Player Spotlight: Clinton Portis (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2006 Player Spotlight Series

Over the course of the offseason, we will be evaluating a multitude of players at every fantasy position. One such way we go about that is through the Player Spotlight series. Think of the Spotlights as a permanent record on some of the more intriguing players for the upcoming season. Each Spotlight will be featured in an article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins

Player Page Link: Clinton Portis Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide sustainable value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsBest of Luck and ENJOY!

 

[gman8343]

This could be the year Portis breaks into the big three. He's got an offense that he's salivating over, plenty of talent around him to keep the eight man fronts to a minimum, and a coaching staff not afraid to use him extensively. Despite the comments made about Betts being given more time, I think Portis has his best season yet as a pro and ends up being more valuable than at least one of LJ, LT or SA.

360 carries, 1650 yds, 15 TDs, 40 catches, 340 yds, 3 TDs

 

[cscmtp]

 

[Portis Homer]

I have CP improving greatly this year. I personally have him ranked number 3 this year based on the following:

New Offensive Coordinator

I am so excited to see CP playing in a new offensive package. I don't ever expect to see him as productive as those first 2 years in Denver, but this is huge. Two years of watching Portis run draws and in side leads in bunch packages was hard to stomach. With quick WRs, I expect Al Saunders to spread the offense and create smaller fronts and more running lanes. Rather than 4 yards power runs, I believe will finally see CP finding offtackle holes and breaking into the second level rather than simply putting his head down and pushing for four yards a carry up the middle.

I do expect to see Ladell Betts get increased carries, however I don't see that as a bad thing. With the new philosophy, I expect a significant increase in CP's ypc, to the point that a 30 carry decrease should be offset from a yardage perspective. I also do not see Betts stealing goaline carries, as if anyone watched CP extensively in Denver, his low center of gravity and ability to accelerate through the hole made him a strong short yardage runner.

Finally, over the past two years, KC has averaged over 60 catches per game. Although Portis has always been overrated as a pass catcher, his skill set once with the ball makes me believe he will see more open field catches.

New WR Corps

I don't particulary like such a small quick WR corps without any real blockers or possession receivers. However, with 3 WRs who can all stretch the field, no team can legitimately bring a safety into the box, as it will leave Brunell with zone or 1-on-1 coverage on one WR which is a matchup that favors the Redskins.

Offensive Line Continuity

The most underrated feature of a solid O-Line is continuity. With the core of this unit being together for 3 years, this is a definate asset for CP. Depth is an issue, but due to the lack of O-Line talent in football, it is an issue for every team.

Projection

320 Carries for 1536 yards (4.8 ypc)

40 Receptions for 440 (11 ypr)

15 Total TDs

 

[nygiants56]

the only thing preventing me from putting him up with the big 3, is Mark Brunell..

how much does he have left, and how agressively are the Redskins preparing Jason Campbell to be the next starting QB in D.C.? If Campbell has a solid camp and looks good in preseason, I'd bump Portis up into the the top 3...Another factor is the suddenly defense-heavy NFC East, so we'll have to see how that plays out..

if the QB position remains steady, i.e., Campbell plays well or Brunell makes it a full season, then:

337-1620-16

45-315-3

 

[Pots]

That's a lot of predicted TDs so far for a guy who has averaged 9 TDs a season since leaving Denver and has one of this year's toughest scheduels.

 

[jurb26]

I've discussed this many times over in other threads so I'll just leave this one for projections right now.

350 carries, 1755 yds, 16 TDs, 45 rec, 395 yds, 2 TDs

 

[(HULK)]

320 carries, 1472 yards, 18 rushing TDs.

35 receptions, 420 yards, 3 receiving TDs.

Thats right, 21 TDs.

RB 2 this year, right behind LJ.

I realize that this might seem a bit bold for many of you, but Al Saunders isn't only designing Washington's offense this year, he's calling the plays too. And Al Saunders loves to get his star RB into the endzone. Portis is just as talented as any RB Saunders has worked with before, and this year will be just like every other year... the guys who own an Al Saunders' RB are real freakin happy.

 

[redman]

315/1450/12

35/315/2

Definite handcuff with Betts.

 

[Musesboy]

After a poor 2004 season, Portis approached the level of out put he achieved in Denver with a rebound year. It took him a lot more carries to achieve it however, and it was the first time he had started all 16 games in a season.

Not everything that happens in fantasy football is entirely logical. I believe it is possible that Portis can make a significant leap this year. Shaun Alexander did a similar thing in his career and suddenly finished number one for two straight seasons after being placed 4th, 5th and 6th.

Portis joined the league at a young age and is still only 25 years old. I believe he is poised to use that experience and become a better player. Al Saunders will be the offensive coordinator after leaving the Chiefs. You may have noticed that the Chiefs produced a couple of reasonable RBs recently. Upgrades in the passing game have also happened. Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El will help Santana Moss spread the defenses. Fauria is an extra target in the red zone. It will not be as easy to stifle Portis as in the last two years and I expect his yards per carry to rise as a result.

If anyone had predicted 1880/27 for Alexander, they would have been considered crazy. Portis is not as effective in the red zone as Alexander, but he is a bigger threat to contribute big plays. It's not the big three this year, it's the big four.

Prediction

360 carries 1725 yards 16 TDs

40 receptions 325 yards 2 TDs

 

[Musesboy]

This could be the year Portis breaks into the big three. He's got an offense that he's salivating over, plenty of talent around him to keep the eight man fronts to a minimum, and a coaching staff not afraid to use him extensively. Despite the comments made about Betts being given more time, I think Portis has his best season yet as a pro and ends up being more valuable than at least one of LJ, LT or SA.

360 carries, 1650 yds, 15 TDs, 40 catches, 340 yds, 3 TDs

I didn't read any comments until after my post. This is scary.

 

[Jack Burton]

1400yds 13td/200yds td

 

[wannabee]

Redskins | Portis drops weight

Published Tue Jul 18 9:07:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) ESPN's John Clayton reports Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis is down to 210 pounds, which is what he previously weighed with the Denver Broncos.

 

[MLBrandow]

Redskins | Portis drops weight

Published Tue Jul 18 9:07:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) ESPN's John Clayton reports Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis is down to 210 pounds, which is what he previously weighed with the Denver Broncos.

5.2 ypc

335/1742/20TD

9.8 ypr

60/588/3

#2 FF RB behind LJ.

 

[popeye]

I don't see the Redskins line as being anywhere close to the talent found in Kansas City. That said Clinton will have another solid year.

1400/12 rushing

320/2 receiving

 

[fatness]

300/1560/14 rushing

40/480/4 receiving

2 LB's knocked out with blocks

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Redskins | Portis drops weight

Published Tue Jul 18 9:07:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) ESPN's John Clayton reports Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis is down to 210 pounds, which is what he previously weighed with the Denver Broncos.

I guess that bulking up for more durability didn't work out?

 

[cscmtp]

Redskins | Portis drops weight

Published Tue Jul 18 9:07:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) ESPN's John Clayton reports Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis is down to 210 pounds, which is what he previously weighed with the Denver Broncos.

I guess that bulking up for more durability didn't work out?

Yes jackhole, it did. He didn't miss any games last year. So i'd say he accomplished exactly what he set out to do. Now with a completely new scheme, more like his Denver days, he wanted to lose weight to have a quicker burst, and better top speed. And i kid because i love

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Redskins | Portis drops weight

Published Tue Jul 18 9:07:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) ESPN's John Clayton reports Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis is down to 210 pounds, which is what he previously weighed with the Denver Broncos.

I guess that bulking up for more durability didn't work out?

Yes jackhole, it did. He didn't miss any games last year.So i'd say he accomplished exactly what he set out to do.

But he bulked up for more durability after his 1st season in Denver.

 

[jurb26]

Redskins | Portis drops weight

Published Tue Jul 18 9:07:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) ESPN's John Clayton reports Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis is down to 210 pounds, which is what he previously weighed with the Denver Broncos.

I guess that bulking up for more durability didn't work out?

Yes jackhole, it did. He didn't miss any games last year.So i'd say he accomplished exactly what he set out to do.

But he bulked up for more durability after his 1st season in Denver.

He was down to 185 after his 1st season in Den. Big difference.

 

[MLBrandow]

Priest was 213!!!!! that means he's Priest!!!

 

[softball]

Portis is a guy I REALLY like in 2006. I believe he is still on his "upswing" as a player.

Tiki Barber stated on Sirius Satellite he thinks Portis could run for 1900 yards in this system.

(I hate having current players as media guys commenting on other current players, how do you trust them!?)

Back to focus:

320 carries 1504 yards

45 receptions 450 yards

13 TDS Total

 

[rzrback77]

Again, as I state in the ALexander thread, I would love to draw the fourth pick in this year's draft and allow my league mates to select my first pick through elimination. I would be extremely happy with either LT, LJ, Alexander or Portis and I can't imagine anyone else going in the top four of any draft.

Portis has a boat load of positives going for him this season:

1) His God-given talent

2) Stability in the Redskin OL

3) Slight weight loss for additional speed and quickness

4) Saunders as OC

5) Additional receivers to help the offense

Over the last nine games of 05, he never had fewer than 21 carries. He rushed for over 100 yards the final eight games of the season, averaging 107 yds rushing. He also had 8 TDs. I can actually see him doing this over the entire season and possibly improving on it.

350 carries 1600 yds adding 40 catches for 340 yards and 17 total TDs.

Still, he has been awesome and will continue. He has had 16, 18 16, 20, and 28 TDs over the past five years. WOW! He has had 1661, 1635, 1730, 1866, and 1958 total yards over that same span. How could anyine not be excited to get him on their roster and possibly as low as 4th! WOW!

340 carries for 1460 yds and 25 catches for 170 yds and 20 TDs

 

[Bankerguy]

1) His God-given talent

2) Stability in the Redskin OL

3) Slight weight loss for additional speed and quickness

4) Saunders as OC

5) Additional receivers to help the offense

=================================

Agree on points 1-3.

4) Disagree. Does Al Saunders block?

5) They are small and poor blockers. They do spread the field though, I'll give you that.

Portis should be taken as the 4th or 5th back....imo.

325

1350

11

40

425

2

 

[Ministry of Pain]

That's a lot of predicted TDs so far for a guy who has averaged 9 TDs a season since leaving Denver and has one of this year's toughest scheduels.

Completely untrue.Dallas twice and they have ranked near the bottom of the league in ypc in '05 and '04...they should be considered a favorable match up.

Houston, Tenneessee and Indy all in the 1st 6 weeks of his schedule...they all rank near the bottom in rush defense over the past several seasons...getting to play in the AFC South or simply playing them during the season is considered a major plus.

Weeks 15 and 16 he will see NO and St Louis...both are pathetic at stopping the run...

He has 2 games back to back against TB and Carolina...what other strong rush defenses are you seeing?

He has one of the easiest rush schedules and I highlight that in my ever growing RB thread special which I think will be wrapped up this weekend.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I don't see the Redskins line as being anywhere close to the talent found in Kansas City. That said Clinton will have another solid year.

1400/12 rushing

320/2 receiving

Really? I think Samuels and Jansen make pretty solid bookend tackles.

 

[Wingnut]

Id be more worried about the QB position than I would the schedule. Brunell seemed to find the fountain of youth last year, but can he keep it up and stay healthy??? His 23 TDs last year was a career high, as was his 23/10 TD/INT ratio. Also, he played 16 games for the 1st time in 5 years. Im just not sure if he can duplicate last year, and if not, we could see Jason Campbell or Todd Collins at the helm. Ouch.

 

[rzrback77]

1) His God-given talent

2) Stability in the Redskin OL

3) Slight weight loss for additional speed and quickness

4) Saunders as OC

5) Additional receivers to help the offense

=================================

Agree on points 1-3.

4) Disagree. Does Al Saunders block?

5) They are small and poor blockers. They do spread the field though, I'll give you that.

Portis should be taken as the 4th or 5th back....imo.

325

1350

11

40

425

2

That's the important point. With his added burst and speed, Portis will be a demon in the open field. I see lots of 10 to 25 yard runs this season.

 

[CalBear]

I think people are getting spoiled by huge RB seasons, and don't realize how rare it is for a RB to acheive 20 TDs. There were a grand total of 11 RB seasons between 1960 and 2001 which resulted in 20 combined TDs; only six of which resulted in 20 rushing TDs. Since 2002 it has become more commonplace, with Alexander, Tomlinson, Holmes, and Johnson all managing the feat, but it must be noted that all those situations are a perfect mix of talent and opportunity. There are dozens of talented running backs who never scored 20 TDs, including Walter Payton and Barry Sanders.

The only significant change in Washington is the addition of Al Saunders; it seems fanciful in the extreme to expect Portis to double his TD output while playing for what is likely to remain a fairly mediocre offense. (Mark Brunell at 36? Come on.)

I think he'll improve on last year's numbers, but not the way people are projecting him to do so in this thread.

350 carries, 1540 yards, 12 TD, 35 receptions, 300 yards, 2 TD. Good for top 5.

 

[joffer]

one thing about Portis that bothered me a little is that his running style seemed to change a little when he got to Washington. it was always hard to put my finger on it, but it almost was like he started running "leaning forward" like he was expecting to get hit. Part of it could have been the different system in Washington, and he may have done it to reduce the amount of big hits he took.

as a result, i thought there were many times where Portis got through the line, instead of breaking it for a 20+ yard run, he would stumble for about an 8 yard run. again, it wasn't a huge change, more subtle, and maybe now that he's dropping weight and in a new system, he'll revert back to the way he ran in Denver, which seemed more conducive to longer runs. just my two cents. i do like him a lot this year

350/1554/14

34/267/1

 

[sirfumblesalot]

1) His God-given talent

2) Stability in the Redskin OL

3) Slight weight loss for additional speed and quickness

4) Saunders as OC

5) Additional receivers to help the offense

=================================

Agree on points 1-3.

4) Disagree. Does Al Saunders block?

5) They are small and poor blockers. They do spread the field though, I'll give you that.

Portis should be taken as the 4th or 5th back....imo.

325

1350

11

40

425

2

I don't wholly disagree but am curious whom you would take above Portis. Thanks.

 

[Bankerguy]

1) His God-given talent

2) Stability in the Redskin OL

3) Slight weight loss for additional speed and quickness

4) Saunders as OC

5) Additional receivers to help the offense

=================================

Agree on points 1-3.

4) Disagree.  Does Al Saunders block? 

5) They are small and poor blockers.  They do spread the field though, I'll give you that.

Portis should be taken as the 4th or 5th back....imo.

325

1350

11

40

425

2

I don't wholly disagree but am curious whom you would take above Portis. Thanks.

The Top 3...then..Tiki Barber/Portis

 

[jbz]

one thing about Portis that bothered me a little is that his running style seemed to change a little when he got to Washington. it was always hard to put my finger on it, but it almost was like he started running "leaning forward" like he was expecting to get hit. Part of it could have been the different system in Washington, and he may have done it to reduce the amount of big hits he took.

as a result, i thought there were many times where Portis got through the line, instead of breaking it for a 20+ yard run, he would stumble for about an 8 yard run. again, it wasn't a huge change, more subtle, and maybe now that he's dropping weight and in a new system, he'll revert back to the way he ran in Denver, which seemed more conducive to longer runs. just my two cents. i do like him a lot this year

350/1554/14

34/267/1

As a Redskins fan, I will say you are right on. I noticed that as well. Portis would seem to fall at times when he shouldn't because he would be leaning to forward. It was almost like he was outrunning himself. I've seen this happen when I coached football myself. We would have the kids run at us coaches while we were holding these hitting pads. We would randomly either hit them or not with the pad, but more often then not, the kids would fall expecting the hit, even if we didn't hit them. It seemed to happen more earlier in his Redskins career. I think at the time he just taking what he could. But as he got more comfortable, his running style returned to normal. His best running games (not statistically) were the Bucs regular season and the Rams. He looked like the old Portis in those games.

 

[MLBrandow]

That's a lot of predicted TDs so far for a guy who has averaged 9 TDs a season since leaving Denver and has one of this year's toughest scheduels.

He has 2 games back to back against TB and Carolina...what other strong rush defenses are you seeing?

And not only that, but he hasn't exactly been shut down by TB in the regular season.2004: 29-148-TD, 4-15rec (first play was a 64 yard carry to the house).

2005: 23-144-TD, 2-9rec (the 36-35 thriller)

He hasn't played CAR, but with a similar defense, I would expect he should see at least moderate success.

 

[redman]

I don't see the Redskins line as being anywhere close to the talent found in Kansas City.  That said Clinton will have another solid year.

1400/12 rushing

320/2 receiving

Really? I think Samuels and Jansen make pretty solid bookend tackles.

Randy Thomas is also a very good RG, and was the best 'Skins o-lineman last year until he was injured. Casey Rabach is solid at center, but people seem to be down on him for reasons I have yet to hear. Derrick Dockery is a load at LG but always seems to block like a smaller guy. If Dockery in particular puts it all together, the line could be special. I'm willing to agree, though, that the line as a whole is not on the level of KC's of the past few seasons unless I see differently this year.

 

[Assani Fisher]

360 carries, 1650 yds, 15 TDs, 40 catches, 340 yds, 3 TDs \

355 carries, 2100 yards, 24 TDs

45 catches, 575 yards, 6 TDs

6 fumbles

7 pass attempts, 4 completions, 75 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

360 carries, 1650 yds, 15 TDs, 40 catches, 340 yds, 3 TDs \

355 carries, 2100 yards, 24 TDs

45 catches, 575 yards, 6 TDs

6 fumbles

7 pass attempts, 4 completions, 75 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs

 

[This_Is_Not_VRR]

I think people are getting spoiled by huge RB seasons, and don't realize how rare it is for a RB to acheive 20 TDs. There were a grand total of 11 RB seasons between 1960 and 2001 which resulted in 20 combined TDs; only six of which resulted in 20 rushing TDs. Since 2002 it has become more commonplace, with Alexander, Tomlinson, Holmes, and Johnson all managing the feat, but it must be noted that all those situations are a perfect mix of talent and opportunity. There are dozens of talented running backs who never scored 20 TDs, including Walter Payton and Barry Sanders.

The only significant change in Washington is the addition of Al Saunders; it seems fanciful in the extreme to expect Portis to double his TD output while playing for what is likely to remain a fairly mediocre offense. (Mark Brunell at 36? Come on.)

I think he'll improve on last year's numbers, but not the way people are projecting him to do so in this thread.

350 carries, 1540 yards, 12 TD, 35 receptions, 300 yards, 2 TD. Good for top 5.

 

[Cool in the pocket]

I think people are getting spoiled by huge RB seasons, and don't realize how rare it is for a RB to acheive 20 TDs. There were a grand total of 11 RB seasons between 1960 and 2001 which resulted in 20 combined TDs; only six of which resulted in 20 rushing TDs. Since 2002 it has become more commonplace, with Alexander, Tomlinson, Holmes, and Johnson all managing the feat, but it must be noted that all those situations are a perfect mix of talent and opportunity. There are dozens of talented running backs who never scored 20 TDs, including Walter Payton and Barry Sanders.

The only significant change in Washington is the addition of Al Saunders; it seems fanciful in the extreme to expect Portis to double his TD output while playing for what is likely to remain a fairly mediocre offense. (Mark Brunell at 36? Come on.)

I think he'll improve on last year's numbers, but not the way people are projecting him to do so in this thread.

350 carries, 1540 yards, 12 TD, 35 receptions, 300 yards, 2 TD. Good for top 5.

Agreed. Almost everyone would have no problem drawing slot 4 this year, grabbing Portis and getting the first shot on the way back in round 2 before the guys who own the big 3. His O-line is solid, not elite. With Saunders coming over many are expecting great things from Portis since Al was a key person in taking the Chiefs running game to fantasy stardom. The Redskins have a bunch of speed outside now which should help the balance on offense, but not the downfield blocking. I agree with many other posters who suggest that Brunell holds the key to this offense. Can he possibly repeat last years numbers? Doubtful IMHO? With a change in OC though, they prolly don't need it--they need him to be solid and healthy. Saunders seems to have a knack for getting RB's the TD's in the redzone, especially inside the 10, but that was with KC and their line. I expect there will be a burn in period, but Portis is on the cusp of joining the top 3.355 carries, 1580 yards, 13 TD's plus 2 through the air

 

[FreeBaGeL]

This is just a question, but why does everyone assume Saunders was the guy making the RBs in KC rather than Vermeil, who just "happened" to come over from another team that had a record setting TD RB?

 

[RabidRabbit]

Portis does not play with the KC O-line or Trent Green. Nor does he face Oakland twice. Washington has one of the tougher schedules against the run in the NFL for '06.

He's a Brunnel injury away from being a big bust. True most could say a RB would be a bust if the starting QB goes down, but Brunnel's chances of ending up on IR is GREAT.

Look for:

1575 yrds rushing

350 yrds receiving

14 TDs.

If you expect more you will be sorely disappointed and no way on God's green earth does this punk make the Top 3.

 

[MLBrandow]

Portis does not play with the KC O-line or Trent Green. Nor does he face Oakland twice. Washington has one of the tougher schedules against the run in the NFL for '06.

He's a Brunnel injury away from being a big bust. True most could say a RB would be a bust if the starting QB goes down, but Brunnel's chances of ending up on IR is GREAT.

Look for:

1575 yrds rushing

350 yrds receiving

14 TDs.

If you expect more you will be sorely disappointed and no way on God's green earth does this punk make the Top 3.

Has he ever been on IR?Also, what about Jason Campbell, who Gibbs is banking on to ride to SBXLII in '07?

 

[Musesboy]

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=17983

Clinton Portis has his lighter moments, of course, such as when he dresses up in those goofy costumes and makes up his famous characters. Actually, what comes to mind is the now infamous "Jerome" from Southeast D.C.

In addition to his baroque get-ups, Portis sometimes has a vivid way of expressing himself in language. Case in point: What Portis had to say at the recent mini-camp at Redskins Park.

In late June, Portis looked around at all the talent his team has assembled on the offensive side of ball. He saw newcomers such as wide receivers Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd. He spotted new coach Al Saunders. He looked around and saw skilled holdovers such as Santana Moss and Chris Cooley.

What's an opposing defense to do in 2006? Responded Portis: "They'll have to pick their poison."

In other words, there will be many potential paths for the Redskins' offense in 2006. You can bet Portis will not be the road less traveled.

A year ago, in his second season in Washington, the 5-11, 212-pound running back became the frachise's single-season rushing champion with 1,516 yards. Stephen Davis had held the mark, with 1,432 rushing yards in 2001.

The first time Portis touched the ball as a Redskin, you'll recall, he set the bar exceptionally high with a 64-yard TD scamper versus Tampa Bay. That came in a 16-10 Redskins win in the 2004 opener at FedExField.

What lies ahead for him as a possible target could be this: re-establishing himself as one of the game's most prolific touchdown makers.

With Denver, Portis found his way to the end zone 31 times in his first two seasons in the league. He slipped to seven scores for the Redskins of 2004 and jumped back up to 12 last year.

In Saunders' way of doing things, a great deal is possible for an offense. Portis may have a chance to be a bona fide end zone visitor once again, as he was for the Broncos in 2002 and 2003.

Larry Johnson, although much bigger than Portis at 6-1 and 230, tore it up for Saunders in Kansas City last year with 20 rushing touchdowns.

Here's the question: Now that Portis has surpassed Stephen Davis, will there came a day when he'll challenge for the team's mark for most touchdowns in a season?

Admittedly, we're considering a stat way off on the horizon: John Riggins (24 TDs, 1983). Next are Terry Allen (21 TDs, 1996) and George Rogers (18 TDs, 1986).

Of course, it would be serious stuff (as to opposed to merely "Jerome" from Southeast D.C., playfulness) if Portis could venture closer to Riggins, Allen or Rogers in this regard.

Asked about what his spot in 2006, Portis predicted at mini-camp that some Redskins offensive players were in for "spectacular" seasons.

On his role, he added, with tongue in cheek: "Hopefully, the only thing that changes for me, is that by the third quarter I'll be on the sidelines with my hat turned back waving at the cameras saying, We'll see you all next week.'"

Pressed on the matter, he added: "I'm looking forward to a couple 90 yarders this year. I have to hit some home runs.

"We have a great guy they put behind me, in Ladell Betts, and a great guy behind him, with Rock [Cartwright]. The more opportunities they get, the more they play, the better they do. That's more pressure taken off of me. I'm not selfish. All I want to do is win. I know what it's like to be the most popular, and I don't care about any of that. I need a ring or two."

In 2005, rare was the occasion when Portis was kept in check. He piled up nine 100-yard rushing games and finished in strong fashion in the NFC East run versus Dallas, the Giants and Philadelphia.

As to whether he'll ever achieve additional franchise records, Portis says it would be nice but at the same time not essential.

"All of the stats don't matter," insists Portis. "Every year, you're going to have a guy come in from college who feels like he's the best running back in the game. Right now, all of the stats and the publicity don't really matter. All that matters is wins."

 

[Pots]

350 carries

1450 Rushing Yards

11 Rushing TDs

35 Receptions

250 Rec Yards

1 Rec TD

Total: 385 touches, 1700 yards, 12 TDs

 

[Keys Myaths]

Man, you guys are high on this kid.

He had a GREAT year last year. Much better than 2004, which everyone seems to forget.

The 1600+ rushing yards with 15+ TDs are out of control predictions, IMO. He didn't even do that in 2003 with Denver.

He's a very good back. He's going to get 1400-1550 yards. His TDs, I worry about, even still. He did have 11 last year...but the FIVE in 2004 still scare me. I think predicting any more than 10 is a recipe to get yourself into serious trouble.

330 rushes, 1445 yards, 9 rushing TDs.

32 receptions, 210 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD.

 

[cscmtp]

While i agree its good to look past just last season when predicting numbers, you have to also realize that 2004 was Gibbs first year back, and that entire team is SO much difference from the 2004 season. I believe Portis' bad year in 2004 was more a result of a team in TOTAL transition. Think about it, they went from having a coach like Spurrier, who used almost NO discipline, to Gibbs, who has TOTAL control. So i'm sure at first a lot of the team wasn't happy the playtime was over. But after a while, they bought into Gibbs system, they realized how much better the team would be, and they haven't looked back. I think what Gibbs has done with this team in just a short time is AMAZING. Snyder is no longer interferring, the players act like a family (no more Stephen Davis vs Westbrooke fights) and they have assembled the best coaching staff i've seen in a loooong time. So the TDs will continue to increase, and Portis should benefit more than anyone.

 

[4 - Digit Shark]

I am a HUGE believer that the system is just as important as the player, as long as the surrounding cast is in place as well. While some may argue that Wash does not have the same players around Portis that KC had around Holmes/LJ, I'd say they are adequate. Therefore I think if Portis is used in the same role as Holmes & LJ, and not sub'd out on passing downs and such, he will have a very good year. I'd expect his catches, ypr, ypc & TD's to all go up. I currently have the #4 spot in a PPR league and thought I was going with Tiki, but the more I look at it I may have to take Portis, even if it is PPR.

345/1600/14 (4.6 ypr)

40/375/1 (9.4 ypc)

40/1975/15 = 287.5 in non PPR & 327.5 in PPR

 

[(HULK)]

1) His God-given talent

2) Stability in the Redskin OL

3) Slight weight loss for additional speed and quickness

4) Saunders as OC

5) Additional receivers to help the offense

=================================

Agree on points 1-3.

4) Disagree. Does Al Saunders block?

5) They are small and poor blockers. They do spread the field though, I'll give you that.

Portis should be taken as the 4th or 5th back....imo.

325

1350

11

40

425

2

Al Saunders is calling the plays this year instead of Gibbs. Look at the redzone run TD to pass TD ratio for the Chiefs and then look at it for the Skins. Portis is about to see a large jump in touchdowns based upon play calling.Those TDs that Sellers and Cooley saw last year in the h-back spot will all go to Portis. (Cooley will still get TDs from the TE position though).

 

[(HULK)]

no way on God's green earth does this punk make the Top 3.

Sig bet?

 

[Coeur de Lion]

Al Saunders is calling the plays this year instead of Gibbs. Look at the redzone run TD to pass TD ratio for the Chiefs and then look at it for the Skins. Portis is about to see a large jump in touchdowns based upon play calling.

I posted this in an earlier thread:

Al Saunders will certainly make some kind of impact on the Washington offense. How much of an impact is open to question, of course, but personally I think that he'll not only have a positive effect on the ground game, but also have an effect on the run-pass ratio in the red zone.

Washington scored a very respectable 40 total offensive TDs last year -- 15 rushing and 25 through the air.

Over the past three years, Kansas City has scored an amazing 157 offensive TDs, with 89 (!) rushing TDs and 68 passing TDs. Almost 57% of KC's offensive TDs were scored on the ground.

Predicting Washington to shoot up into KC territory in total TD production is admittedly unrealistic. I think a modest (<5) increase is possible/likely. I also think that there is a good chance that the ratio of rushing TDs to passing TDs will be much closer to 1 : 1 in 2006.

I think that it is very realistic to predict Washington to have in the neighborhood of 20 rushing TDs as a team in 2006, and for Portis to hit/exceed 15 TDs on the ground. Coupled with a likely increase in overall ground game effectiveness, and a likely higher level of use in the passing game for Portis (see the reception totals for KC RBs under Saunders), this points to a career year for CP.

I expect all of CP's relevant numbers to go up, to the tune of 1575 rushing, 42 catches for 390 yards, and 18 total TDs.