Clinton Portis -- 2010 and beyond (1 Viewer)

[gianmarco]

Talk about a complete nosedive in value. I recently saw a dynasty startup where he went in the 18th round. 18th!!

The guy is still only 28 years old. I know he's had the "mileage" on him, but in reality, he's actually had far less than LT did after his 8th year (2657 vs. 2176) not to mention less overall touches due to passing game. He also only played half a year in 2006 and sparingly last year as well.

The question is are we dismissing him too early?

--Does he remain in Washington this year? There are rumors of him being cut due to lack of cap penalty

--If he doesn't, where does he go?

--Does Washington use a high draft pick at RB this year? If not, what does that do to Portis's value?

I'm not saying this guy is going to return to stardom, but is he a great buy low? What if some team like Houston or Seattle were to bring him in? What if he still remains the clear starter in Washington? There's just so little discussion about him and that whole situation and I think it's easily one of the ones that could provide great value.

 

[D'OHtis]

I don't value him much more than Jamal Lewis a year or two ago. Perhaps you get 1 more year decent year, but the tank is nearing empty.

 

[TS Garp]

He's looked pretty mediocre since half-way through the 2008 season and he'll be 29 when the season opens. Given how much tread he has on his tires, we'll likely never see the same back. That said, I agree that he could potentially represent value. He'd definitely be interesting in Houston and even if he stays in Washington.

 

[Donnybrook]

Clinton Portis 2010 salary is almost all guaranteed. Portis will cost Washington 6.43 M whether he is traded or released. He will cost the team 7.2 M if he stays in Washington. IMO, that is alot of dead money but I am not Daniel Snyder.

 

[No Way Jose]

I think he stays in Washington and becomes a top 20 back in Shanahans system for 2010. I think Shanahan has proven that you don't have to be the best back in the league to do well with his team. This is obviously a very optimistic outlook.

 

[phthalatemagic]

I think we will never see the old Clinton Portis again. You mentioned Houston as a possible stop for him, but in a Tomlinson thread the GM or owner for Houston stated he wasn't interested in signing older RBs to the team. I don't think he gets cut, but If Taylor retires, could we see him in Minnesota? Or Kansas City? Who is behind Charles?

 

[Mister CIA]

I don't value him much more than Jamal Lewis a year or two ago. Perhaps you get 1 more year decent year, but the tank is nearing empty.

It's disrespectful to compare Portis to Jamal Lewis. How about we compare him to Shaun Alexander instead.

 

[Dave Larkin]

I own Portis and he is more of a headache than anything else right now. I'm not expecting much production from him and the second he shows a little productivity, I'll jettison him for whatever I can get.

 

[Couch Potato]

The OL was hit hard with injuries last year, and Portis had a lot of nagging injuries himself before his knockout blow, the concussion. Despite all that he still ran for a 4.0 YPC, not good by his standards but still better than Cartwright and Ganther who followed him trying to run behind that depleted OL. If he checks out OK from the concussion and the OL is back together I see no reason he can't do the job once again.

To me the real issue is his mouth and the fact that he threw both QB Campbell and FB Sellers under the bus, and whether the team views him as a too much of a malcontent to keep around. It's hard to be sure at this time of year how much of the things teams say is truth and how much is camouflage preceding the draft, but as someone posted above there's a lot of guaranteed money involved here and for now the talk is Portis will likely be staying.

But the Skins will also be looking for help in the draft and/or free agency. Betts tore his ACL and MCL in mid-November and will be 31 at the start of the season, and is likely to be finished in Washington. Ganther and Mason did not show they can take over a lead role and probably not even the lesser part of RBBC. New legs will be arriving I'm pretty sure, and Portis' expected workload will be determined by who those new legs belong to.

 

[Sidewinder16]

If he checks out OK from the concussion and the OL is back together I see no reason he can't do the job once again.

FWIW, this just isn't going to happen, at least IMO. Dockery (LG) and Rabach © will be the only returning linemen with a shot to win a starting job, and I think there's a good chance someone could be brought in to compete with at least Rabach. Injuries were a big problem last year but the 'Skins OL woes go deeper than that. There isn't one OL currently on the roster (outside of maybe Dockery) that doesn't have significant injury, age and/or talent issues.

To me the real issue is his mouth and the fact that he threw both QB Campbell and FB Sellers under the bus, and whether the team views him as a too much of a malcontent to keep around.

It was reported, around the end of the season, that one Redskin player said, in effect, that Portis was the worst teammate he'd ever had, and that that sentiment was held by more than just that one player. There may be some burnt or burning bridges among the players, although a new front office and coaching staff could iron out a lot of the problems Portis created previously.

New legs will be arriving I'm pretty sure, and Portis' expected workload will be determined by who those new legs belong to.

100% agree. One of the first FA moves made by Bruce Allen (new GM) was the signing of P.J. Hill near the end of last season. I'm also sure Shanahan will target a FA or draft pick on at least one more RB to come in and compete with any incumbents still around for OTAs.

 

[TS Garp]

If he checks out OK from the concussion and the OL is back together I see no reason he can't do the job once again.

FWIW, this just isn't going to happen, at least IMO. Dockery (LG) and Rabach © will be the only returning linemen with a shot to win a starting job, and I think there's a good chance someone could be brought in to compete with at least Rabach. Injuries were a big problem last year but the 'Skins OL woes go deeper than that. There isn't one OL currently on the roster (outside of maybe Dockery) that doesn't have significant injury, age and/or talent issues.

To me the real issue is his mouth and the fact that he threw both QB Campbell and FB Sellers under the bus, and whether the team views him as a too much of a malcontent to keep around.

It was reported, around the end of the season, that one Redskin player said, in effect, that Portis was the worst teammate he'd ever had, and that that sentiment was held by more than just that one player. There may be some burnt or burning bridges among the players, although a new front office and coaching staff could iron out a lot of the problems Portis created previously.

New legs will be arriving I'm pretty sure, and Portis' expected workload will be determined by who those new legs belong to.

100% agree. One of the first FA moves made by Bruce Allen (new GM) was the signing of P.J. Hill near the end of last season. I'm also sure Shanahan will target a FA or draft pick on at least one more RB to come in and compete with any incumbents still around for OTAs.

Good info -- thanks. The Redskins lost a lot of close games last year and I think they showed a ton of heart for a team that was as ravaged by injuries as I can remember. They're my pick to surprise in a big way next season.

 

[dgreen]

...Portis had a lot of nagging injuries...

That's one way to say it. The other is to say that he wasn't in shape. Some think Shanahan will give Portis a "Be in shape or else" message this year. IF he's in shape and can stay healthy, I think he can be affective behind a good OL. Will he have a good OL? Will he be more affective than the competition they bring in? There's a lot of uncertainty, IMO. Many think there's no uncertainty and that he's done. I think he can be good again, but some important things need to change.

 

[Don Quixote]

I can see the Skins signing someone this offseason and eating into his carries. I think someone like Norwood would be perfect -- natural ZBS RB -- but not sure how easy he will be for the Skins to get.

 

[crazy8]

If he's let go from the Skins could you imagine his fantasy value if he went to New England !

Remember the numbers Corey Dillon put up there at the later stage of his career.

Portis is one tough football player..watch him play he lays it on the line running, blocking,

tackling which is how he was injured a few years back.

I agree his career is winding down and don't think with Campbell at QB he will put up big

numbers again unless he's dealt to a team with a good QB.

 

[blend]

I wonder if Shanny will be interested in trying to get the Torain train going??? Pretty sure he was released by Denver, but I'm not sure. No idea how (or if) he recovered from his ACL.

 

[Couch Potato]

I wonder if Shanny will be interested in trying to get the Torain train going??? Pretty sure he was released by Denver, but I'm not sure. No idea how (or if) he recovered from his ACL.

He was released last preseason (waived/injured) by Denver.I Google News his name from time to time, last season and since, and get not one mention of any interest in him anywhere. I just did so prior to this post for completeness' sake, and once again nada. Very weird to me he isn't at least on a practice squad somewhere, but I guess teams just feel he cannot stay healthy.

 

[blend]

I wonder if Shanny will be interested in trying to get the Torain train going??? Pretty sure he was released by Denver, but I'm not sure. No idea how (or if) he recovered from his ACL.

He was released last preseason (waived/injured) by Denver.I Google News his name from time to time, last season and since, and get not one mention of any interest in him anywhere. I just did so prior to this post for completeness' sake, and once again nada. Very weird to me he isn't at least on a practice squad somewhere, but I guess teams just feel he cannot stay healthy.

I thought Shanny really liked him and I can imagine him bringing Torain in to "compete." But, as someone mentioned above, the new regime already has brought in PJ Hill, maybe they chose him rather than give Torain another shot.

 

[Couch Potato]

I wonder if Shanny will be interested in trying to get the Torain train going??? Pretty sure he was released by Denver, but I'm not sure. No idea how (or if) he recovered from his ACL.

He was released last preseason (waived/injured) by Denver.I Google News his name from time to time, last season and since, and get not one mention of any interest in him anywhere. I just did so prior to this post for completeness' sake, and once again nada. Very weird to me he isn't at least on a practice squad somewhere, but I guess teams just feel he cannot stay healthy.

I thought Shanny really liked him and I can imagine him bringing Torain in to "compete." But, as someone mentioned above, the new regime already has brought in PJ Hill, maybe they chose him rather than give Torain another shot.

The last reports on him were that he worked out for Miami in late Sept, and then Green Bay a couple weeks later in Oct, and nothing came of either workout, not even a practice squad add. Apparently by then he was healthy. Who knows, he may still surface, but after most of the last two years out of football now it would be a real uphill climb to stick somewhere.http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpag...Nfl&id=4809

i remember owning him a couple years ago and being so giddy when he got that one start and did so well early in the game, only to go down with injury. Bummer.

 

[Routilla]

Wouldn't it be ironic if Shanny traded him back to Denver?

 

[JohnnyU]

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan strongly indicated Friday that Clinton Portis will return as the team's starting tailback in 2010.

"He's our running back," Shanahan said. "I expect him to be in great shape and do everything he can to be the best player," the new coach added. "If he does that, I know what type of ability he has. Hopefully, he can help us win." The Skins are apparently convinced that, despite a ton of wear and tear, the 28-year-old Portis can regain form in their zone-blocking scheme. Feb. 26 - 1:42 pm et

Source: FOX Sports

 

[duckhook]

Clinton Portis 2010 salary is almost all guaranteed. Portis will cost Washington 6.43 M whether he is traded or released. He will cost the team 7.2 M if he stays in Washington. IMO, that is alot of dead money but I am not Daniel Snyder.

Locker room cancer. Teammates hate him. Shanny traded him when he was good.Very likely to be released. Money is no big deal. Heck, they paid Brandon Lloyd $4M last year, and he's be gone for a while.

 

[TS Garp]

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan strongly indicated Friday that Clinton Portis will return as the team's starting tailback in 2010."He's our running back," Shanahan said. "I expect him to be in great shape and do everything he can to be the best player," the new coach added. "If he does that, I know what type of ability he has. Hopefully, he can help us win." The Skins are apparently convinced that, despite a ton of wear and tear, the 28-year-old Portis can regain form in their zone-blocking scheme. Feb. 26 - 1:42 pm etSource: FOX Sports

Notice the "if." I'm not reading into this beyond being a motivational quote.

 

[travdogg]

Whether he stays in Washingotn or goes elsewhere, I highly doubt Portis will be fantasy relevant again. He's basically a less powerful Larry Johnson at this point.

He knees seem shot, he has an attitude problem and he's become injury prone. Best case scenario is he averages close to 4 YPC, unless he's on an offensive juggernaut(like LT was this year) and gets constant short yardage duty, I don't imagine him being startable in anything but the deepest of leagues.

Despite Shanny saying Portis will likely be the guy, I very much expect them to bring in someone to take the starting job from Portis, they won't have to look very hard.

 

[Donnybrook]

Clinton Portis 2010 salary is almost all guaranteed. Portis will cost Washington 6.43 M whether he is traded or released. He will cost the team 7.2 M if he stays in Washington. IMO, that is alot of dead money but I am not Daniel Snyder.

Locker room cancer. Teammates hate him. Shanny traded him when he was good.Very likely to be released. Money is no big deal. Heck, they paid Brandon Lloyd $4M last year, and he's be gone for a while.

That is why I thought Washington might be willing to trade Portis to San Diego for Cromartie. I don't think much of Cromartie as a player so I believe that San Diego is getting the better end of the deal. At least washington could control his destination if they traded him. He could sign with Philly if they let him go as a free agent.

 

[Sweet Love]

I was listening to Shanny on Sirius this morning and he seemed a lot more bullish on Portis being with the team versus Campbell. This could just be the way he was talking but there seemed to be an "aire" of how he expected Portis to be the man versus Campbell, whom he was "evaluating the position". Both could be gone when all is said and done, but interesting nonetheless.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

I was listening to Shanny on Sirius this morning and he seemed a lot more bullish on Portis being with the team versus Campbell. This could just be the way he was talking but there seemed to be an "aire" of how he expected Portis to be the man versus Campbell, whom he was "evaluating the position". Both could be gone when all is said and done, but interesting nonetheless.

Yep. Portis is so undervalued right now......he can be had for peanuts. Strong buy, at a very cheap price.

 

[Sweetness_34]

For those interested in understanding Portis' value, I just traded FOR him in a PPR Dynasty.

I gave up: 2010 1.08 draft pick; Brian Brohm (QB/Bills); Justin Fargas (RB/Raiders); Justin Gage (WR/Titans)

Trade partner gave up: 2010 1.12 draft pick; Clinton Portis

If Portis does not pan out, all I did was move down 4 spots in this year's draft....do not see it as a big deal. But I like the upside even if he gets one more good year for me.

 

[Grahamburn]

How's he been looking in OTAs?

With the addition of McNabb, three offensive linemen in the draft, two more in free agency, a nice schedule against the run, and Shanahan calling the plays we could see a Clinton Portis resurgence in 2010.

His ADP is 85 (RB36) in standard leagues and 114 (RB43) in PPR leagues. As the starter I would think he should outperform this draft position.

ETA: And now they've added Jamaal Brown.

 

[Grahamburn]

A :( from dgreen in the Washington Redskins spotlight thread.

Quotes from Kyle Shanahan:QUOTE "First thing with a third down back is you want a guy who can block. We have the best blocker as a back in Clinton Portis that I've ever been around," he said. "So I think we do have a third down back."QUOTE "You would always love to have that bonus as a coach, have some catching guys, stuff like that. But that's just a bonus," Shanahan said. "That's not necessarily what you're trying to win games with...But what you've got to have is a guy who can block and pick up protections. And we've got that."Previously, Shanahan had also said that Portis is the #1 back. Then this:QUOTE "We honestly don't even talk about it. We haven't even talked about Clinton being the first. I just said that because I assume he is," Shanahan said. "It really doesn't matter. Whoever is best for that defense that week. There's no two or three. There's really no four or five. Bobby Turner, he's as good as any running back coach there ever was. He's got his way of working with those guys. He'll throw our last guy in with the second group sometimes to get that guy going, help someone out. So no one really knows until cuts come."So, right now, Shanahan sees Portis as filling the 3rd down role. Of course, he references his blocking abilities and doesn't necessarily say that role will lead to a lot of receptions. But, it could be how Portis reaches a decent number of touches.

 

[Todem]

It's clear to me (and should be to everyone else for that matter) that Johnson/Portis is the two headed monster for this season in Washington. I think they go with the hot hand in the game. If both backs are 100% they both bring different skills to the table.

With McNabb at QB this can open up some running lanes this season for both guy's. I also like Moss (if healthy) to have his best season in a long time.

 

[Grahamburn]

Clinton Portis:

Career touches- 2176 carries, 242 receptions.

Age- 9/1/81

Larry Johnson:

Career touches- 1553 carries, 166 receptions.

Age- 11/19/79

Is it the age or the mileage that makes these guys break down? Portis has 623 more carries and 76 more catches, which is basically an additional two seasons of wear and tear on his body to make up for the 2 year age advantage he has on LJ.

Portis has to have the edge right now because of his relationship with Snyder and Shanahan, familiarity with the system, and his ability as a 3rd down back. From what has been said around Redskins' camp Portis is the starter unless LJ can take it away from him.

Better QB, better coach, better blocking, and motivation. He seems like a valuable player that can be had as a RB4 considering his ADP in drafts right now.

 

[dgreen]

Portis has to have the edge right now because of his relationship with Snyder and Shanahan, familiarity with the system, and his ability as a 3rd down back. From what has been said around Redskins' camp Portis is the starter unless LJ can take it away from him.

For once, I actually believe Snyder will have nothing to do with how this plays out. But, other than that, I agree with you. I'll probably look to do my team projection soon. Off the top of my head, without putting too much analysis into it, I'm leaning towards a 200-150 split in carries between Portis and Johnson. I don't think Parker/Westbrook/Torrain/Whoever is going to play much of a role in the carries. Maybe 50 rushes for all of them combined.

 

[Grahamburn]

Portis has to have the edge right now because of his relationship with Snyder and Shanahan, familiarity with the system, and his ability as a 3rd down back. From what has been said around Redskins' camp Portis is the starter unless LJ can take it away from him.

For once, I actually believe Snyder will have nothing to do with how this plays out. But, other than that, I agree with you. I'll probably look to do my team projection soon. Off the top of my head, without putting too much analysis into it, I'm leaning towards a 200-150 split in carries between Portis and Johnson. I don't think Parker/Westbrook/Torrain/Whoever is going to play much of a role in the carries. Maybe 50 rushes for all of them combined.

WAS - Report: RB Willie Parker won't make final rosterSource: CBSSports.com

According to a report on Comcast SportsNet, the Redskins will not have RB Willie Parker on the final 53-man roster. The report states that the Redskins will open the season with Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, Ryan Torian and Mike Sellers at running back, and Parker, who was signed this offseason as a free agent from Pittsburgh, will get cut.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

According to earlier reports, Parker has not been impressing in minicamp and could be cut sometime in training camp. Injuries have made him lose a step or two, and 'Fast Willie Parker' without the 'Fast' part is a just a below average NFL back. The Redskins backfield is jam packed, and they could decide to keep around younger guys like Ryan Torain or Keiland Williams.

 

[dgreen]

Portis has to have the edge right now because of his relationship with Snyder and Shanahan, familiarity with the system, and his ability as a 3rd down back. From what has been said around Redskins' camp Portis is the starter unless LJ can take it away from him.

For once, I actually believe Snyder will have nothing to do with how this plays out. But, other than that, I agree with you. I'll probably look to do my team projection soon. Off the top of my head, without putting too much analysis into it, I'm leaning towards a 200-150 split in carries between Portis and Johnson. I don't think Parker/Westbrook/Torrain/Whoever is going to play much of a role in the carries. Maybe 50 rushes for all of them combined.

WAS - Report: RB Willie Parker won't make final rosterSource: CBSSports.com

According to a report on Comcast SportsNet, the Redskins will not have RB Willie Parker on the final 53-man roster. The report states that the Redskins will open the season with Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, Ryan Torian and Mike Sellers at running back, and Parker, who was signed this offseason as a free agent from Pittsburgh, will get cut.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

According to earlier reports, Parker has not been impressing in minicamp and could be cut sometime in training camp. Injuries have made him lose a step or two, and 'Fast Willie Parker' without the 'Fast' part is a just a below average NFL back. The Redskins backfield is jam packed, and they could decide to keep around younger guys like Ryan Torain or Keiland Williams.

I'm not saying he'll make the team. I'm pretty sure he won't. But, I think this report is based off an opinion/guessing article picking the 53-man roster. I don't think there's any source saying Parker will be cut for sure.

 

[Truman]

WAS - Team already has a third-down RB

Source: Rick Maese - The Washington Post

Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said the team already has a third-down running back, reports The Washington Post's Rick Maese. Shanahan said, "First thing with a third down back is you want a guy who can block. We have the best blocker as a back in Clinton Portis that I've ever been around. So I think we do have a third down back."

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

The Redskins backfield will be an interesting competition in training camp. Clinton Portis may not only be the third-down back, he could be the bellcow for Washington if he can be durable throughout the season. Mike Shanahan would prefer to use a single feature back, but has been known to drive fantasy owners crazy with his 'Shanahanigans.' If Portis looks like he's lost a step or two, the Redskins could use Johnson as their main back with Portis as a change of pace guy.

 

[dgreen]

Link

Clinton Portis, in shape and motivated, will enter camp determined

Don't be surprised if Clinton Portis is among the top candidates for this season's NFL comeback player of the year award.

Although Portis has said little about his personal goals for 2010, the eight-year veteran is determined to show he's still an elite back capable of rushing for a 1,500-yard season, people familiar with his thinking said recently. Eager to prove his critics wrong, Portis has done everything Coach Mike Shanahan has asked of him, team sources said, and is expected to hold off fellow Pro Bowl backs Larry Johnson and Willie Parker for the starting job. Portis has surprised many in the organization with his positive outlook and hard work throughout the offseason program.

As many Insider readers are aware, I've been critical of Portis because of his lackadaisical approach toward practice, among other things. But he was energized by the firing of former coach Jim Zorn and the hiring of Shanahan, whom Portis played under during his first two (and best) seasons in the league, and will approach training camp and the preseason with enthusiasm, he has told several players.

In fact, after Shanahan in March publicly challenged Portis to improve his conditioning, Portis trimmed down to about 217 pounds after playing at more than 230 pounds last season, sources said. Portis's strong showing apparently has made a favorable impression on Shanahan.

To be sure, Johnson and Parker will have opportunities to unseat Portis when camp opens July 29 at Redskins Park. Portis, however, is in top shape and highly motivated.

He's also guaranteed $6.4 million of his $7.2 million base salary, so management presumably would prefer for Portis to be highly productive after a concussion cut short his ineffective 2009 season.

I'm scheduled to be part of today's panel on Comcast SportsNet's Washington Post Live with Ivan Carter. I'm sure we'll talk about the Redskins. We always do. Later.

 

[-jb-]

Encouraging. I always seem to wind up with Clinton on my team, for better or worse. You certainly can't argue with his price this year.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Encouraging. I always seem to wind up with Clinton on my team, for better or worse. You certainly can't argue with his price this year.

Portis has been going in the 7th/8th and beyond in some redrafts, LJ is going a few rounds later than that...this is cheap for a backfield that should produce in Shanny's offense. Not sayign you bring them in as your RB2/3 combo, but as an RB3/4 or RB4/5 combo, you might have something and in best ball leagues I would grab at least one of them at their price point.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Anybody have a perspective on why Kyle Shanahan continues to talk up Portis?

"What I've seen of Clinton, he's been as good of a leader, as good of an example as any player that I've been around so far," said Shanahan. Though Portis enjoyed an impressive, diligent offseason, it remains to be seen what's left of his ability. He's averaged better than 4.1 yards per carry in just one of the last three seasons, and ranks fourth on the active list for career carries. Only LaDainian Tomlinson, Thomas Jones, and Fred Taylor have more.

from rotoworld

 

[dgreen]

Anybody have a perspective on why Kyle Shanahan continues to talk up Portis?

Possibilities:1) Because he's really impressed with him.2) Because he thinks it's the best way to motivate him.3) Because, like Joe Gibbs did, he talks up EVERYBODY.I'm sure there are some other possibilities and I really don't know much about Kyle to know which one might be true.

 

[Grahamburn]

Anybody have a perspective on why Kyle Shanahan continues to talk up Portis?

"What I've seen of Clinton, he's been as good of a leader, as good of an example as any player that I've been around so far," said Shanahan. Though Portis enjoyed an impressive, diligent offseason, it remains to be seen what's left of his ability. He's averaged better than 4.1 yards per carry in just one of the last three seasons, and ranks fourth on the active list for career carries. Only LaDainian Tomlinson, Thomas Jones, and Fred Taylor have more.

from rotoworld

Probably because of the bolded. Apparently he's been working his tail off. He's healthy, motivated, the coaching and surrounding offensive talent around him has improved, and he's the unquestioned starter.I think the offensive line being atrocious and Zorn completely losing this team were the reasons for Portis failing last year. Both of those aspects of this team have improved significantly in my mind.

His concussion was just an excuse to shut it down for the season.

I've already drafted him as a RB4. Clinton is an absolute steal at this point. :(

 

[dgreen]

Anybody have a perspective on why Kyle Shanahan continues to talk up Portis?

"What I've seen of Clinton, he's been as good of a leader, as good of an example as any player that I've been around so far," said Shanahan. Though Portis enjoyed an impressive, diligent offseason, it remains to be seen what's left of his ability. He's averaged better than 4.1 yards per carry in just one of the last three seasons, and ranks fourth on the active list for career carries. Only LaDainian Tomlinson, Thomas Jones, and Fred Taylor have more.

from rotoworld

Probably because of the bolded. Apparently he's been working his tail off. He's healthy, motivated, the coaching and surrounding offensive talent around him has improved, and he's the unquestioned starter.

Not sure I'd say he's the unquestioned starter. Generally that gives off the impression that he'll be "the guy", but I don't see a reason yet to believe that LJ doesn't get a large chunk of carries.

I think the offensive line being atrocious and Zorn completely losing this team were the reasons for Portis failing last year. Both of those aspects of this team have improved significantly in my mind.

I thought he was better than most people did last year. The situation was just horrendous and he made it even worse with his attitude. By all accounts, his attitude is better and the overall situation should be better too.

His concussion was just an excuse to shut it down for the season.

It was a legit concussion. He was still have vision issues, I think, after the season was over. IIRC, he wasn't cleared to practice until the Spring.

 

[Grahamburn]

Redskins | Clinton Portis could flourish in system (Mon Jul 26, 12:39 PM) - The Washington Redskins have two athletic offensive tackles this year, which should help clear more cutback lanes, reports John Keim, of the Washington Examiner. If RB Clinton Portis is in top shape and practices more, he could flourish. Portis is supposedly in great shape and has bought in to head coach Mike Shanahan.

Redskins | Clinton Portis may be third-down back (Mon Jul 26, 12:38 PM) - Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis may have to serve as the team's third down back in 2010, reports John Keim, of the Washington Examiner. The Redskins do not have a lot of speed at running back, and RBs Larry Johnson and Willie Parker have never filled the third-down role during their careers. Plus, neither back is considered a good blocker. The Redskins could be forced to use Portis as their third down back and spell him with other backs more on first and second down.

Redskins | Clinton Portis expected to have starting job (Thu Jul 15, 04:41 PM) - Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis is expected to hold off RBs Larry Johnson and Willie Parker to keep the team's starting running back job this season, reports Jason Reid, of The Washington Post. Portis is in good shape and is motivated to show he can still produce for the team.

I may be blinded by my for Portis, but everything I read is positive.

 

[dgreen]

Redskins | Clinton Portis could flourish in system (Mon Jul 26, 12:39 PM) - The Washington Redskins have two athletic offensive tackles this year, which should help clear more cutback lanes, reports John Keim, of the Washington Examiner. If RB Clinton Portis is in top shape and practices more, he could flourish. Portis is supposedly in great shape and has bought in to head coach Mike Shanahan.

Redskins | Clinton Portis may be third-down back (Mon Jul 26, 12:38 PM) - Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis may have to serve as the team's third down back in 2010, reports John Keim, of the Washington Examiner. The Redskins do not have a lot of speed at running back, and RBs Larry Johnson and Willie Parker have never filled the third-down role during their careers. Plus, neither back is considered a good blocker. The Redskins could be forced to use Portis as their third down back and spell him with other backs more on first and second down.

Redskins | Clinton Portis expected to have starting job (Thu Jul 15, 04:41 PM) - Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis is expected to hold off RBs Larry Johnson and Willie Parker to keep the team's starting running back job this season, reports Jason Reid, of The Washington Post. Portis is in good shape and is motivated to show he can still produce for the team.

I may be blinded by my for Portis, but everything I read is positive.

Oh, I'm with you. I predict he's the starter. I can easily see him get a few more touches than most people think and perform better with those touches than most people think.I just don't think there's anything clear yet. Right now, all we have is offseason fluff pieces.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Redskins | Clinton Portis could flourish in system (Mon Jul 26, 12:39 PM) - The Washington Redskins have two athletic offensive tackles this year, which should help clear more cutback lanes, reports John Keim, of the Washington Examiner. If RB Clinton Portis is in top shape and practices more, he could flourish. Portis is supposedly in great shape and has bought in to head coach Mike Shanahan.

Redskins | Clinton Portis may be third-down back (Mon Jul 26, 12:38 PM) - Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis may have to serve as the team's third down back in 2010, reports John Keim, of the Washington Examiner. The Redskins do not have a lot of speed at running back, and RBs Larry Johnson and Willie Parker have never filled the third-down role during their careers. Plus, neither back is considered a good blocker. The Redskins could be forced to use Portis as their third down back and spell him with other backs more on first and second down.

Redskins | Clinton Portis expected to have starting job (Thu Jul 15, 04:41 PM) - Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis is expected to hold off RBs Larry Johnson and Willie Parker to keep the team's starting running back job this season, reports Jason Reid, of The Washington Post. Portis is in good shape and is motivated to show he can still produce for the team.

I may be blinded by my for Portis, but everything I read is positive.

Oh, I'm with you. I predict he's the starter. I can easily see him get a few more touches than most people think and perform better with those touches than most people think.I just don't think there's anything clear yet. Right now, all we have is offseason fluff pieces.

We also have Kyle Shanahan repeatedly singing his praises (not just reporter fluff pieces), which is why I'm so interested in Shanahan's purpose behind the comments.Last year Portis looked like an aging vet who still has some juice left, but was also annoyed by incompetent coaching and struggling to produce behind a terrible O-line. As a Portis owner, I *hope* that he bounces back and can produce solid RB3 numbers, with potential RB2 upside. We'll see though.

 

[Fantaholic]

From the looks of it here Portis will be severely undervalued in this year's draft. It was just last year that he was being considered a good RB2. Now he is being drafted as the 36th RB. Just barely a RB3? I would love to have him there. Portis will want to show Shanahan what he has left in the tank. Shanny made Portis an elite RB, and I'm sure he feels strongly about Portis when he looks at and considers his current RB corp. LJ is a head case and not in my opinion a Shanahan typr guy. Parker will be cut. He does not fit the one-cut RB mould. If anything I would expect an up-tick in Portis' production from last year. Last year I had no interest in him based on his ADP. This year I am all over it.

 

[-jb-]

Silly value as a RB4. Christ, I'm gonna draft Portis again, aren't I?

 

[VaTerp]

Silly value as a RB4. Christ, I'm gonna draft Portis again, aren't I?

LolI know what you mean. As a Skins homer I try NOT to draft Portis but have had him a few times over the years. Usually b/c he became too good a value to pass up. This year he really could be silly value as his stock has plummeted.One reporter on local sportstalk was almost giddy talking about CP yesterday saying how "spry" he looked. I'm skeptical if someone with his mileage can truly regain some of the burst and quickness he has clearly lost over the years but he is lighter and back in Shanny's system. I am headed to camp this morning and will get to observe for myself even if it is only in shorts.The one thing I think holding him back from being ridiculous value is Larry Johnson, who I am higher on than most, and who I think may take a few of the TDs from Clinton that have helped his value in the past.

 

[dgreen]

Link:

Running backs

Clinton Portis

There’s no doubt that the 5-11, 218-pounder is the most complete back on the roster and should emerge as the full-time starter. He’s lost approximately 15 pounds since last season, putting him in better shape to handle the outside and cutback runs Mike Shanahan loves to call. But what separates Portis from the other running backs is his ability to block in pass protection. “He’s an awesome blocker,” said Redskins running backs coach Bobby Turner, who coached Portis for two seasons in Denver. “When we looked at him coming out of college … that jumped out at us more than anything else.” It helps that the others, namely Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, are not considered good blockers.

Larry Johnson

Johnson provides the Redskins a big back for short-yardage situations. He is not considered a one-cut runner, something that is mandatory in this offense. However, the 6-1, 235-pounder can give Portis a breather on first and second downs on occasion. “Larry has the size and physical tools to do it,” Turner said. “Now it’s a matter of him believing in us and trusting in us and what we do.”

Ryan Torain

If Parker doesn’t make the roster, it’ll be because of Torain, who also will get a chance to return kicks, providing him an edge in the competition. The 6-1, 218-pound Torain’s main issue is staying healthy. Knee and elbow problems have limited him in his first two NFL seasons. But Shanahan liked him when both were in Denver. “He’s what we’re looking for,” Turner said. “He has the speed, the foot quickness, the ability to cut and catch a ball and make plays.”

 

[-jb-]

I am headed to camp this morning and will get to observe for myself even if it is only in shorts.