New role for Portis-From SI.com

[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.

[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.

[skinsguy]

This is different offense than Gibb's offense. Zorn is hoping to involve Portis more in the passing game, which can hopefully allow us to effectively use Portis better than what we have in the past few seasons. Think in terms of Roger Craig and how he was used in San Fran in the 80's (if you're old enough to remember that.) It's the same way Zorn wants to use Portis, and I think it's a great idea.

I'm also still stumbled on how a 26 year old guy can be playing past his prime. I'm 33, you guys must think I'm ancient!

[chrisl4064]

I was wondering when this was going to happen. IMO Portis has been used incorrectly the entire time. I never saw him as a north to south runner. I think this change is actually what he wants being a quick back. I also get the feeling he is more excited about the new playbook and scheme and I think that will be seen out on the field in the form of stats, and most of all points.

[chrisl4064]

Originally Posted by chrisl4064

I was wondering when this was going to happen. IMO Portis has been used incorrectly the entire time. I never saw him as a north to south runner. I think this change is actually what he wants being a quick back. I also get the feeling he is more excited about the new playbook and scheme and I think that will be seen out on the field in the form of stats, and most of all points.

do you guys think "I" was used enough...?

[EternalEnigma21]

Originally Posted by chrisl4064

do you guys think "I" was used enough...?

tell me about it, that guy's a freakin idiot

[ArcticRed]

Originally Posted by chrisl4064

I was wondering when this was going to happen. IMO Portis has been used incorrectly the entire time. I never saw him as a north to south runner. I think this change is actually what he wants being a quick back. I also get the feeling he is more excited about the new playbook and scheme and I think that will be seen out on the field in the form of stats, and most of all points.

I agree with Chris. I think Portis was never a North South runner. I always called him a squirt back. I never saw him push a pile backward. I always saw him run INTO the pile then bounce off. I know he like to get low and squirt through the lineman legs to gain a few yards. I saw him do it alot in the first 2 years than the last 2. I never thought Portis was a Gibbs type of back. I thought Portis would be the weakest link for Gibbs 2.0. I should say that I believe Portis is an elite back in the NFL. I just thought he was never a good fit for what Gibbs likes to run. I think the last 4 years showed that. I do believe however that Zorn should make more use of Portis tremendous skills.


I would also like to say that this is my opinion, but I couldnt resist jumping on the "I" wagon. I hope you dont mind. :cheeky-sm

[Stuck in TX]

Sure, Clinton Portis in the passing game looks pretty good but lets not forget how Portis has helped us when he didnt even touch the ball. Splitting him out or sending him on a route will leave JC vulnerable. If they keep the same blocking schemes, which involved Portis as one of the best blocking RBs in the game, it will not be good. Portis is almost invaluable in the backfield as a blocker. No one works harder than him. It would be nice to see that hard work applied to running and recieving, but we are going to need someone esle to step up in the blocking aspect of the backfield.

[J.Campbell]

Originally Posted by Stuck in TX

Sure, Clinton Portis in the passing game looks pretty good but lets not forget how Portis has helped us when he didnt even touch the ball. Splitting him out or sending him on a route will leave JC vulnerable. If they keep the same blocking schemes, which involved Portis as one of the best blocking RBs in the game, it will not be good. Portis is almost invaluable in the backfield as a blocker. No one works harder than him. It would be nice to see that hard work applied to running and recieving, but we are going to need someone esle to step up in the blocking aspect of the backfield.

That someone else is actually a line, the offensive line.

[Stuck in TX]

Originally Posted by J.Campbell

That someone else is actually a line, the offensive line.

Just in case you are new to football, I will let you in on something. Clinton Portis is one of the best blocking backs in the league. Alot of the blocking schemes involve blocking in the backfield for delayed routes, FB traps, and dump passes to the TE. The article says that they will try to keep the blocking schemes the same so that Portis can have continuity and therefore excel in the passing game. If they are the same, then there must be slack picked up in backfield to compensate on the aforementioned same blocking schemes. My question, given this strange thing that I have never heard of called a "line" (SARCASM), is where will this slack be picked up, and whose going to do it?

[Redskin Jim]

Originally Posted by Stuck in TX

Just in case you are new to football, I will let you in on something. Clinton Portis is one of the best blocking backs in the league. Alot of the blocking schemes involve blocking in the backfield for delayed routes, FB traps, and dump passes to the TE. The article says that they will try to keep the blocking schemes the same so that Portis can have continuity and therefore excel in the passing game. If they are the same, then there must be slack picked up in backfield to compensate on the aforementioned same blocking schemes. My question, given this strange thing that I have never heard of called a "line" (SARCASM), is where will this slack be picked up, and whose going to do it?

Sellers, Betts, Cooley,insert hb/te here. I guess, in this hypothetical situation.

[Stuck in TX]

maybe motion to Cooley into the backfield on a single back formation and send Portis on an out route? I cant wait to see our offense. I have so many questions right now based on what Zorn has said.