Smoot Lays the Smack Down: WAS @ SF

[GTripp0012]

Although Betts wasn't exactly bad in relief of Portis, it seems to be hard to find a situation where a team that isn't that great at running, like us in the 2nd half, can justify handing Betts the ball. He's too close to Portis. We don't have designed plays for Betts, because he's really just Portis lite. So a running play with Betts must seem like swallowing the bullet to Jim Zorn. We'll get Betts in the game a lot, but we're going to throw.

I'm not sure if that's the right call or not to change the run/pass ratio with Betts in, but it's certainly something we do.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Although Betts wasn't exactly bad in relief of Portis, it seems to be hard to find a situation where a team that isn't that great at running, like us in the 2nd half, can justify handing Betts the ball. He's too close to Portis. We don't have designed plays for Betts, because he's really just Portis lite. So a running play with Betts must seem like swallowing the bullet to Jim Zorn. We'll get Betts in the game a lot, but we're going to throw.

I'm not sure if that's the right call or not to change the run/pass ratio with Betts in, but it's certainly something we do.

My gripe is with not giving Betts the ball more early on in the year to keep Portis fresh for later on. I'd like to see a situation where Portis gets 15-20 carries and another guy gets a solid 10-15 per game.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

My gripe is with not giving Betts the ball more early on in the year to keep Portis fresh for later on. I'd like to see a situation where Portis gets 15-20 carries and another guy gets a solid 10-15 per game.

Exactly. On a per season basis, we've got to have long-term thinking, if that makes any sense. Just like you said, because Portis is fresh early on doesn't mean we should beat him into the dirt. KEEP him fresh. We need a complimentary RB capable of around 10 carries a game right from the get go. I don't know if that's Betts or not.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

My gripe is with not giving Betts the ball more early on in the year to keep Portis fresh for later on. I'd like to see a situation where Portis gets 15-20 carries and another guy gets a solid 10-15 per game.

I think it's just a product of the games being on the line all the time.

But ultimately, I agree with you. If we're going to struggle in the first quarter of every game anyway, might as well go three and out with Betts carrying the ball, and gradually move to Portis as the plays become more and more decisive.

[dmek25]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

I think it's just a product of the games being on the line all the time.

But ultimately, I agree with you. If we're going to struggle in the first quarter of every game anyway, might as well go three and out with Betts carrying the ball, and gradually move to Portis as the plays become more and more decisive.

this, and Betts consistantly putting the ball down. cant have it in close games( i.e. the 49er game)

[Warren85Ellard]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Although Betts wasn't exactly bad in relief of Portis, it seems to be hard to find a situation where a team that isn't that great at running, like us in the 2nd half, can justify handing Betts the ball. He's too close to Portis. We don't have designed plays for Betts, because he's really just Portis lite. So a running play with Betts must seem like swallowing the bullet to Jim Zorn. We'll get Betts in the game a lot, but we're going to throw.

I'm not sure if that's the right call or not to change the run/pass ratio with Betts in, but it's certainly something we do.

Agreed. We need a lightning quick guy like Sproles or Norwood to contrast Portis. Someone like Joe Washington! Betts needs 20 carries a game to be effective.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by Warren85Ellard

Agreed. We need a lightning quick guy like Sproles or Norwood to contrast Portis. Someone like Joe Washington! Betts needs 20 carries a game to be effective.

I believe Sproles is a FA after this year... and he's a sick return man too. I'd be surprised if SD let him get away, but I would love to have him. Dude is the flash.

[SeasonTicketHolder]

Originally Posted by GMScud

I believe Sproles is a FA after this year... and he's a sick return man too. I'd be surprised if SD let him get away, but I would love to have him. Dude is the flash.

We seem to be on the same page all the time, man.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by SeasonTicketHolder

We seem to be on the same page all the time, man.

It's the Jesuit education.

[SOUL-SKINS]

Originally Posted by GMScud

I believe Sproles is a FA after this year... and he's a sick return man too. I'd be surprised if SD let him get away, but I would love to have him. Dude is the flash.

Thanks for bringing up Sproles. I was afraid of getting blasted by everyone on the site. I've wanted Darren for a couple of years now. He's the best screen pass runner in the NFL. Which is perfect for the west coast offense.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by SOUL-SKINS

Thanks for bringing up Sproles. I was afraid of getting blasted by everyone on the site. I've wanted Darren for a couple of years now. He's the best screen pass runner in the NFL. Which is perfect for the west coast offense.

Don't ever worry about that. If you feel like you have a legitimate idea that you can convey intelligently (especially about addressing a need with a legit player in this case), don't be a afraid. This site wouldn't exist without opinions and speculation. Someone is always going to disagree. If they didn't this place would be pretty boring.

[theJBexperience]

Originally Posted by Warren85Ellard

Agreed. We need a lightning quick guy like Sproles or Norwood to contrast Portis. Someone like Joe Washington! Betts needs 20 carries a game to be effective.

I think you mean the Jets' Leon Washington. And you're right. He is an explosive back. We've got 3 backs with prett similar running styles. Portis USED to be the explosive back who could break one at any time.

I really wanted to replace Betts last year with Steve Slaton or any of the many talented RBs in last year's draft. There were lots of good backs available in the middle rounds. This year's draft, not so much. Several of you have brought it up, but Portis isn't getting any younger, and he's got a lot of mileage, not to mention he normally misses some games due to injury. He needs an heir apparent.

I think Darren Sproles would be the ideal guy for the Skins, but I don't think the Chargers will let him get away. They've already lost one great back to free agency, and they have a smart front office who understands LT can't shoulder the load himself and won't always be carrying the rock for them as effectively as he has.

Steven Jackson, Brandon Jacobs, and Marion Barber are going to be garnering all the attention and high dollar contracts. Maybe, the Skins can pry away Sproles. If not, I wonder if the Giants' Derrick Ward would fit in nicely. He's the speedy alternative to BJ in NY. And he's been very productive at times.

The Skins do definitely need to bolster the RB corp somehow though.