New role for Portis-From SI.com

[MTK]

Sounds like we've been hearing this crap about CP being past his prime for the past 3-4 years. Have we forgotten about what he did last year already?

I heard that he's lost some weight this offseason to get faster for Zorn's offense. I think Zorn will use him less as a power back and more as a slasher like he was in Denver.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by Daseal

Am I the only one a little worried for Clinton? During the Gibbs era he got a lot of carries, took a lot of hits, sounds like nothing is changing. I hope we put Betts out there to keep Clinton as healthy as possible.

Maybe we should limit him to 10 or 15 carries a game so he can play until he is in his 30's and lost a few steps. LOL

[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.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by firstdown

Maybe wae sould limit him to 10 or 15 carries a game so he can play until he is in his 30's and lost a fwe steps. LOL

I've never understood that either. By nature RBs have short careers and are prone to injury. You can't pussyfoot around the guy and worry about what his next carry may bring. He's one of our best players and we're a better team when he's getting the ball.

[WillH]

Awesome. CP is my boy. He has been my favorite back since he entered the league, and he gets so little credit for the exceptional numbers he has put up. Last year my coz and I had this very same argument bout whether or not he was past his prime.

I just don't get it. He is 26, has had only one serious injury that has made him miss any meaningful playing time, and certainly by the end of this season proven that he has bounced back from it. Why are skins fans so ready to throw him under the bus? Has he not carried our team since he was brought here? Did he not set our single season rushing record? Is he not THE MOST positive influence in the locker room? What else does the guy have to do s@#$ you off?

Well, I guess Im over reacting. Most people here do love CP, but I feel like I have defended him to his own fans since he got here. Maybe people are still just bitter that Champ left. No lie, Champ was by far my favorite skin at the time . . . and I wouldn't have then nor ever would take that trade back . . . especially with the success we've had drafting in the secondary. I know I know "RB's are more of a sure thing." Fine, maybe it wasn't the smartest move, but I think its panned out well, so just get the F over it already.

I'll call it now: Portis has 1500+ yards rushing and 1800+ overall

Sorry Ladel, you prolly missed your chance for the spot light, at least you got payed, and I'm glad we've got you for insurance sake.

[CPAlltheWay012]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Sounds like we've been hearing this crap about CP being past his prime for the past 3-4 years. Have we forgotten about what he did last year already?

I heard that he's lost some weight this offseason to get faster for Zorn's offense. I think Zorn will use him less as a power back and more as a slasher like he was in Denver.

hmmm that's interesting.. I thought last year towards the end of the season he had good weight and speed. I hope durability doesn't become an issue if he takes too much off.

[dmek25]

Portis in the one player that really bothered me with Gibbs II. it was almost like Gibbs was trying to say it going to work my way, making Portis a power runner. i love Portis to death, and he can really take off in this new offense

[EARTHQUAKE2689]

1,800 yards huh? The entire offensive line needs to stay healthy for that.

[firstdown]

I love CP but his big play ability has been a let down. Remember that feeling when he busted that first run against Tampa? Hey, we have played Tampa at home once.

[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.

[BeastsoftheNFCeast]

my biggest concern is the age and health of our O-line, i think that portis wont be a 1800 yard back because our O-line seems to be hurt all the time, but he could be if everyone was healthy.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by BeastsoftheNFCeast

my biggest concern is the age and health of our O-line, i think that portis wont be a 1800 yard back because our O-line seems to be hurt all the time, but he could be if everyone was healthy.

I think Jansen's injury was just bad luck. I'm worried about Thomas and Kendall holding up for 16 games. This is why we MUST draft an O-lineman in the early rounds.

[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

[EternalEnigma21]

I def. don't think its all portis's fault he hasn't been a consistent home run hitter, but he does need to work on his open field elusiveness... I remember him being caught by last defenders several times, sometimes even with blockers in front.

Having said that I absolutely love the guy and think he's one of the best in the biz. I'm excited to see if he responds to this system change.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I've never understood that either. By nature RBs have short careers and are prone to injury. You can't pussyfoot around the guy and worry about what his next carry may bring. He's one of our best players and we're a better team when he's getting the ball.

Well, you can work him hard...to an extent. I mean, if he gets 175 carries, or 200 this upcoming season, either way he's probably no more likely for injury with those 25 extra carries.

Here's the problem:

Clinton Portis, Carries (2004-2007)

2004: 343
2005: 352
2006: 127 (8 games missed due to injury)
2007: 325 (led NFL)

Total Carries: 1147 (20.48/Game)

With Portis, the issue is not that we're talking about the difference between a moderate workload and a slightly less than moderate workload. We always seem to push him to the max, and do a poor job of using the backup to take some pressure off him.

Here's the consequence:

Clinton Portis, Yards per Carry (2004-2007)

2004: 3.7
2005: 4.3
2006: 4.1
2007: 3.9

When healthy, I don't think we have anything to worry about with CP. He's still young. The problem his that his health is directly related to how badly we abuse him. In the Gibbs era, that was a pretty significant issue. It also isn't a glowing endorsement to Al Saunders that the back that led the league in carries didn't even average 4 yards an attempt, but I'll cut CP a break on that one because the line was decimated. Even still, it's not hard for a fresh player to run for 4.0 yards/carry if he can break a few tackles now and then.

Playing behind a varying quality of OL, this guy has yet to post a YPC of less than 4.0 in any season.

Brian Westbrook Statistics - Pro-Football-Reference.com

I hope Zorn can help CP out a little bit by giving him a higher % of his touches in the passing game, where he will be getting hit by smaller players.