Washington Redskins concerned by backfield depth, even after adding Pro Bowlers
During the offseason, a league source told us the Redskins had concerns about their depth behind top back Clinton Portis and were even considering extending an offer to former longtime backup Ladell Betts.
The source has helped us in providing information for many news reports, and his information has always been proven accurate, but I still had my doubts. The Redskins had already signed former Pro Bowlers Larry Johnson and Willie Parker to compete with Portis for the first-string job, and it just seemed strange to me that they would be down on those guys before training camp even began.
Well, the source called shortly after watching Larry Johnson struggle during Saturday's 23-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. "That's what I was talking about," he said.
In his "showcase" game in the running back rotation, Johnson started and gained four yards on eight rushes, performed woefully in the key area of blitz pick-ups and failed to come up with the ball on a short pass from quarterback Donovan McNabb. In fairness to Johnson, the Redskins did not have their best day blocking.
Terrell Suggs blew up rookie left tackle Trent Williams on one of Johnson's rushes and dropped him for a loss. Fullback Mike Sellers whiffed on another running play and Johnson never had a chance. But during Portis's opportunities with the first-team offensive line, he had a couple of nice runs and seemed to be in rhythm from the moment he stepped on the field.
Blocking has never been among Johnson's strengths, but backs who repeatedly fail in blitz pick-ups will not play under Coach Mike Shanahan, the source said. No coach protects quarterbacks better than Shanahan, and backs play a huge role in his blocking scheme, both in making reads in the zone-running game and in pass protection.
Parker is scheduled to start Friday night against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium. He has been listed behind Portis and Johnson since the first depth chart was released, but it seems Johnson's ineffective outing has left the door ajar for Parker to make a move if he performs well.
At this point, many in the organization privately acknowledge that Portis, barring unforeseen circumstances, will line up with the first-team offense Sept. 12 against the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field. Who will be his primary backup?
Johnson or Parker still could make the opening 53-man roster, but it also wouldn't be shocking if both were released. The Redskins are high on young backs Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams, and there are two preseason games remaining.
When Shanahan was with the Denver Broncos, he sometimes made surprising roster moves in choosing younger players over established veterans. It's still unknown which path Shanahan will take with the backup spots, but at least Portis's role seems clear.