Clinton Portis (1 Viewer)

[Grahamburn]

Clinton is coming off a fairly mediocre game against a Giants team with a very good defensive line, but looking at Portis' schedule I get the feeling he is about to reel off some extremely good games.

St. Louis Rams

at Detroit Lions

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

at Carolina Panthers

Kansas City Chiefs

Philadelphia Eagles

Bye week

at Atlanta Falcons

Denver Broncos

at Dallas Cowboys

at Philadelphia Eagles

New Orleans Saints

at Oakland Raiders

New York Giants

Dallas Cowboys

San Diego Chargers

10 of his remaining games look like they're against teams with below average run defenses and at least 6 of them are against potential cupcakes. Not including the week 17 game against San Diego, Portis only has 3 tough matchups left all year.

The three game stretch he has coming up is quite possibly against the three weakest defenses in the NFL. What's the record for rushing yards over a three games span? Portis might approach it.

Ladell Betts' involvement seems to have been exaggerated, again, as he only saw 2 carries and 1 reception against the Giants.

Portis is a strong buy if you can convince his owner that he's done after a ho hum game against the Giants, and he is definitely a hold for the rest of the season if you already own him. He's going to put up some big time numbers the rest of the year.

 

[LOCO]

trying to trade ronnie brown for him. i agree with you.

 

[dgreen]

Don't shy away from those Philly games. Portis has 472 yards from scrimmage and 3 TDs in his last 4 games against Philly.

 

[thehornet]

Portis is on the downside of his career

 

[baconisgood]

Ladell Betts' involvement seems to have been exaggerated, again, as he only saw 2 carries and 1 reception against the Giants.

Portis was on the field for 25 plays on sunday and Betts was on the field for 18. I wouldn't count touches yet because of the difficult running D they played against.

 

[Grahamburn]

Don't shy away from those Philly games. Portis has 472 yards from scrimmage and 3 TDs in his last 4 games against Philly.

I'm not shying away from them. He'll still start in those games. I was just pointing out how the schedule is lining up for Portis and the Skins. It's amazing how many seemingly easy 100 yard games (at least) there are left for Portis. With his ability as a runner facing defenses like that there is some major potential for monster games and a really big season overall.

I targeted Portis for these reasons, but looking at it now has me salivating at his prospects.

 

[Grahamburn]

Portis is on the downside of his career

Really? He just turned 28.

 

[Jewell]

Portis is on the downside of his career

That may be true, but the downside of Portis' career is still better that the upside for many, if not most, starting RBs in the league. Portis is money in the bank for 1,250 rushing yards per season. I expect no less this year.

 

[dgreen]

Ladell Betts' involvement seems to have been exaggerated, again, as he only saw 2 carries and 1 reception against the Giants.

Portis was on the field for 25 plays on sunday and Betts was on the field for 18. I wouldn't count touches yet because of the difficult running D they played against.

11 of Betts' 18 plays were on 2-minute type drives. 4 were on their final drive of the first half and 7 were on their final drive of the game. Of his other 7 snaps, 6 were on 3rd down plays.

 

[thehornet]

Portis is on the downside of his career

Really? He just turned 28.

Go check out how many career carries he has. It's not encouraging.

 

[Grahamburn]

Portis is on the downside of his career

Really? He just turned 28.

Go check out how many career carries he has. It's not encouraging.

Are you suggesting that Portis will get injured or that he won't be effective against these teams this season?Any RB can have an injury on their first carry or their 2069th carry. I don't think there is much predictive value in counting a player's carries. They all get older and they all log carries, but a freshly 28 year old Clinton Portis with 2068 career carries will be effective running the football against those teams in 2009.

 

[footballnerd]

His production did drastically decline in the second half last season. I might try to trade him for a top WR after the KC game when his value is at its peak. If I can't get anything for him, I won't mind keeping him as my RB2.

 

[Maven]

I have him but ...

Week 1, Clinton Portis played only 25 snaps vs the Giants (51%)...Betts 18 snaps (37%). That's pretty sad he couldn't play more...

 

[That Little Voice]

Just inserting a quick Roto note. Doesnt really say much. Agree with grahamburn. Guy seems to have a high floor and I like many of those matchups.If StL is as bad as advertised Betts makes a nice sleeper play this weekend IMO as well.

Clinton Portis said he woke up Monday morning feeling like he had 25 or 30 carries Sunday, even though he only had 16.The Redskins are trying to keep Portis fresh, but he has a lot of tread on his tires. When Jim Zorn was asked if he'd like to see a big game from Portis this week, he said "I'm hip-hip-hooraying that thought." A home game against the Rams is a great matchup for Portis. Source: Washington Post

 

[Kiddnets]

I have him but ...Week 1, Clinton Portis played only 25 snaps vs the Giants (51%)...Betts 18 snaps (37%). That's pretty sad he couldn't play more...

If I recall Wash was behind and throwing a bit more than usual - Betts is their hurry up/passing RB....so that may explain the distribution. I expect more of a Portis show this week.

 

[thehornet]

Portis is on the downside of his career

Really? He just turned 28.

Go check out how many career carries he has. It's not encouraging.

Are you suggesting that Portis will get injured or that he won't be effective against these teams this season?Any RB can have an injury on their first carry or their 2069th carry. I don't think there is much predictive value in counting a player's carries. They all get older and they all log carries, but a freshly 28 year old Clinton Portis with 2068 career carries will be effective running the football against those teams in 2009.

No, I am no suggesting that at all. You just did. You dont have to get hurt to be on the downside of a career.

 

[Grahamburn]

No, I am no suggesting that at all. You just did. You dont have to get hurt to be on the downside of a career.

Then I guess I don't understand the point you're trying to make. Or did you not have one?

 

[puckalicious]

His production did drastically decline in the second half last season. I might try to trade him for a top WR after the KC game when his value is at its peak. If I can't get anything for him, I won't mind keeping him as my RB2.

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but didn't his decline last season coincide with a grade 2 MCL sprain around week 8 or 9? By all accounts he started this season fully healthy right?

 

[howo5]

Would you trade LT for Portis at this point? Trying to gauge how far up to bump Portis and how far LT goes down.

 

[thehornet]

No, I am no suggesting that at all. You just did. You dont have to get hurt to be on the downside of a career.

Then I guess I don't understand the point you're trying to make. Or did you not have one?

It's not really that tough to grasp. I think he is on the downside of his career. He has over 2200 Career rushes. That is one of the highest active numbers amongst RB's. You are awfully defensive. Last 6 GamesWeek 1311 Carries for 22 YardsWeek 1411 Carries for 32 YardsWeek 1525 Carries for 77 YardsWeek 1622 Carries for 70 YardsWeek 1729 Carries for 80 yardsWeek 1 200916 Carries for 62 YardsThat is a 3.0/YPC. He only had 7 Receptions and 2 TD's during this stretch. I'm telling you, he is in trouble.

 

[footballnerd]

His production did drastically decline in the second half last season. I might try to trade him for a top WR after the KC game when his value is at its peak. If I can't get anything for him, I won't mind keeping him as my RB2.

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but didn't his decline last season coincide with a grade 2 MCL sprain around week 8 or 9? By all accounts he started this season fully healthy right?

Good call! Nov 12, 2008. Didn't know that. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/...7/injuries.html

 

[scrumptrulescent]

You should change your subject line....."about to go on a major tear".....bad karma . What's he going to tear? ACL, MCL, PCL, his torso?

 

[Eagle Eye]

He never breaks a long TD run anymore. Has he lost a step?

 

[Knobs]

He never breaks a long TD run anymore. Has he lost a step?

Actually, this is the reason I was down on him last year. He went on to tie a career high in 20+ yard rushes. So much for that one.Seriously, we're looking at a potential HoF back. The guy is a great example of a guy who stays healthy and plays game after game while getting carry after carry. He's a stud.

 

[NYG Endzone]

Portis has finished a top six back in 4 of 7 seasons. The others were 8, 11, and 36 (missed half the season). His consistency is amazing

http://subscribers.footballguys.com/players/PortCl00-2.php

I would be more worried about the younger backs who only have one year of good performance in the books.

 

[Grahamburn]

No, I am no suggesting that at all. You just did.

You dont have to get hurt to be on the downside of a career.

Then I guess I don't understand the point you're trying to make. Or did you not have one?

It's not really that tough to grasp. I think he is on the downside of his career. He has over 2200 Career rushes. That is one of the highest active numbers amongst RB's. You are awfully defensive. Last 6 Games

Week 13

11 Carries for 22 Yards

Week 14

11 Carries for 32 Yards

Week 15

25 Carries for 77 Yards

Week 16

22 Carries for 70 Yards

Week 17

29 Carries for 80 yards

Week 1 2009

16 Carries for 62 Yards

That is a 3.0/YPC. He only had 7 Receptions and 2 TD's during this stretch. I'm telling you, he is in trouble.

I wasn't really being defensive. In reference to this thread I was wondering if you had a point when you said Portis was "on the downside of his career." It just didn't seem like a comment that had much bearing on the issue at hand.We all already know that he isn't the same player he was in Denver and early in Washington yet he still managed over 1700 yards and 9 TDs just last season. If that's the downside of a career, so be it. It's already been mentioned, but Portis was playing through an injury in the games you referenced. It happens to all RBs.

He doesn't look slow or like he's lost a step from the little I've seen so far in 2009 and he's going to be a very productive back against the cupcakes on that schedule. If I get worried about him breaking down maybe I'll trade him after he shreds the Rams, Lions, Bucs, Panthers, Chiefs, and Broncos.

 

[Tanner9919]

Clinton is coming off a fairly mediocre game against a Giants team with a very good defensive line, but looking at Portis' schedule I get the feeling he is about to reel off some extremely good games.

St. Louis Rams

at Detroit Lions

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

at Carolina Panthers

Kansas City Chiefs

Philadelphia Eagles

Bye week

at Atlanta Falcons

Denver Broncos

at Dallas Cowboys

at Philadelphia Eagles

New Orleans Saints

at Oakland Raiders

New York Giants

Dallas Cowboys

San Diego Chargers

10 of his remaining games look like they're against teams with below average run defenses and at least 6 of them are against potential cupcakes. Not including the week 17 game against San Diego, Portis only has 3 tough matchups left all year.

The three game stretch he has coming up is quite possibly against the three weakest defenses in the NFL. What's the record for rushing yards over a three games span? Portis might approach it.

Ladell Betts' involvement seems to have been exaggerated, again, as he only saw 2 carries and 1 reception against the Giants.

Portis is a strong buy if you can convince his owner that he's done after a ho hum game against the Giants, and he is definitely a hold for the rest of the season if you already own him. He's going to put up some big time numbers the rest of the year.

I was saying back in June that Portis would be one of the best RB's during the first 8-10 weeks of the season,and will probably lead the league in rushing during that span. I'm sticking to that notion.I think he's money in the bank from here on out.

 

[dgreen]

No, I am no suggesting that at all. You just did. You dont have to get hurt to be on the downside of a career.

Then I guess I don't understand the point you're trying to make. Or did you not have one?

It's not really that tough to grasp. I think he is on the downside of his career. He has over 2200 Career rushes. That is one of the highest active numbers amongst RB's. You are awfully defensive. Last 6 GamesWeek 1311 Carries for 22 YardsWeek 1411 Carries for 32 YardsWeek 1525 Carries for 77 YardsWeek 1622 Carries for 70 YardsWeek 1729 Carries for 80 yardsWeek 1 200916 Carries for 62 YardsThat is a 3.0/YPC. He only had 7 Receptions and 2 TD's during this stretch. I'm telling you, he is in trouble.

Saying he's on the downside of his career is a no-brainer. But, that doesn't necessarily translate to "he is in trouble."Here is every player with 2000+ career carries, sorted by the age they reached 2000+ carries. It shows their age when the reached 2000 carries, their NFL experience, the number of rushes after the year they reached 2000 carries, their career carries, and the number of carries after the year they reached 2000 carries.

RUSHES		 RUSHES							 AFTER   CAREER  AFTERPLAYER			  AGE EXP  YEAR N  RUSHES  2000+Emmitt Smith		 26   6   2007	4409   2402Jerome Bettis		27   7   2106	3479   1373Edgerrin James	   27   7   2188	2982	794*Curtis Martin		27   6   2010	3518   1508Walter Payton		27   7   2204	3838   1634Clinton Portis	   27   7   2052	2052	  0*Barry Sanders		27   7   2077	3062	985+LaDainian Tomlinson  27   6   2050	2657	607*Jim Brown			28   8   2070	2359	289+Eric Dickerson	   28   6   2136	2996	860Marshall Faulk	   28   8   2155	2836	681Eddie George		 28   6   2078	2865	787Jamal Lewis		  28   8   2120	2399	279*Thurman Thomas	   28   7   2018	2877	859Earl Campbell		29   7   2029	2187	158Franco Harris		29   8   2012	2949	937Shaun Alexander	  30   8   2176	2187	 11Corey Dillon		 30   8   2210	2618	408Tony Dorsett		 30   8   2136	2936	800O.J. Simpson		 30   9   2123	2404	281Fred Taylor		  30   9   2062	2428	366*Ricky Watters		30   8   2272	2622	350Marcus Allen		 31  10   2023	3022	999Tiki Barber		  31  10   2216	2216	  0+Warrick Dunn		 31  10   2256	2669	413Ahman Green		  31  11   2015	2015	  0Ottis Anderson	   32  11   2274	2562	288Terry Allen		  33  11   2152	2152	  0John Riggins		 33  12   2038	2916	878Earnest Byner		34  13   2011	2095	 84

* Active players - Technically I think Dunn, Alexander, and Green are still active, but they aren't likely to add many carries.+ Clearly retired prior to being "done" - They could have easily added a significant number of carries, barring injury, had they kept playing.I don't see Portis as being in trouble. He appears to be in a group, based on his age and experience, that easily add 1,000 more carries after reaching 2,000. Rather than seeing 2,000 carries as a sign of demise, it should be seen as solid indicator of things to come at such an age. You either have little left after 2000 carries because you are old or you have several more seasons of solid production.

 

[dgreen]

He never breaks a long TD run anymore. Has he lost a step?

Yes, he's probably lost a step since his Denver days. Every 28 year old is likely slower than they were at 22. But, by no means is he not capable of breaking long runs. I've watched every game of his Redskins career. I have no memory of him being clearly caught from behind. For whatever reason, he just hasn't had many plays where he gets a clear path behind the defense.I think he does slow himself down a bit with his style, though. He focuses a lot on securing the ball and will get through the first wave with both hands over the ball. That's going to keep him from reaching top speed.

 

[Eagle Eye]

He never breaks a long TD run anymore. Has he lost a step?

Yes, he's probably lost a step since his Denver days. Every 28 year old is likely slower than they were at 22. But, by no means is he not capable of breaking long runs. I've watched every game of his Redskins career. I have no memory of him being clearly caught from behind. For whatever reason, he just hasn't had many plays where he gets a clear path behind the defense.I think he does slow himself down a bit with his style, though. He focuses a lot on securing the ball and will get through the first wave with both hands over the ball. That's going to keep him from reaching top speed.

Thanks for the response! This may be the week he breaks one, then.

 

[Grahamburn]

Would you trade LT for Portis at this point? Trying to gauge how far up to bump Portis and how far LT goes down.

I would, but I'm obviously biased.

 

[Grahamburn]

No, I am no suggesting that at all. You just did. You dont have to get hurt to be on the downside of a career.

Then I guess I don't understand the point you're trying to make. Or did you not have one?

It's not really that tough to grasp. I think he is on the downside of his career. He has over 2200 Career rushes. That is one of the highest active numbers amongst RB's. You are awfully defensive. Last 6 GamesWeek 1311 Carries for 22 YardsWeek 1411 Carries for 32 YardsWeek 1525 Carries for 77 YardsWeek 1622 Carries for 70 YardsWeek 1729 Carries for 80 yardsWeek 1 200916 Carries for 62 YardsThat is a 3.0/YPC. He only had 7 Receptions and 2 TD's during this stretch. I'm telling you, he is in trouble.

I also like how you left out the 169 total yards(143 rushing) he had against Seattle the week before your "downside of the career" sample size.Should I bring up the 5 straight 100 yard + games and 4 TDs he had in weeks 4-8?

 

[thehornet]

No, I am no suggesting that at all. You just did. You dont have to get hurt to be on the downside of a career.

Then I guess I don't understand the point you're trying to make. Or did you not have one?

It's not really that tough to grasp. I think he is on the downside of his career. He has over 2200 Career rushes. That is one of the highest active numbers amongst RB's. You are awfully defensive. Last 6 GamesWeek 1311 Carries for 22 YardsWeek 1411 Carries for 32 YardsWeek 1525 Carries for 77 YardsWeek 1622 Carries for 70 YardsWeek 1729 Carries for 80 yardsWeek 1 200916 Carries for 62 YardsThat is a 3.0/YPC. He only had 7 Receptions and 2 TD's during this stretch. I'm telling you, he is in trouble.

I also like how you left out the 169 total yards(143 rushing) he had against Seattle the week before your "downside of the career" sample size.Should I bring up the 5 straight 100 yard + games and 4 TDs he had in weeks 4-8?

Well the 2 games before the 143 were complete stinkers too, so sure, bring that up. I'm talking about a late season trend. Ignore at your own risk.

 

[Short Corner]

No, I am no suggesting that at all. You just did. You dont have to get hurt to be on the downside of a career.

Then I guess I don't understand the point you're trying to make. Or did you not have one?

It's not really that tough to grasp. I think he is on the downside of his career. He has over 2200 Career rushes. That is one of the highest active numbers amongst RB's. You are awfully defensive. Last 6 GamesWeek 1311 Carries for 22 YardsWeek 1411 Carries for 32 YardsWeek 1525 Carries for 77 YardsWeek 1622 Carries for 70 YardsWeek 1729 Carries for 80 yardsWeek 1 200916 Carries for 62 YardsThat is a 3.0/YPC. He only had 7 Receptions and 2 TD's during this stretch. I'm telling you, he is in trouble.

I also like how you left out the 169 total yards(143 rushing) he had against Seattle the week before your "downside of the career" sample size.Should I bring up the 5 straight 100 yard + games and 4 TDs he had in weeks 4-8?

Well the 2 games before the 143 were complete stinkers too, so sure, bring that up. I'm talking about a late season trend. Ignore at your own risk.

If he sprains his MCL in week 9 again I'll be sure to take this into account. Thanks for looking out.

 

[Short Corner]

Would you trade LT for Portis at this point? Trying to gauge how far up to bump Portis and how far LT goes down.

I have Portis in two leagues and would not trade him for LT.

 

[gradin123]

His production did drastically decline in the second half last season. I might try to trade him for a top WR after the KC game when his value is at its peak. If I can't get anything for him, I won't mind keeping him as my RB2.

He played hurt late last year and that was a part of the problem for his decline. He really is a warrior. Most players would not have been able to play all 16 games with what he dealt with last year.They are trying to spell more this year to keep him fresher. I don't think he is a top 5 back this year but I don't expect a huge dropoff either. I think he slipped in a lot of drafts this year. I got him as the 14th RB taken in our draft and at there he was good value in my view.

 

[hostile]

Just inserting a quick Roto note. Doesnt really say much. Agree with grahamburn. Guy seems to have a high floor and I like many of those matchups.

If StL is as bad as advertised Betts makes a nice sleeper play this weekend IMO as well.

Clinton Portis said he woke up Monday morning feeling like he had 25 or 30 carries Sunday, even though he only had 16.

The Redskins are trying to keep Portis fresh, but he has a lot of tread on his tires. When Jim Zorn was asked if he'd like to see a big game from Portis this week, he said "I'm hip-hip-hooraying that thought." A home game against the Rams is a great matchup for Portis.

Source: Washington Post

As a Portis owner in dynasty, this scares me.

 

[theglorydays]

Don't shy away from those Philly games. Portis has 472 yards from scrimmage and 3 TDs in his last 4 games against Philly.

I'm not shying away from them. He'll still start in those games. I was just pointing out how the schedule is lining up for Portis and the Skins. It's amazing how many seemingly easy 100 yard games (at least) there are left for Portis. With his ability as a runner facing defenses like that there is some major potential for monster games and a really big season overall.

I targeted Portis for these reasons, but looking at it now has me salivating at his prospects.

I drafted Portis but bailed on him after reading the news of Betts potential increased role. My plan was to stick with him and let him debacle the joke of a schedule he has for the first 6 weeks and then bail on him.But I panicked and traded earl bennett and portis for SJAX before week 1.

I wish I wouldn't have because i probably could have gotten SJAX straight up for him if i would have just stuck to my plan...

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Interesting thread. I watched last Sunday's game and thought Portis looked incredibly slow - no explosiveness whatsoever. Even on his one long run, he appeared to have no lateral mobility, just ran straight through a big hole.

In contrast, Betts (who is actually older than Portis by 2 years) demonstrated some major burst in his limited touches.

I don't know what any of this means....but as a Portis owner, it worried me.

 

[Sidewinder16]

His production did drastically decline in the second half last season. I might try to trade him for a top WR after the KC game when his value is at its peak. If I can't get anything for him, I won't mind keeping him as my RB2.

He played hurt late last year and that was a part of the problem for his decline. He really is a warrior. Most players would not have been able to play all 16 games with what he dealt with last year.They are trying to spell more this year to keep him fresher. I don't think he is a top 5 back this year but I don't expect a huge dropoff either. I think he slipped in a lot of drafts this year. I got him as the 14th RB taken in our draft and at there he was good value in my view.

I haven't seen it mentioned yet, but his production was also greatly effected because his OL was a mess by the end of the season. Chris Samuels was dinged up and missed a handful of games in the second half including the last 3, Pete Kendall was on his last legs, Randy Thomas played the last half of the season with a bulging disc in his neck that could have paralyzed him if hit wrong, and neither Stephon Heyer nor Jon Jansen could really solidfy themselves as the RT starter (Jansen also had knee issues towards the end of the season).

 

[NYG Endzone]

Portis matched his Washington high for yards per rush (4.3) last year. He's doing just fine people.

 

[Grahamburn]

Interesting thread. I watched last Sunday's game and thought Portis looked incredibly slow - no explosiveness whatsoever. Even on his one long run, he appeared to have no lateral mobility, just ran straight through a big hole.

In contrast, Betts (who is actually older than Portis by 2 years) demonstrated some major burst in his limited touches.

I don't know what any of this means....but as a Portis owner, it worried me.

The bolded is the point of the thread. He's about to be running straight through a lot of big holes.

 

[sinatravolta]

Portis should do well during the next 5 weeks. I think the key is actually to watch how the passing game and o-line does over this particular stretch. The question is - the schedule gets tougher from there on out. If the offense doesn't look pretty darned good during the next 5 games, or the D doesn't look great - then it's time towards the end of this stretch to try to trade Portis. Last year the schedule set up similarly - easier games early in the year and then a tough 2nd half. Throw in Portis getting injured and the o-line breaking down (also injuries) - and the 2nd half they couldn't run.

It could happen again this year because:

- schedule follows similar pattern (although overall is easier - no Pitt, no Balt)

- O-line is shallow - if they are getting injured it's an issue

- Passing game needs to emerge to keep teams from crowding the box

I would actually be more worried about the above than Portis' wear-and-tear. Some things that are actually favorable compared to last year:

- Schedule easier overall as mentioned above

- D should be better than last year

- Passing game could be better - that's what I would focus on checking out. Passing game was working fine against the Giants but team was too conservative. They need to open it up against teams like St. Louis and build some confidence. Even if it means fewer carries for Portis they should be more effective carries.

I also wouldn't worry about Betts.

 

[dgreen]

- schedule follows similar pattern (although overall is easier - no Pitt, no Balt)

But, the Skins schedule goes from easy to tough this year because of the offenses they have to face, not the defenses. As you point out, there is no Pittsburgh or Baltimore this year. Frankly, the Giants is the only top D they face this year. I guess Philly could be good, too, but the Redskins have had success running on them the last couple years. There is no game this year that I'd sit a healthy Portis unless you have GREAT options.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Did anyone else actually watch the guy last week? Redskins homers, can you chime in? I was really quite shocked by how slow he looked - was I overreacting? Does he always run like that?

 

[thatguy]

I still love Portis, but it does get frustrating as a Portis owner when pretty much all of his TD's over the past several seasons have come from inside the redzone. I agree with others, he still has enough burst and straightline speed, you would think, to break the occasional 50+ yard TD run, but for whatever reason it seems that his style, or perhaps just bad luck, have mitigated those opportunities.... Whenever he gets into the open, there are either a couple of safeties deep enough to corral him in the middle of the field, or he gets tripped up from behind after slowing down to change direction, or he makes a break for the sideline but there are DB's with an easy angle to make the tackle. That said, I'll take his production for sure, but I do miss games like this:

14 DEN KC 22 218 5 3 2 36 0 55.4

I recall him having a long 60+ yard TD run in his very first game with Washington... Don't recall many long TD runs since that one. I'm sure there are a few, but still drastically fewer than he had in only two seasons in Denver, and, well, probably fewer than he had in that one game against KC.

 

[thatguy]

Did anyone else actually watch the guy last week? Redskins homers, can you chime in? I was really quite shocked by how slow he looked - was I overreacting? Does he always run like that?

I didn't watch much of the game, but Portis is an extremely patient runner, and doesn't usually get into top speed until he is in the open. He waits for holes to open up and then hits them, but sometimes still doesn't hit top speed if there are potential tacklers at the next level. When there is little with regards to holes to run through, he likely looks even slower, almost like an Edgerrin James type.... Just very patient and waits for his blockers. I think this results in a lot of 3 or 4 yard gains that aren't sexy, but do add up and are obviously very valuable in real football.

 

[dgreen]

Did anyone else actually watch the guy last week? Redskins homers, can you chime in? I was really quite shocked by how slow he looked - was I overreacting? Does he always run like that?

He didn't look any different to me. He's usually big on protecting the ball. He tends to run through the line with both hands on the ball. That'll slow him down a little. His one big run was just a nice hole. I'm not sure he should have done more with it, though. NY had guys downfield to make the stop.I'd say he fared pretty well considering some really poor blocking. Other than the big run, he didn't get many holes. He spent a lot of time running into the backs of his OL because there just wasn't anywhere else to go. A lot of people have said, "Take away his 34-yard run and he's 15-28." Well, he also had a -6 yard run where Justin Tuck was unblocked. He had no chance. So, take that away too and he's 14-34. Nothing to write home about, but it also isn't the end of the world against a tough D. I'd guess we can cherry pick 14 carries from most RBs against a tough D and not get anything better than 14-34.

I just don't remember plays where I thought Portis should have picked up more yardage. It just wasn't there most of the day. And, back to the point of this thread, it should be there much of the season considering the Ds they face.

 

[dgreen]

I recall him having a long 60+ yard TD run in his very first game with Washington... Don't recall many long TD runs since that one. I'm sure there are a few, but still drastically fewer than he had in only two seasons in Denver, and, well, probably fewer than he had in that one game against KC.

That was his first carry in DC. The next year (2005), he broke two 40+ yard runs. One was a TD against St. Louis and the other was from deep in their own zone against Chicago in week 1. Not that I think about it, that may be one play where he was "caught from behind." Since then, he hasn't had a 40+ yard run. But, last year, he matched a career high with 13 20+ yard runs. Many of those were against defenses like they are about to face the next few weeks.

 

[dgreen]

There was one play last Sunday that disappointed me. It was a 7-yard run on 2nd and 9. He could have run straight ahead, put his head down, and easily picked up a first down. But, after already picking up 7 yards, he decided to try and cut outside the defender and bounce it outside for a huge gain. It didn't work and he was tackled immediately. On 3rd and 2, they didn't pick up the first down. It was their first drive of the second half. Picking up a first down could have kept some momentum on their side. But, for fantasy purposes, it did appear he was making an effort there to hit the home run.