bigger role for Betts this year?

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by vallin21

His versaltility is his main strength, but he's been just mediocre after his good year in '06. I'm really hoping one of those backs we signed (Aldridge, Dorsey, Mason) step and become the #2 behind Portis.

How can you say he has been just average when he has not really had anough chances to judge him. It like they just throw him out there on a wim several times a game. They need to design a game plan that involves Betts and his strengths. I was actually surprised when he signed a new deal with us knowing that CP was going to be the starter.

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by vallin21

Last time I checked competion is when a bunch of guys compete to see whose the best, so if Betts looks bad in Training Camp and in Preseason you wouldn't think someone like Marcus Mason who could paly better than Betts, would then battle for the #2 job? You have to understand this is a "what have you done for me lately league" and Betts hasn't done alot when given the oppurtunity. No one should automatically assume anyone has a spot just because "Vinny said it in the offseason" or because Betts has been a #2 back for a few years, because things change. It doesn't matter what the coaches says in June, because this is the Offseason! Alot of coaches say shit in June, but their dead wrong come September. Until Training Camp starts we won't know anything about where the RB lineup stands. As for Portis I never compared Portis to Betts because that's irrelevant, all I said was when Betts is in the lineup he has been average at best.

I'm not assuming anything. I'm giving my opinion that i don't see those 3 guys as a threat to betts.

YOU assumed that they were signed to compete for the #2 spot, from what your post said, as if the coaches think Betts needs to be replaced. If what you meant to say was that they signed these guys because they want something more out of the rb position & potentially any of these guys could supplant Betts, and for that matter, Portis. Well, I agree w/you, and if you read my earlier post you'll see I mention that.

Basically anyone can be replaced at any time, but that's stating the obvious. You implied 3 guys were signed to specifically compete for the #2 spot. I disagree, but it goes w/out saying that it's possible for them to earn it.

[skinsfan69]

they're not even in pads. let's see if smith says the same thing when betts gets hit and fumbles. i like betts, always have but it's ota's. i don't care about anything until pads are on.

[GMScud]

I agree we need to spell CP, but Betts offers nothing new. I'd like to spell Portis with someone who can bring a change of pace to the offense. A scat back type of player. That's why I'm hoping Dorsey or Alridge pans out.

[53Fan]

I think the problem is the Skins haven't really implemented a 2 back system. Gibbs pretty much gave Portis free reign as far as when he was in the game or not. When Betts was put in the Ravens game last year, Portis got upset. I think we'll see some changes this year for the good of the offense and Betts will do a good job.

[Paintrain]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Yup same here, I don't see any of those guys as a real threat to Betts at all. In reality it would be a bit of a surprise to see any of them make the team.

Unless Aldridge is terrible in camp and/or shows he cannot be relied upon in the return game I can see them sticking with him over Rock. I don't think the Zorn regime has as much loyalty to Rock as the previous coach and they have all talked about seeking more explosiveness which Aldridge brings.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by GMScud

I agree we need to spell CP, but Betts offers nothing new. I'd like to spell Portis with someone who can bring a change of pace to the offense. A scat back type of player. That's why I'm hoping Dorsey or Alridge pans out.

Why do we need a change of pace if he is good at what he does?

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by firstdown

Why do we need a change of pace if he is good at what he does?

When Betts comes in, he's a downgrade in the running game. And that's the case for any RB on our roster when compared to CP, however at least a speed guy like an Alridge or Dorsey can bring a different dimension to the offense, a la Darren Sproles. A scat back kind of player that will give opposing defenses a different look. Betts is a fumble prone, slower version of Portis. He can give us a few quality carries per game, but he shouldn't be the only RB getting touches behind CP.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by GMScud

When Betts comes in, he's a downgrade in the running game. And that's the case for any RB on our roster when compared to CP, however at least a speed guy like an Alridge or Dorsey can bring a different dimension to the offense, a la Darren Sproles. A scat back kind of player that will give opposing defenses a different look. Betts is a fumble prone, slower version of Portis. He can give us a few quality carries per game, but he shouldn't be the only RB getting touches behind CP.

I think Betts is faster then Portis.

[diehardskin2982]

I would like them to use Betts and a speed guy more to spell- situational players you. As long as Betts isn't running into the linemans knees

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by diehardskin2982

I would like them to use Betts and a speed guy more to spell- situational players you. As long as Betts isn't running into the linemans knees

It was CP that always was falling down.

[Paintrain]

Originally Posted by firstdown

I think Betts is faster then Portis.

If you watch Betts run he's a lot of motion, arms and legs churning, but I don't think there's much debate that Portis is quicker, faster and stronger than Betts. There's a reason that one is a starter and the other is a backup.

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

If you watch Betts run he's a lot of motion, arms and legs churning, but I don't think there's much debate that Portis is quicker, faster and stronger than Betts. There's a reason that one is a starter and the other is a backup.

I'd argue that Betts is a little better when it comes to power running. Anyway watch out. With the line in better shape this year we'll be able to put virtually anyone in that backfield and do what we did at the beginning of last year. And yes I really do believe that Mike Williams is going to pan out.

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by Dirtbag359

I'd argue that Betts is a little better when it comes to power running. Anyway watch out. With the line in better shape this year we'll be able to put virtually anyone in that backfield and do what we did at the beginning of last year. And yes I really do believe that Mike Williams is going to pan out.

Betts mows down DBs like a power runner, especially catching passes out of the backfield. But between the tackles he disappoints a bit IMO.

...to his defense one thing I've always noticed, though don't have any stats to back this up, is Betts seeing contact behind the LOS far more than CP does. Now it's tempting to say the reason is Betts' is slower than CP, especially on sweeps. But watch CP closely when he swings out and u notice he rarely goes hard behind the LOS until he see the play develop, so I tend to think speed isn't the issue. My guess is when Betts spells CP the OL maybe takes a little break...maybe just a bit. Defenders can sneak in more often and wrap up his legs or at least slow him down.

I partly think this way cuz in '06 once Betts became "the guy" he didn't see as much contact behind the LOS, which gave him time to get some momentum and plan his cuts. And we know how that turned out...in the 2nd half of the season Mr Betts was 2nd in yardage only to Mr Tomlinson. Now if the guy could just develop a nose for the endzone like great RBs have I'd be a pretty big Betts guy.

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

On a good day I'd like to see Betts get at least 10 carries. Let him play a couple of series in a row to get in a groove. I'd rather see a healthy Portis at the end of the year with 1200 yards than a totally gassed Portis with 1500 yards. Come playoff time a broken down CP is going to be worthless.

Portis is going to complain about his role no matter what so the coach needs to force a lighter workload upon him and ignore the drama.

Betts just needs to hold onto the ball. I don't know how you find ways to get him the ball at less important junctures of the game because he always seems to find the worst possible moment to fumble.

I like the idea of giving Betts a full series or two because judging him on spot duty isn't fair to him.