on the play and actually he spun a bit and fell forward. Basically the play was dead for the get go because the blocking apparently broke down, or Sims made a nice play, or some combination of the two. No one would have had a chance on that play, not Clinton Portis, not Ladell Betts, not Stephen Davis, not Gerald Riggs, not John Riggins, you get my point. I don't think you need to tear down Betts because you like Portis and a probably wouldn't point to that particular play. If you are getting hit in the backfield, just after you get the ball, by a 250 pound man who runs a 4.5 who is coming at a dead sprint then there are other problems other than who is carrying the ball.