C. Portis knee problems (1 Viewer)

[Diamond]

Betts posted significantly better numbers behind the exact same line.

But Betts did have a different QB. Campbell got the nod over Brunell the very same week that Betts took over for Portis (week 11). Brunell's arm was shot long before that point and opponents did not respect him. Now opponents may well not have respected Campbell's arm either, but they did at least have to pay attention to his mobility. I think the QB change was a significant factor in the stat discrepancies between Portis and Betts. We'll see.

 

[redman]

Betts posted significantly better numbers behind the exact same line. Maybe Betts isn't "really good ", but then what does that say about Portis?Betts is not a bad back, he is not the homerun threat Portis is. However, I still see Betts taking atleast 25% of the carries this year. We shall see soon enough.

75/25? Awesome!

Seriously. Especially on a team that figures to run 500+ times this year. I'm hoping for more of a 67/33 split as that should keep Portis fresh and healthy, and it would still get him around 300 carries.

 

[Nigel Tufnel]

Eff it. I put him in.

 

[BuddyKnuckles]

As a reluctant Portis owner, i would be more than happy with 300 carries and a full season from him. I think the main fear of most Portis owners is that this will turn into a Mike Shanahan RB circus where you never know who will even play. Good news is that i think Portis is just to good to keep off the field or to keep under 15 carries per game. It will certainly be interesting to see it play out.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Portis misses half a season and people forget how good he really is.....funny.

 

[Righetti]

Portis Is Healthy, Confident, Upbeat

'We're Going to Have Some Fun'

By Jason La Canfora

Washington Post Staff Writer

Friday, September 7, 2007; Page E01

Clinton Portis has a message for the NFL. Often injured the past year, he says he is back and healthy for a regular season game for the first time since 2005 -- when he set the franchise rushing record.

"Sunday, September 9; Sunday, September 9," he said yesterday at Redskins Park. "FedEx Field, 1 o'clock. Washington Redskins. Miami Dolphins. Clinton Portis will be there."

Perhaps no Redskin stirs such disparate passion among fans, with Portis revered by many for his toughness, explosiveness and outsize personality, but criticized for his flamboyant and provocative nature.

Portis's disdain for preseason games and training in general has privately rankled some teammates, who think he has been coddled by Coach Joe Gibbs during four years here. But all factions agree on one thing: As long as Portis racks up the 100-yard games, everything else will be forgiven.

As much as Portis, 26, basks in the limelight, he is aware of how fleeting the attention can be. The career arc for a top running back is particularly short and Portis was a workhorse his first two seasons here. In 2004-2005, only two NFL running backs had more carries than Portis (Shaun Alexander and Rudi Johnson), and last year injuries meant Portis never really was himself on the field.

Now, not even two offseason surgeries (hand and shoulder) and a bout of knee tendinitis that began in May and returned the first week of camp -- keeping him out of practice from July 30 until last week -- will deter him now ("I've got no limitations, I feel fine," Portis said).

Gibbs has been unequivocal about Portis starting Sunday, even with backup Ladell Betts coming off a 1,000-yard season. Although Betts stands to figure prominently, Portis said he could handle his usual workload of 20 to 25 carries.

"I think I can handle any workload that's given to me," Portis said. "Whatever is given to me, that's what I can handle. I'm not going to pout and ask for more, and I'm not going to complain and say I need less. When they call my number I'll respond."

Portis said he plans to head to the sideline as often as necessary and has no problem sharing the backfield with Betts. "Me and Ladell are going to coexist," Portis said. "We're going to have fun."

The medical staff advised prolonged rest for the tendinitis and Gibbs has been pleased by the early results. "I don't think we had any flare-ups or anything, so hopefully we made the right decision and got that thing healed up," Gibbs said.

His teammates offer varying opinions on what is a reasonable expectation for Portis, given the length of his absence.

"Everybody is second-guessing him because of his injury; I don't second-guess him none at all," fullback Mike Sellers said. "He doesn't have to practice at all in the preseason and it doesn't matter to me because I know he knows what he has to do, so I know its going to be like 'I told you so' after the game."

Center Casey Rabach said that to expect Portis to be able to rush 25 times or reach 100 yards Sunday may be ambitious. "That would be nice, obviously, but I think that's high and lofty goals for it. The good thing is we've got Ladell and him, and Ladell's been working all through camp."

Portis believes his preseason inactivity is no hindrance and, in fact, his predicament is not unlike the rest of the league. "Who is in football shape until Week 3 or 4?" Portis asked, before offering his own answer: "There's not going to be a player in the league in football condition. Everybody's going to be in the same boat."

A year ago, after Portis missed most of the preseason with a dislocated shoulder, Gibbs surprised many by playing him in Week 1. He rushed 10 times for 39 yards, missed the next game and never recovered, forced often to the sideline because of conditioning and injuries. He went on the injured reserve list after the ninth game with a broken hand.

While there was speculation about Portis's standing this offseason, Gibbs was adamant that he had no desire to part with him, considering him as vital as any player on the team. Quips about Portis's standing with Gibbs and his input in player acquisitions are common -- "I'm just glad I'm on the roster because of Clinton," starting quarterback Jason Campbell joked this week, referring to Portis as the team's "assistant vice president" -- and while the remarks are good-natured, some defensive players in particular have chafed about what seems to be a different standard for the star.

There is no dispute that for all that he has accomplished here, Portis, acquired for cornerback Champ Bailey and a second-round pick in 2004, has not come close to matching his output in Denver.

In two years with the Broncos -- who routinely coax 1,000 yards out of backs -- Portis averaged 5.5 yards per carry with 29 rushing touchdowns in 29 games, for an average of one score every 19 rushes. In Washington he has averaged 4.1 yards per carry with 23 rushing touchdowns in 39 games, with an average of one touchdown every 36 rushes.

The NFL average the past three seasons is 4.1 yards per carry, and one touchdown for every 35 rushing attempts.

Portis's salary in the coming years is anything but average, of course. It jumps from a non-guaranteed base of $595,000 this season to $5 million in 2008, then $6.6 million, $7.7 million and $8.8 million in 2011. Portis has intimated at times about the nomadic nature of the game, and how even former local icons such as linebacker LaVar Arrington have moved on.

No better time than now to make a declaration about his future, to prove that the injuries are a blip in the past and not a sign of things to come.

"If we don't win, this could be it for a lot of people," Portis said. "If I'm not doing what I'm supposed to do, then there's going to be a lot of things that change around here."

 

[shadyridr]

I gotta admit all this talk has me pumped for Sunday. I was on the fence between Portis and Peterson but now I am 100% sure of keeping Portis in the lineup.

 

[Ayok]

I gotta admit all this talk has me pumped for Sunday. I was on the fence between Portis and Peterson but now I am 100% sure of keeping Portis in the lineup.

I am still very divided between Portis and Caddy. I am starting Ahman Green over Portis in another league, however.

 

[JPeso]

I gotta admit all this talk has me pumped for Sunday. I was on the fence between Portis and Peterson but now I am 100% sure of keeping Portis in the lineup.

I am still very divided between Portis and Caddy. I am starting Ahman Green over Portis in another league, however.

If you need a safe play (if you have a guy like S-Jax or LT on this team) play Caddy. If not, Portis for the $$$

 

[Arm Chair Express]

I am not "betting" Portis will be on IR by any certain time, but i wouldn't be suprised if he made it there at some point. Even if Portis doesn't get hurt, he will not even get 75% of the carries this year due to how well Betts performed last year and the fact that if they do have a shot, they will need Portis healthy at the end of the year and into the playoffs. just mho

LT didn't get 75% of the carries last year. In fact, most RB's don't get 75% of the carries. Why should that be an issue? Did 75% just sound like a good #?

75% of 28-30 carries a game for Washington is 21-22 carries a game for Portis and 7-8 for Betts, which is pretty much what I've been predicting. I'd definately take that, wouldn't you?

 

[redman]

I gotta admit all this talk has me pumped for Sunday. I was on the fence between Portis and Peterson but now I am 100% sure of keeping Portis in the lineup.

I am still very divided between Portis and Caddy. I am starting Ahman Green over Portis in another league, however.

If you need a safe play (if you have a guy like S-Jax or LT on this team) play Caddy. If not, Portis for the $$$

Caddy's flying across country to play in one of the tougher NFL venues in Seattle right now. No way do I think he's a good play right now, though I like his value this year. I think if there's a game in which Portis absolutely goes off against a relatively stout defense, it's this one. Portis has listened to 13 months of people calling him fragile, injury prone, unreliable, washed up, overused, etc. I think he wants to break out and explode, and IMHO Gibbs and Saunders will give him every opportunity to do so. After all, the bigger the impact that Portis can make in week 1, the less defenses can key on their young QB, Campbell. The only doubt I have at all in Portis at this point relates more to the left side of the offensive line - Samuels sat out the entire preseason because of a knee tweak, and Kendall is still new to the team; they've never played together in a game.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Odd how its September the 7th and Portis is healthy and feels great

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Odd how its September the 7th and Portis is healthy and feels great

I'm going to wait until after Sunday's game to start gloating in this thread.

 

[dgreen]

The only doubt I have at all in Portis at this point relates more to the left side of the offensive line - Samuels sat out the entire preseason because of a knee tweak, and Kendall is still new to the team; they've never played together in a game.

It's funny how Portis missing a ton of practice and preseason games is such a concern, but noboy mentions Samuels. Samuels has admitted he expects to have some difficulty in week one, especially with some technique. And, we certainly don't know how Kendall will do yet.

 

[Sheriff66]

Read this post from a Skins homer on another board, makes me feel a lot better about taking Portis this year....

Skins homer who has never been so sick of talking about a player on my own team as I am about Ladell Betts. Some things that I will point out for the umpteenth time.1. For all of you who think Portis was just a product of the Denver system consider this. No Rbs in Denver put up the numbers that Portis did in consecutive seasons except for Terrell Davis who had the benefit of playing with John Elway. Other guys like Mike Anderson and Olandis Gary enjoyed nice seasons but nothing compared to the back to back numbers Portis put up in his 2 years there. 1,000 yard seasons are not all that special anymore but Portis is a guy w/ 3 1500 yard seasons and 3 double digit TD seasons in a 5 year career. He's 26.2. I dont see how he's any more injury prone than just about every other RB in the NFL. The only significant injury of his career was a separated shoulder that he got while slamming a guy to the ground after an interception in pre-season. He would have played through the broken hand that ended his season early last year if not for the fact that the Skins were already out of the playoffs and the team wanted him to get shoulder surgery early. For the rest of his career he missed 1 game in 2004 and missed 3 games in 2003, the last 2 of which he was held out simply b/c Denver had locked up their playoff position. The knee tendonitis is not even an injury. Basically Portis had some mild inflammation in his knee, he always wanted to sit out pre-season anyway, and this was his excuse to save himself for the season. Gibbs made sure to continue to mention it b/c he's an old school coach and wanted to give everyone a reason for why Portis wasnt participating in all the pre-season work. Portis was still at Redskin Park every day working in one way or another.3. For all of you who think Ladell Betts is so good consier this. Like Surferskin said "did you watch the games?" Betts is an above avg. backup and thats it. Period. This will be his 6th year in the league and last season was the first time he made any noise. He has NEVER averaged more than 4 ypc in consecutive seasons. He has scored a grand total of 9 rushing TDs in his career. The longest rush of his career is 27 yards and he fumbled in 5 of the last 8 games, several of them coming at key moments in games. And everyone likes to point to Portis recent injuries but last year was the healthiest Betts has ever been. He has constantly been nicked up throughout his career.Last season he took advantage of the opportunity and played well BUT all Skins fans who know football and actually WATCHED the games could see that the offensive line was playing much better, Campbell even as a young QB was a huge improvement over Brunell, and that Portis would have done even more with the running lanes that Betts had. Betts did what he was suppose to do as a backup in the NFL. Play well when the oppotunity presents itself.4. Those that think Betts contract is significant in any way dont really know what their talking about. He got a 5 year deal POTENTIALLY worth up to 11 million total. 5 mil is guaranteed. Thats good money for a backup but thats about it. Everyone knows that Snyder doles out money more than any other owner in the NFL. By comparison Chris Cooley just signed a 6 year deal worth 30 million. Micheal Turner, another backup RB, got a one year deal for 2.35 mil. Again, Betts deal is good for a backup but not significant at all, especially considering that teams know they need 2 good Rbs in todays NFL and with the big increase in the total cap.5. The quote that Mike Wise is talking about where Gibbs says that Betts will get more early work in the Miami game was from the Redskins radio show. What Gibbs said was that Portis would start but he would IMAGINE that Betts make get more of the early work since Clinton missed a lot of time in the pre-season and his game conditioning may not be up to speed yet. He went on to say that Portis is good about letting them know when he needs a breather. Gibbs also mentioned that Ladanian Tomlinson doesnt get any work in the pre-season and when one of the radio host said that if Portis had a good season that he wouldnt want to participate in future pre-seasons. Gibbs responding by saying that would be his hope that Portis has a great season.

 

[salmonstud]

I suspect that after Portis cranks out 100 yards rushing & a TD this week that this 17 page thread will die and receed into the night.

 

[-jb-]

I suspect that after Portis cranks out 100 yards rushing & a TD this week that this 17 page thread will die and receed into the night...

...or be bumped with reckless abandon.

 

[dgreen]

I am not "betting" Portis will be on IR by any certain time, but i wouldn't be suprised if he made it there at some point. Even if Portis doesn't get hurt, he will not even get 75% of the carries this year due to how well Betts performed last year and the fact that if they do have a shot, they will need Portis healthy at the end of the year and into the playoffs. just mho

LT didn't get 75% of the carries last year. In fact, most RB's don't get 75% of the carries. Why should that be an issue? Did 75% just sound like a good #?

75% of 28-30 carries a game for Washington is 21-22 carries a game for Portis and 7-8 for Betts, which is pretty much what I've been predicting. I'd definately take that, wouldn't you?

Since 2004, Portis and Betts have appeared in 30 games together. In those games, Portis accounted for 650 carries and Betts 191. So, Portis had 77% of the Portis/Betts carries and Betts had 23%. In division games, Portis is up to about 80% (76% in non-division games). (I can see Portis splitting some more carries week one against Miami than he will weeks 2 and 3 against Philly and NY.)On a per game basis, the carries have been approximately a 22/6 split. My assumption is they'll have more combined carries this season and we'll more of a 20/10 split on average.

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

Odd how its September the 7th and Portis is healthy and feels great

 

[shuke]

Portis misses half a season and people forget how good he really is.....funny.

Portis will be a top 5 back this year.

 

[Biabreakable]

burp.

 

[Sabertooth]

Portis or Green? Green or Portis? Hmmmmmm.......Portis!

 

[ImTheScientist]

Just waiting for sunday

 

[kensat30]

Forget about how far Portis fell and the risk associated with drafting him. Is anyone reckless enough to BENCH Portis this weekend?

 

[joffer]

Forget about how far Portis fell and the risk associated with drafting him. Is anyone reckless enough to BENCH Portis this weekend?

benching him in 3 of 4 leagues

 

[TheDirtyWord]

Deciding between Portis & Jacobs...

Leaning toward a wait & see aproach, especially against a solid defense like MIA.

 

[One]

Deciding between Portis & Jacobs...Leaning toward a wait & see aproach, especially against a solid defense like MIA.

FWIW, I'm starting Portis over Jacobs.

 

[Sheriff66]

Deciding between Portis & Jacobs...Leaning toward a wait & see aproach, especially against a solid defense like MIA.

I'm in the same boat, Jacobs or Portis...have Jacobs in there now, might just give it a week to confim Portis' knee then go from there, just to be on the safe side. Already had Manning go off for me...

 

[KoolKat]

Forget about how far Portis fell and the risk associated with drafting him. Is anyone reckless enough to BENCH Portis this weekend?

benching him in 3 of 4 leagues

In favor of who?

 

[ghawk]

Deciding between Portis & Jacobs...Leaning toward a wait & see aproach, especially against a solid defense like MIA.

I'm in the same boat, Jacobs or Portis...have Jacobs in there now, might just give it a week to confim Portis' knee then go from there, just to be on the safe side. Already had Manning go off for me...

I'm in the sma boat as you guys. I have to decide between Portis and Jacobs. For right now I have Portis in there, but this might change.

 

[shadyridr]

Forget about how far Portis fell and the risk associated with drafting him. Is anyone reckless enough to BENCH Portis this weekend?

ONLY reason Id think about it is cuz they ARE playing a top 5 run defense from last year. That being said Im starting him.

 

[joffer]

Forget about how far Portis fell and the risk associated with drafting him. Is anyone reckless enough to BENCH Portis this weekend?

benching him in 3 of 4 leagues

In favor of who?

A Green (ppr)Deuce MBIII (i'm still debating this one, I think Dallas puts up 30+ on the Gints, and Washington will struggle to score 14 against Miami)

 

[Big Dumb Ape]

Starring him in one league, have him on the bench behind Edge in another. Thinking about making the switch.

 

[Pound]

Benching him in favor of Rudi and Edge, mostly because of the matchup. I wouldn't be surprised if Portis has a good day tho.

 

[Dirty Weasel]

In a 10-teamer, I am starting Westbrook, Henry, and my flex is Ahman. Sadly, I wish Ahman had a tougher game so I could tell myself to put Portis in my lineup.

 

[BigTex]

Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough and I know I won't be able to sleep tonight. Portis is going to rip it up!

 

[thaas]

Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough and I know I won't be able to sleep tonight. Portis is going to rip it up!

Do you really believe that??I reading he will start but will only get half the carries

 

[mad sweeney]

Forget about how far Portis fell and the risk associated with drafting him. Is anyone reckless enough to BENCH Portis this weekend?

I ended up with Portis as my RB3 and started Bush over him. My RB2/RB3 may be switching week to week.

 

[Zero Cool]

I'm still torn between Portis and DeAngelo Williams since Williams is running against STL defense.

 

[Stealthycat]

I'm behind 40 points thanks to Manning/Wayne in one league

Portis is a risky start, capable of BLOWING IT UP and thus, I'm starting him. Playing it safe from 40 points down isn't smart, risky boom/bust is the way I'm going.

If I were up 40 points ? I'd start another RB, even Lamont Jordan, and play it safe

 

[mt99808]

I'm still torn between Portis and DeAngelo Williams since Williams is running against STL defense.

I have LT, Portis, Peterson and Foster. I thought about going with Foster against the Rams too as a "safe play" but I'm leaning towards Portis.

 

[thaas]

So if you guys had to choose between, Caddy playing at Seattle, Thomas Jones(listed as questionable) at home against the Pats, or Portis who would you choose?

 

[ImTheScientist]

Forget about how far Portis fell and the risk associated with drafting him. Is anyone reckless enough to BENCH Portis this weekend?

ONLY reason Id think about it is cuz they ARE playing a top 5 run defense from last year. That being said Im starting him.

Bush and McAllister played the worst run defense from last year and they SUCKED! I wouldn't put too much stock into last years rankings.

 

[lawrence phillips]

So if you guys had to choose between, Caddy playing at Seattle, Thomas Jones(listed as questionable) at home against the Pats, or Portis who would you choose?

Portis. I would probably go jones if he plays and won't be limited though. I may be biased though b/c I am a skins fan and I was burned by Caddy last year.

 

[KoolKat]

I thought about benching him for Julius Jones b/c of the Giants matchup. Then I came to my senses. I'm also benching Caddy in favor of Portis.

 

[ffnut]

Forget about how far Portis fell and the risk associated with drafting him. Is anyone reckless enough to BENCH Portis this weekend?

Nope - how can I make a post in my league thanking everyone for passing on him 4 times if I bench him???

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

I'm still torn between Portis and DeAngelo Williams since Williams is running against STL defense.

Foster is the starter for Carolina, while Portis is the starter for Washington. CP might not get his full share due to him missing time with the knee, but he's by far a better runningback than DWilliams. I would start CP. Just my

 

[fatness]

I'm torn between Portis and Riggins. Portis is a breakaway threat but he's always injured. I'm leaning to Riggins because I think he's tougher and plays well when hung over. My friend's sister's boyfriend saw Riggins closing a bar at 2 am last night. Who do I start?

TIA will answer yours.

 

[richn]

Benching him in favor of edge as RB #2.......I want to see how he plays

 

[redman]

I'm torn between Portis and Riggins. Portis is a breakaway threat but he's always injured. I'm leaning to Riggins because I think he's tougher and plays well when hung over. My friend's sister's boyfriend saw Riggins closing a bar at 2 am last night. Who do I start?TIA will answer yours.

This is an early game on Sunday afternoon. You need a guy who knows how to nurse a hangover, and even puke through his facemask if that's what it takes. Go with Riggins. He's even been known to pee on himself. Triple threat.