Portis "two good days of practice" (1 Viewer)

[fdnyjets]

Gibbs was more upbeat about the status of running back Clinton Portis, who he said has had two good days of practice as he rehabs a partially dislocated shoulder. The coaching staff will monitor Portis closely this week before deciding if he'll play Monday night.

"He'd have to be out there, going 100 percent, slamming around before you'd play him," Gibbs said.

http://www.dailypress.com/sports/dp-18256s...dp-sports-local

 

[gorf]

Gibbs was more upbeat about the status of running back Clinton Portis, who he said has had two good days of practice as he rehabs a partially dislocated shoulder. The coaching staff will monitor Portis closely this week before deciding if he'll play Monday night.

"He'd have to be out there, going 100 percent, slamming around before you'd play him," Gibbs said.

http://www.dailypress.com/sports/dp-18256s...dp-sports-local

as a portis owner, this is exactly what i want to hear.

 

[Romulan]

Gibbs was more upbeat about the status of running back Clinton Portis, who he said has had two good days of practice as he rehabs a partially dislocated shoulder. The coaching staff will monitor Portis closely this week before deciding if he'll play Monday night.

"He'd have to be out there, going 100 percent, slamming around before you'd play him," Gibbs said.

http://www.dailypress.com/sports/dp-18256s...dp-sports-local

Thanks for that report, good news is always nice to hear!. What I would like to know is how much will he be using Betts as compared to Portis? I might end up starting both of them in my start 3rb league.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Tuesday, September 05, 9:43 AM EST (Week 1)

News Story: Coach Joe Gibbs told the Washington Post that he still isn't sure if Portis (shoulder) will be ready for Monday night's opener.

Fantasy Analysis: If you have enough depth to leave Portis on your bench, do so. There are too many questions marks about his health, and Week 1 keeps getting closer. (Chris Bahr/SN)

Source: Fantasy Football Wire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, September 05, 8:28 AM EST (Week 1)

News Story: According to head coach Joe Gibbs, Portis(shoulder) is listed as day to day.

Fantasy Analysis: Portis will need to practice later in the week or he will not play. The Redskins do have an extra day since they play Monday but will that be enough time for him to get ready?

Source: Fantasy Insights

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, September 05, 5:44 AM EST (Week 1)

News Story: Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said that Portis (shoulder) has had two good days of practice, but his status for Monday night's season opener is still uncertain, the Hampton Roads Daily Press reports. "He'd have to be out there, going 100 percent, slamming around before you'd play him," Gibbs said.

Fantasy Analysis: Portis' status will obviously be measured closely in practice this week. He's the biggest fantasy injury question mark for Week 1's slate of games, and the fact that the Redskins play on Monday night make the decision all the more difficult.

Source: RotoWire

 

[Billy Bats]

Well I hope we get a clear indicatiion by Sunday on wheter he will play or not. He could be the steal of my draft at 2.09.

Thanks for the updates, skinsfan, keep them coming!!!

 

[Banger]

Well I hope we get a clear indicatiion by Sunday on wheter he will play or not. He could be the steal of my draft at 2.09.Thanks for the updates, skinsfan, keep them coming!!!

He'll be the steal whether or not he plays this weekend.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Well I hope we get a clear indicatiion by Sunday on wheter he will play or not. He could be the steal of my draft at 2.09.Thanks for the updates, skinsfan, keep them coming!!!

He'll be the steal whether or not he plays this weekend.

No doubt. I think he could miss the first 2 weeks and still be a steal.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Well I hope we get a clear indicatiion by Sunday on wheter he will play or not. He could be the steal of my draft at 2.09.Thanks for the updates, skinsfan, keep them coming!!!

He'll be the steal whether or not he plays this weekend.

Hi Banger.Where is the line for where you see him being a "steal"?J

 

[TeddyKGB]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

 

[Banger]

Well I hope we get a clear indicatiion by Sunday on wheter he will play or not. He could be the steal of my draft at 2.09.Thanks for the updates, skinsfan, keep them coming!!!

He'll be the steal whether or not he plays this weekend.

Hi Banger.Where is the line for where you see him being a "steal"?J

Good question. Definitely at 2.9 since he's paired up with the #4 back and he's your 2nd back. I'd probably say anywhere 2.6 and after because after the 7th back I feel there's a dropoff in terms of reliability (the 1st 7 being LT, LJ, SA, Tiki, SJax, Rudi, Brown). If you can pair up Portis with any of those backs I'd say you are in potentially GREAT shape if he comes back to form and if he doesn't you still have a very reliable #1 to lean on. There's always a risk that Portis is banged up and doesn't have the great year but I think at that point the risk is worth the reward because if he does bounce back having Rudi/Portis, Tiki/Portis, etc. is a pretty potent combo.

 

[Deuce'sWild]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

Take this for what it's worth, but on NFL network a few months ago, Portis was the guest, and said over and over how he doesn't need to be "the man". He stated that all he wants is to win a championship, and the stats will take care of themselves. He did say also that Saunders offense has him very excited and the chance for big things is very likely, but that with all the weapons they have now he doesn't expect to be a one man show. So, it doesn't sound like (nor does it matter) that he cares about being the GL back.Could just be him trying to be a team player....but he doesn't seem to interested in personal glory.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

Take this for what it's worth, but on NFL network a few months ago, Portis was the guest, and said over and over how he doesn't need to be "the man". He stated that all he wants is to win a championship, and the stats will take care of themselves. He did say also that Saunders offense has him very excited and the chance for big things is very likely, but that with all the weapons they have now he doesn't expect to be a one man show. So, it doesn't sound like (nor does it matter) that he cares about being the GL back.Could just be him trying to be a team player....but he doesn't seem to interested in personal glory.I've heard him say the same thing. I still don't think he's going to want to pound the ball between the 20's and then get pulled when it's time to run the ball into the end zone. It will happen from time to time as it does with most backs but I don't see this being a regular thing.

 

[fdnyjets]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

My season is saved if Portis playes and I get a win in my first game.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Well I hope we get a clear indicatiion by Sunday on wheter he will play or not. He could be the steal of my draft at 2.09.Thanks for the updates, skinsfan, keep them coming!!!

He'll be the steal whether or not he plays this weekend.

Hi Banger.Where is the line for where you see him being a "steal"?J

Good question. Definitely at 2.9 since he's paired up with the #4 back and he's your 2nd back. I'd probably say anywhere 2.6 and after because after the 7th back I feel there's a dropoff in terms of reliability (the 1st 7 being LT, LJ, SA, Tiki, SJax, Rudi, Brown). If you can pair up Portis with any of those backs I'd say you are in potentially GREAT shape if he comes back to form and if he doesn't you still have a very reliable #1 to lean on. There's always a risk that Portis is banged up and doesn't have the great year but I think at that point the risk is worth the reward because if he does bounce back having Rudi/Portis, Tiki/Portis, etc. is a pretty potent combo.

All these "ifs" mean risk, and the number one rule in fantasy football is to avoid risk in the first 3 rounds.I stayed far, far away from Portis in drafts this year.

 

[my man otis]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.

I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

I disagree with this supposition. Gibbs makes the decisions, and if the Skins win then I don't think Portis really cares if he gets 2 TDs or 20.

 

[Billy Bats]

Well I hope we get a clear indicatiion by Sunday on wheter he will play or not. He could be the steal of my draft at 2.09.

Thanks for the updates, skinsfan, keep them coming!!!

He'll be the steal whether or not he plays this weekend.

Hi Banger.Where is the line for where you see him being a "steal"?

J

Good question. Definitely at 2.9 since he's paired up with the #4 back and he's your 2nd back. I'd probably say anywhere 2.6 and after because after the 7th back I feel there's a dropoff in terms of reliability (the 1st 7 being LT, LJ, SA, Tiki, SJax, Rudi, Brown). If you can pair up Portis with any of those backs I'd say you are in potentially GREAT shape if he comes back to form and if he doesn't you still have a very reliable #1 to lean on. There's always a risk that Portis is banged up and doesn't have the great year but I think at that point the risk is worth the reward because if he does bounce back having Rudi/Portis, Tiki/Portis, etc. is a pretty potent combo.

10 team league, so I have him paired up nicely with that Larry Johnson guy.

 

[Banger]

Well I hope we get a clear indicatiion by Sunday on wheter he will play or not. He could be the steal of my draft at 2.09.Thanks for the updates, skinsfan, keep them coming!!!

He'll be the steal whether or not he plays this weekend.

Hi Banger.Where is the line for where you see him being a "steal"?J

Good question. Definitely at 2.9 since he's paired up with the #4 back and he's your 2nd back. I'd probably say anywhere 2.6 and after because after the 7th back I feel there's a dropoff in terms of reliability (the 1st 7 being LT, LJ, SA, Tiki, SJax, Rudi, Brown). If you can pair up Portis with any of those backs I'd say you are in potentially GREAT shape if he comes back to form and if he doesn't you still have a very reliable #1 to lean on. There's always a risk that Portis is banged up and doesn't have the great year but I think at that point the risk is worth the reward because if he does bounce back having Rudi/Portis, Tiki/Portis, etc. is a pretty potent combo.

All these "ifs" mean risk, and the number one rule in fantasy football is to avoid risk in the first 3 rounds.I stayed far, far away from Portis in drafts this year.

You can't avoid risk, every player has risk some just have more than others. It's all a balance of risk vs. reward.

 

[ILUVBEER99]

Take this for what it's worth, but on NFL network a few months ago, Portis was the guest, and said over and over how he doesn't need to be "the man". He stated that all he wants is to win a championship, and the stats will take care of themselves. He did say also that Saunders offense has him very excited and the chance for big things is very likely, but that with all the weapons they have now he doesn't expect to be a one man show. So, it doesn't sound like (nor does it matter) that he cares about being the GL back.Could just be him trying to be a team player....but he doesn't seem to interested in personal glory.

Portis also said he wanted Edge to come to Washington when EJ was a free agent. He knew it wouldn't happen and was mostly joking, but i really don't think he would have minded.Clinton is not a selfish player, which sucks for FF. I don't think he will care at all if Duckett gets the goal-line carries as long as he's converting.

 

[dgreen]

Well I hope we get a clear indicatiion by Sunday on wheter he will play or not. He could be the steal of my draft at 2.09.Thanks for the updates, skinsfan, keep them coming!!!

He'll be the steal whether or not he plays this weekend.

Hi Banger.Where is the line for where you see him being a "steal"?J

Good question. Definitely at 2.9 since he's paired up with the #4 back and he's your 2nd back. I'd probably say anywhere 2.6 and after because after the 7th back I feel there's a dropoff in terms of reliability (the 1st 7 being LT, LJ, SA, Tiki, SJax, Rudi, Brown). If you can pair up Portis with any of those backs I'd say you are in potentially GREAT shape if he comes back to form and if he doesn't you still have a very reliable #1 to lean on. There's always a risk that Portis is banged up and doesn't have the great year but I think at that point the risk is worth the reward because if he does bounce back having Rudi/Portis, Tiki/Portis, etc. is a pretty potent combo.

All these "ifs" mean risk, and the number one rule in fantasy football is to avoid risk in the first 3 rounds.I stayed far, far away from Portis in drafts this year.

You can't avoid risk, every player has risk some just have more than others. It's all a balance of risk vs. reward.

tommyGunZ has been avoiding the risk of buying a house for like 10 years now.

 

[redman]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.

I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

I disagree with this supposition. Gibbs makes the decisions, and if the Skins win then I don't think Portis really cares if he gets 2 TDs or 20.

Agreed. His intense competitiveness will mean that he returns to the lineup sooner rather than later, however he's a consummate team player who wants to win first. Of any set of coaches he can be playing for, these guys know how to win and run a team and they have the respect of the players. Anyway, what difference do you think it would make with this coaching staff if Portis started bellyaching about not getting goalline carries? Remember, Portis only scored 5 rushing TD's in 2005 and didn't score a TD at all in 2005 until week 7 vs. SF, but he didn't utter a peep in protest or criticism.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.

I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

I disagree with this supposition. Gibbs makes the decisions, and if the Skins win then I don't think Portis really cares if he gets 2 TDs or 20.

Agreed. His intense competitiveness will mean that he returns to the lineup sooner rather than later, however he's a consummate team player who wants to win first. Of any set of coaches he can be playing for, these guys know how to win and run a team and they have the respect of the players. Anyway, what difference do you think it would make with this coaching staff if Portis started bellyaching about not getting goalline carries? Remember, Portis only scored 5 rushing TD's in 2005 and didn't score a TD at all in 2005 until week 7 vs. SF, but he didn't utter a peep in protest or criticism.

Wanting to win first has absolutely nothing at ll to do with not wanting to be pulled out at the goal line.Sure, Gibbs is in charge. Gibbs is also smart enough to know who his star player is.

Portis is the GL back. Take it to the bank.

It's worth noting that while Portis only had 5 rusing tds it wasn't because he was pulled at the goal line."

We all know that teams were stacking the line against him because of the lack of talent at wr.

It would make a big difference to Gibbs if his star back was complaining. That's the last thing he wants.

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

Betts is slightly above average and Duckett is insurance.

 

[fatboyj711]

not a portis owner, but if i were, i'd hope to god i handcuffed betts in the draft... so i'd be hoping for portis to sit and rest his shoulder making betts a quality RB2 for week one... all this speculation is just muddying up the situation, making the decision process that much harder

 

[dgreen]

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

I've been wondering recently, who decides positional replacements? I think it's a given that the HC is in charge of all QB changes. I'd guess he discusses it with the OC and the QBC, but the HC makes the decision. What about at RB? Is it Gibbs who decides if Portis is the GL back? Saunders as the OC? Byner as the RBC?I doubt Gibbs worries too much about the decision between Holdman and McIntosh at WLB. Does Gregg Williams make that call or does he delegate that to Dale Lindsay?

 

[dgreen]

not a portis owner, but if i were, i'd hope to god i handcuffed betts in the draft... so i'd be hoping for portis to sit and rest his shoulder making betts a quality RB2 for week one... all this speculation is just muddying up the situation, making the decision process that much harder

I think the picture will be clear by the weekend.

 

[my man otis]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.

I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

I disagree with this supposition. Gibbs makes the decisions, and if the Skins win then I don't think Portis really cares if he gets 2 TDs or 20.

Agreed. His intense competitiveness will mean that he returns to the lineup sooner rather than later, however he's a consummate team player who wants to win first. Of any set of coaches he can be playing for, these guys know how to win and run a team and they have the respect of the players. Anyway, what difference do you think it would make with this coaching staff if Portis started bellyaching about not getting goalline carries? Remember, Portis only scored 5 rushing TD's in 2005 and didn't score a TD at all in 2005 until week 7 vs. SF, but he didn't utter a peep in protest or criticism.

Wanting to win first has absolutely nothing at ll to do with not wanting to be pulled out at the goal line.Sure, Gibbs is in charge. Gibbs is also smart enough to know who his star player is.

Portis is the GL back. Take it to the bank.

It's worth noting that while Portis only had 5 rusing tds it wasn't because he was pulled at the goal line."

We all know that teams were stacking the line against him because of the lack of talent at wr.

It would make a big difference to Gibbs if his star back was complaining. That's the last thing he wants.

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

Betts is slightly above average and Duckett is insurance.

Pulled at the GL and play action dump off are one in the same as far as Portis' stats are concerned.He didn't score until week 7 last year because of:

Two bombs to Moss

1 yard pass to Royal

4 yard pass to Sellers

2 yard pass to Sellers

11 yard pass to Cooley

4 yard pass to Moss

Another bomb to Moss

2 yard pass to Sellers

Does the Saunders offense not throw to the TEs? Last I checked Tony G was bound for the Hall of Fame.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

I've been wondering recently, who decides positional replacements? I think it's a given that the HC is in charge of all QB changes. I'd guess he discusses it with the OC and the QBC, but the HC makes the decision. What about at RB? Is it Gibbs who decides if Portis is the GL back? Saunders as the OC? Byner as the RBC?I doubt Gibbs worries too much about the decision between Holdman and McIntosh at WLB. Does Gregg Williams make that call or does he delegate that to Dale Lindsay?

Saunders isn't the OC. He's the Assistant Head Coach Offense(as is Bugal). Don Breaux is the OC.I'm guessing that Gibbs has the final say on everything but I heard him (Gibbs) saying that Saunders is calling the plays(with the exception of making calls like going for it or kicking fgs, punting etc).

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.

I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

I disagree with this supposition. Gibbs makes the decisions, and if the Skins win then I don't think Portis really cares if he gets 2 TDs or 20.

Agreed. His intense competitiveness will mean that he returns to the lineup sooner rather than later, however he's a consummate team player who wants to win first. Of any set of coaches he can be playing for, these guys know how to win and run a team and they have the respect of the players. Anyway, what difference do you think it would make with this coaching staff if Portis started bellyaching about not getting goalline carries? Remember, Portis only scored 5 rushing TD's in 2005 and didn't score a TD at all in 2005 until week 7 vs. SF, but he didn't utter a peep in protest or criticism.

Wanting to win first has absolutely nothing at ll to do with not wanting to be pulled out at the goal line.Sure, Gibbs is in charge. Gibbs is also smart enough to know who his star player is.

Portis is the GL back. Take it to the bank.

It's worth noting that while Portis only had 5 rusing tds it wasn't because he was pulled at the goal line."

We all know that teams were stacking the line against him because of the lack of talent at wr.

It would make a big difference to Gibbs if his star back was complaining. That's the last thing he wants.

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

Betts is slightly above average and Duckett is insurance.

Pulled at the GL and play action dump off are one in the same as far as Portis' stats are concerned.He didn't score until week 7 last year because of:

Two bombs to Moss

1 yard pass to Royal

4 yard pass to Sellers

2 yard pass to Sellers

11 yard pass to Cooley

4 yard pass to Moss

Another bomb to Moss

2 yard pass to Sellers

Does the Saunders offense not throw to the TEs? Last I checked Tony G was bound for the Hall of Fame.

Agreed. But all that happened when Gibbs was calling the plays. As I understand things, this will be Saunders running his version of that offense. It's probably better to check out what KC was doing in those situations.

 

[redman]

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

I've been wondering recently, who decides positional replacements? I think it's a given that the HC is in charge of all QB changes. I'd guess he discusses it with the OC and the QBC, but the HC makes the decision. What about at RB? Is it Gibbs who decides if Portis is the GL back? Saunders as the OC? Byner as the RBC?I doubt Gibbs worries too much about the decision between Holdman and McIntosh at WLB. Does Gregg Williams make that call or does he delegate that to Dale Lindsay?

The Holdman-McIntosh decision is Williams' alone, done in consultation with his assistants. Gibbs doesn't meddle with the defensive decisions. I'm less sure about the offense and Saunders vs. Gibbs regarding who makes the decision to pull Portis (or not) at the goalline because Gibbs has never done this before, but if Gibbs is to be believed and if we equate Saunders' role with Williams (they both have the identical "Asst. Head Coach" title), then Saunders would be the guy making that final decision. I'm sure that all of the offensive coaches have input (along with Gibbs), but that's who I think makes the call.

 

[cstu]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.

I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

I disagree with this supposition. Gibbs makes the decisions, and if the Skins win then I don't think Portis really cares if he gets 2 TDs or 20.

Agreed. His intense competitiveness will mean that he returns to the lineup sooner rather than later, however he's a consummate team player who wants to win first. Of any set of coaches he can be playing for, these guys know how to win and run a team and they have the respect of the players. Anyway, what difference do you think it would make with this coaching staff if Portis started bellyaching about not getting goalline carries? Remember, Portis only scored 5 rushing TD's in 2005 and didn't score a TD at all in 2005 until week 7 vs. SF, but he didn't utter a peep in protest or criticism.

Wanting to win first has absolutely nothing at ll to do with not wanting to be pulled out at the goal line.Sure, Gibbs is in charge. Gibbs is also smart enough to know who his star player is.

Portis is the GL back. Take it to the bank.

It's worth noting that while Portis only had 5 rusing tds it wasn't because he was pulled at the goal line."

We all know that teams were stacking the line against him because of the lack of talent at wr.

It would make a big difference to Gibbs if his star back was complaining. That's the last thing he wants.

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

Betts is slightly above average and Duckett is insurance.

The only reason for Gibbs to pull Portis for Duckett at the goalline is if he thinks the defense will be more concerned with Duckett than Portis, which I don't think would be the case. Maybe some Redskins fans can help me out with this, but it seems like Cooley and Sellers benefited last year from the attention Portis received in the red zone, with each getting 7 TD's.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

not a portis owner, but if i were, i'd hope to god i handcuffed betts in the draft... so i'd be hoping for portis to sit and rest his shoulder making betts a quality RB2 for week one... all this speculation is just muddying up the situation, making the decision process that much harder

I think the picture will be clear by the weekend.

Maybe. I was thinking it might take a bit longer given the Portis injury.I didn't handcuff Portis(Skins homers took him way too early for my liking. There were still starting backs on the board).I think the running game in DC will suffer quite a bit if Betts is the main guy. I'll jump to one of my other backs if Portis goes down for the count.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.

I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

I disagree with this supposition. Gibbs makes the decisions, and if the Skins win then I don't think Portis really cares if he gets 2 TDs or 20.

Agreed. His intense competitiveness will mean that he returns to the lineup sooner rather than later, however he's a consummate team player who wants to win first. Of any set of coaches he can be playing for, these guys know how to win and run a team and they have the respect of the players. Anyway, what difference do you think it would make with this coaching staff if Portis started bellyaching about not getting goalline carries? Remember, Portis only scored 5 rushing TD's in 2005 and didn't score a TD at all in 2005 until week 7 vs. SF, but he didn't utter a peep in protest or criticism.

Wanting to win first has absolutely nothing at ll to do with not wanting to be pulled out at the goal line.Sure, Gibbs is in charge. Gibbs is also smart enough to know who his star player is.

Portis is the GL back. Take it to the bank.

It's worth noting that while Portis only had 5 rusing tds it wasn't because he was pulled at the goal line."

We all know that teams were stacking the line against him because of the lack of talent at wr.

It would make a big difference to Gibbs if his star back was complaining. That's the last thing he wants.

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

Betts is slightly above average and Duckett is insurance.

The only reason for Gibbs to pull Portis for Duckett at the goalline is if he thinks the defense will be more concerned with Duckett than Portis, which I don't think would be the case. Maybe some Redskins fans can help me out with this, but it seems like Cooley and Sellers benefited last year from the attention Portis received in the red zone, with each getting 7 TD's.

I think you are correct. Sellers was often uncovered on his scores. The fakes to Portis were certainly a factor.

 

[my man otis]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.

I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

I disagree with this supposition. Gibbs makes the decisions, and if the Skins win then I don't think Portis really cares if he gets 2 TDs or 20.

Agreed. His intense competitiveness will mean that he returns to the lineup sooner rather than later, however he's a consummate team player who wants to win first. Of any set of coaches he can be playing for, these guys know how to win and run a team and they have the respect of the players. Anyway, what difference do you think it would make with this coaching staff if Portis started bellyaching about not getting goalline carries? Remember, Portis only scored 5 rushing TD's in 2005 and didn't score a TD at all in 2005 until week 7 vs. SF, but he didn't utter a peep in protest or criticism.

Wanting to win first has absolutely nothing at ll to do with not wanting to be pulled out at the goal line.Sure, Gibbs is in charge. Gibbs is also smart enough to know who his star player is.

Portis is the GL back. Take it to the bank.

It's worth noting that while Portis only had 5 rusing tds it wasn't because he was pulled at the goal line."

We all know that teams were stacking the line against him because of the lack of talent at wr.

It would make a big difference to Gibbs if his star back was complaining. That's the last thing he wants.

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

Betts is slightly above average and Duckett is insurance.

Pulled at the GL and play action dump off are one in the same as far as Portis' stats are concerned.He didn't score until week 7 last year because of:

Two bombs to Moss

1 yard pass to Royal

4 yard pass to Sellers

2 yard pass to Sellers

11 yard pass to Cooley

4 yard pass to Moss

Another bomb to Moss

2 yard pass to Sellers

Does the Saunders offense not throw to the TEs? Last I checked Tony G was bound for the Hall of Fame.

Agreed. But all that happened when Gibbs was calling the plays. As I understand things, this will be Saunders running his version of that offense. It's probably better to check out what KC was doing in those situations.

I'm inclined to believe you but I'm always wary of transporting play calling from one team to another when the players in the new system don't exactly match up to what was on the OC's previous team. we'll know if a few weeks.

 

[redman]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.

I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

I disagree with this supposition. Gibbs makes the decisions, and if the Skins win then I don't think Portis really cares if he gets 2 TDs or 20.

Agreed. His intense competitiveness will mean that he returns to the lineup sooner rather than later, however he's a consummate team player who wants to win first. Of any set of coaches he can be playing for, these guys know how to win and run a team and they have the respect of the players. Anyway, what difference do you think it would make with this coaching staff if Portis started bellyaching about not getting goalline carries? Remember, Portis only scored 5 rushing TD's in 2005 and didn't score a TD at all in 2005 until week 7 vs. SF, but he didn't utter a peep in protest or criticism.

Wanting to win first has absolutely nothing at ll to do with not wanting to be pulled out at the goal line.Sure, Gibbs is in charge. Gibbs is also smart enough to know who his star player is.

Portis is the GL back. Take it to the bank.

It's worth noting that while Portis only had 5 rusing tds it wasn't because he was pulled at the goal line."

We all know that teams were stacking the line against him because of the lack of talent at wr.

It would make a big difference to Gibbs if his star back was complaining. That's the last thing he wants.

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

Betts is slightly above average and Duckett is insurance.

I disagree with your read on this situation. First of all, this is a team that is built to win this year. This is the last year that they can credibly expect Brunell to perform well, and also keep Campbell on the bench without stunting his development. All other considerations such as keeping Portis smiling about his goalline carries (assuming that's even an issue) pale in comparison to that.

Second, Duckett is a FA after this season, and so is Betts. While I liked the trade for Duckett, that only makes sense if they sign him after this season, and I don't see that happen if they simply marginalize him on the bench as "insurance". Betts I could see them letting go if he doesn't have a contract demand that is reflective of his backup status, but I expect him to try to find a situation like (the comparably talented) Lamont Jordan found starting somewhere, though the pickings seem slim. The point here is that the team won't want to lose both of these guys, and of the two I think they'd want to keep Duckett the most.

Third, the team has been mediocre at the goalline both of the last two years. In 2004 that could be attributed to the banged up o-line, but that excuse didn't carry any water last season. The whole reason Sellers got all those receiving TD's was because they couldn't run the ball in, whether it was Portis in the backfield or Betts or Cartwright. The point is that that aspect of the game begged for improvement, and Duckett is one of the most successful goalline runners in the league.

Finally, the improvement at WR I think isn't aimed specifically at the goalline and may have little or no affect there. All of those guys are smallish, with the 6' Lloyd being the biggest guy there. I think they open up the offense between the 20-yard lines and get the team more big plays, but inside the 5-yard line it's going to be Cooley and the RB's who punch it in.

In short, I think they give Duckett the goalline role (mostly, not entirely though) because he's better than the other guys they have and because it's in their long-term interest to keep him interested enough to play for this team in order to resign with them.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.

I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

I disagree with this supposition. Gibbs makes the decisions, and if the Skins win then I don't think Portis really cares if he gets 2 TDs or 20.

Agreed. His intense competitiveness will mean that he returns to the lineup sooner rather than later, however he's a consummate team player who wants to win first. Of any set of coaches he can be playing for, these guys know how to win and run a team and they have the respect of the players. Anyway, what difference do you think it would make with this coaching staff if Portis started bellyaching about not getting goalline carries? Remember, Portis only scored 5 rushing TD's in 2005 and didn't score a TD at all in 2005 until week 7 vs. SF, but he didn't utter a peep in protest or criticism.

Wanting to win first has absolutely nothing at ll to do with not wanting to be pulled out at the goal line.Sure, Gibbs is in charge. Gibbs is also smart enough to know who his star player is.

Portis is the GL back. Take it to the bank.

It's worth noting that while Portis only had 5 rusing tds it wasn't because he was pulled at the goal line."

We all know that teams were stacking the line against him because of the lack of talent at wr.

It would make a big difference to Gibbs if his star back was complaining. That's the last thing he wants.

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

Betts is slightly above average and Duckett is insurance.

I disagree with your read on this situation. First of all, this is a team that is built to win this year. This is the last year that they can credibly expect Brunell to perform well, and also keep Campbell on the bench without stunting his development. All other considerations such as keeping Portis smiling about his goalline carries (assuming that's even an issue) pale in comparison to that.

Second, Duckett is a FA after this season, and so is Betts. While I liked the trade for Duckett, that only makes sense if they sign him after this season, and I don't see that happen if they simply marginalize him on the bench as "insurance". Betts I could see them letting go if he doesn't have a contract demand that is reflective of his backup status, but I expect him to try to find a situation like (the comparably talented) Lamont Jordan found starting somewhere, though the pickings seem slim. The point here is that the team won't want to lose both of these guys, and of the two I think they'd want to keep Duckett the most.

Third, the team has been mediocre at the goalline both of the last two years. In 2004 that could be attributed to the banged up o-line, but that excuse didn't carry any water last season. The whole reason Sellers got all those receiving TD's was because they couldn't run the ball in, whether it was Portis in the backfield or Betts or Cartwright. The point is that that aspect of the game begged for improvement, and Duckett is one of the most successful goalline runners in the league.

Finally, the improvement at WR I think isn't aimed specifically at the goalline and may have little or no affect there. All of those guys are smallish, with the 6' Lloyd being the biggest guy there. I think they open up the offense between the 20-yard lines and get the team more big plays, but inside the 5-yard line it's going to be Cooley and the RB's who punch it in.

In short, I think they give Duckett the goalline role (mostly, not entirely though) because he's better than the other guys they have and because it's in their long-term interest to keep him interested enough to play for this team in order to resign with them.

The team has been "built to win this year" for the past 5 or 6 seasons. Their best qb is, for all intents and purposes, a rookie. Their best offensive player is Portis. If you taped any skins games, go back and take a look. They hardly ran the ball at all inside the 5(compared to what teams like KC were doing).Portis did just fine as the gl back in Denver and he'll be fine this year.

They got duckett because the price was right and he provides insurance. I don't see him being here next year. He thinks he can start and he wants to start. That's not happening here.

Teams stacked the line against the skins and dared them to pass when they were down close. The addition of the wr's changes that. I don't care how tall or short they are. Neither does Gibbs.

Skins were basically resorting to trickery to score when they were close. The addition of saunders and a healthy o line(several of those guys were playing hurt last year including Jansen with the two thumbs and Samuels) changes things.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.

I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

I disagree with this supposition. Gibbs makes the decisions, and if the Skins win then I don't think Portis really cares if he gets 2 TDs or 20.

Agreed. His intense competitiveness will mean that he returns to the lineup sooner rather than later, however he's a consummate team player who wants to win first. Of any set of coaches he can be playing for, these guys know how to win and run a team and they have the respect of the players. Anyway, what difference do you think it would make with this coaching staff if Portis started bellyaching about not getting goalline carries? Remember, Portis only scored 5 rushing TD's in 2005 and didn't score a TD at all in 2005 until week 7 vs. SF, but he didn't utter a peep in protest or criticism.

Wanting to win first has absolutely nothing at ll to do with not wanting to be pulled out at the goal line.Sure, Gibbs is in charge. Gibbs is also smart enough to know who his star player is.

Portis is the GL back. Take it to the bank.

It's worth noting that while Portis only had 5 rusing tds it wasn't because he was pulled at the goal line."

We all know that teams were stacking the line against him because of the lack of talent at wr.

It would make a big difference to Gibbs if his star back was complaining. That's the last thing he wants.

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

Betts is slightly above average and Duckett is insurance.

Pulled at the GL and play action dump off are one in the same as far as Portis' stats are concerned.He didn't score until week 7 last year because of:

Two bombs to Moss

1 yard pass to Royal

4 yard pass to Sellers

2 yard pass to Sellers

11 yard pass to Cooley

4 yard pass to Moss

Another bomb to Moss

2 yard pass to Sellers

Does the Saunders offense not throw to the TEs? Last I checked Tony G was bound for the Hall of Fame.

Agreed. But all that happened when Gibbs was calling the plays. As I understand things, this will be Saunders running his version of that offense. It's probably better to check out what KC was doing in those situations.

I'm inclined to believe you but I'm always wary of transporting play calling from one team to another when the players in the new system don't exactly match up to what was on the OC's previous team. we'll know if a few weeks.

I'm wary as well. We'll see what happens over the course of the first few games. I can see Duckett and/or betts getting a score here and there I just don't see it being the rule. I'd say that Barber owners have much more to worry about as far as that goes.

 

[redman]

The team has been "built to win this year" for the past 5 or 6 seasons. Their best qb is, for all intents and purposes, a rookie. Their best offensive player is Portis. If you taped any skins games, go back and take a look. They hardly ran the ball at all inside the 5(compared to what teams like KC were doing).

Portis did just fine as the gl back in Denver and he'll be fine this year.

They got duckett because the price was right and he provides insurance. I don't see him being here next year. He thinks he can start and he wants to start. That's not happening here.

Teams stacked the line against the skins and dared them to pass when they were down close. The addition of the wr's changes that. I don't care how tall or short they are. Neither does Gibbs.

Skins were basically resorting to trickery to score when they were close. The addition of saunders and a healthy o line(several of those guys were playing hurt last year including Jansen with the two thumbs and Samuels) changes things.

What the team was doing prior to Gibbs' return in 2004 means nothing to me; I think certain things that Gibbs was doing during his first tenure are actually more relevant to analyzing what the team will do this year than what was happening from 1999-2003. We'll have to agree to disagree on the other points and just watch what plays out there.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.

I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

I disagree with this supposition. Gibbs makes the decisions, and if the Skins win then I don't think Portis really cares if he gets 2 TDs or 20.

Agreed. His intense competitiveness will mean that he returns to the lineup sooner rather than later, however he's a consummate team player who wants to win first. Of any set of coaches he can be playing for, these guys know how to win and run a team and they have the respect of the players. Anyway, what difference do you think it would make with this coaching staff if Portis started bellyaching about not getting goalline carries? Remember, Portis only scored 5 rushing TD's in 2005 and didn't score a TD at all in 2005 until week 7 vs. SF, but he didn't utter a peep in protest or criticism.

Wanting to win first has absolutely nothing at ll to do with not wanting to be pulled out at the goal line.Sure, Gibbs is in charge. Gibbs is also smart enough to know who his star player is.

Portis is the GL back. Take it to the bank.

It's worth noting that while Portis only had 5 rusing tds it wasn't because he was pulled at the goal line."

We all know that teams were stacking the line against him because of the lack of talent at wr.

It would make a big difference to Gibbs if his star back was complaining. That's the last thing he wants.

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

Betts is slightly above average and Duckett is insurance.

I disagree with your read on this situation. First of all, this is a team that is built to win this year. This is the last year that they can credibly expect Brunell to perform well, and also keep Campbell on the bench without stunting his development. All other considerations such as keeping Portis smiling about his goalline carries (assuming that's even an issue) pale in comparison to that.

Second, Duckett is a FA after this season, and so is Betts. While I liked the trade for Duckett, that only makes sense if they sign him after this season, and I don't see that happen if they simply marginalize him on the bench as "insurance". Betts I could see them letting go if he doesn't have a contract demand that is reflective of his backup status, but I expect him to try to find a situation like (the comparably talented) Lamont Jordan found starting somewhere, though the pickings seem slim. The point here is that the team won't want to lose both of these guys, and of the two I think they'd want to keep Duckett the most.

Third, the team has been mediocre at the goalline both of the last two years. In 2004 that could be attributed to the banged up o-line, but that excuse didn't carry any water last season. The whole reason Sellers got all those receiving TD's was because they couldn't run the ball in, whether it was Portis in the backfield or Betts or Cartwright. The point is that that aspect of the game begged for improvement, and Duckett is one of the most successful goalline runners in the league.

Finally, the improvement at WR I think isn't aimed specifically at the goalline and may have little or no affect there. All of those guys are smallish, with the 6' Lloyd being the biggest guy there. I think they open up the offense between the 20-yard lines and get the team more big plays, but inside the 5-yard line it's going to be Cooley and the RB's who punch it in.

In short, I think they give Duckett the goalline role (mostly, not entirely though) because he's better than the other guys they have and because it's in their long-term interest to keep him interested enough to play for this team in order to resign with them.

Well said and DITTO that!!!

 

[shredhead]

Well I hope we get a clear indicatiion by Sunday on wheter he will play or not. He could be the steal of my draft at 2.09.Thanks for the updates, skinsfan, keep them coming!!!

He'll be the steal whether or not he plays this weekend.

Hi Banger.Where is the line for where you see him being a "steal"?J

Good question. Definitely at 2.9 since he's paired up with the #4 back and he's your 2nd back. I'd probably say anywhere 2.6 and after because after the 7th back I feel there's a dropoff in terms of reliability (the 1st 7 being LT, LJ, SA, Tiki, SJax, Rudi, Brown). If you can pair up Portis with any of those backs I'd say you are in potentially GREAT shape if he comes back to form and if he doesn't you still have a very reliable #1 to lean on. There's always a risk that Portis is banged up and doesn't have the great year but I think at that point the risk is worth the reward because if he does bounce back having Rudi/Portis, Tiki/Portis, etc. is a pretty potent combo.

I would like to add that anyone who got Portis as a RB2 got a steal.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

The team has been "built to win this year" for the past 5 or 6 seasons. Their best qb is, for all intents and purposes, a rookie. Their best offensive player is Portis. If you taped any skins games, go back and take a look. They hardly ran the ball at all inside the 5(compared to what teams like KC were doing).

Portis did just fine as the gl back in Denver and he'll be fine this year.

They got duckett because the price was right and he provides insurance. I don't see him being here next year. He thinks he can start and he wants to start. That's not happening here.

Teams stacked the line against the skins and dared them to pass when they were down close. The addition of the wr's changes that. I don't care how tall or short they are. Neither does Gibbs.

Skins were basically resorting to trickery to score when they were close. The addition of saunders and a healthy o line(several of those guys were playing hurt last year including Jansen with the two thumbs and Samuels) changes things.

What the team was doing prior to Gibbs' return in 2004 means nothing to me; I think certain things that Gibbs was doing during his first tenure are actually more relevant to analyzing what the team will do this year than what was happening from 1999-2003. We'll have to agree to disagree on the other points and just watch what plays out there.

That we will. But remember, they didn't go out and sign Saunders to a 3 million dollar contract for nothing. He'll be calling the plays and it's clear that he's going to run the same O as he did in KC. That 2 percent they have been talking about is 2 percent of Saunders' O, not the Gibbs O.btw-this team wasted a ton of cash in the offseason and it cost them depth. The "trying to win it this year' approach is ridiculous and I hope to hell they start trying to build a team. Their backups got abused in the preseason. I saw nothing but their backup O linemen getting blown off the ball. That's what wasting 10 mil on a 3rd wr like Randall El does to you. There were better wr's on the waiver wire. Sure, he'll make some big plays but at what cost? We'll find out when one of their starting O linemen goes down.

It was business as usual for the skins this offseason and once again expectations are high. Mine are that they will be lucky to make the playoffs and thus are not a serious SB contender(I save that for teams I'm pretty sure will be IN the playoffs). Skins could easily be last in that division. If they are, you can now blame Gibbs(as opposed to Snyder) for foolishly wasting cap dollars on 3rd wr's and safeties who can't cover instead of spending it on backups who can step in and play when needed.

 

[Da Guru]

Portis is considered having a "good" day when his shoulder does not pop out of joint.

 

[fatboyj711]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.

I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

I disagree with this supposition. Gibbs makes the decisions, and if the Skins win then I don't think Portis really cares if he gets 2 TDs or 20.

Agreed. His intense competitiveness will mean that he returns to the lineup sooner rather than later, however he's a consummate team player who wants to win first. Of any set of coaches he can be playing for, these guys know how to win and run a team and they have the respect of the players. Anyway, what difference do you think it would make with this coaching staff if Portis started bellyaching about not getting goalline carries? Remember, Portis only scored 5 rushing TD's in 2005 and didn't score a TD at all in 2005 until week 7 vs. SF, but he didn't utter a peep in protest or criticism.

Wanting to win first has absolutely nothing at ll to do with not wanting to be pulled out at the goal line.Sure, Gibbs is in charge. Gibbs is also smart enough to know who his star player is.

Portis is the GL back. Take it to the bank.

It's worth noting that while Portis only had 5 rusing tds it wasn't because he was pulled at the goal line."

We all know that teams were stacking the line against him because of the lack of talent at wr.

It would make a big difference to Gibbs if his star back was complaining. That's the last thing he wants.

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

Betts is slightly above average and Duckett is insurance.

I disagree with your read on this situation. First of all, this is a team that is built to win this year. This is the last year that they can credibly expect Brunell to perform well, and also keep Campbell on the bench without stunting his development. All other considerations such as keeping Portis smiling about his goalline carries (assuming that's even an issue) pale in comparison to that.

Second, Duckett is a FA after this season, and so is Betts. While I liked the trade for Duckett, that only makes sense if they sign him after this season, and I don't see that happen if they simply marginalize him on the bench as "insurance". Betts I could see them letting go if he doesn't have a contract demand that is reflective of his backup status, but I expect him to try to find a situation like (the comparably talented) Lamont Jordan found starting somewhere, though the pickings seem slim. The point here is that the team won't want to lose both of these guys, and of the two I think they'd want to keep Duckett the most.

Third, the team has been mediocre at the goalline both of the last two years. In 2004 that could be attributed to the banged up o-line, but that excuse didn't carry any water last season. The whole reason Sellers got all those receiving TD's was because they couldn't run the ball in, whether it was Portis in the backfield or Betts or Cartwright. The point is that that aspect of the game begged for improvement, and Duckett is one of the most successful goalline runners in the league.

Finally, the improvement at WR I think isn't aimed specifically at the goalline and may have little or no affect there. All of those guys are smallish, with the 6' Lloyd being the biggest guy there. I think they open up the offense between the 20-yard lines and get the team more big plays, but inside the 5-yard line it's going to be Cooley and the RB's who punch it in.

In short, I think they give Duckett the goalline role (mostly, not entirely though) because he's better than the other guys they have and because it's in their long-term interest to keep him interested enough to play for this team in order to resign with them.

The team has been "built to win this year" for the past 5 or 6 seasons. Their best qb is, for all intents and purposes, a rookie. Their best offensive player is Portis. If you taped any skins games, go back and take a look. They hardly ran the ball at all inside the 5(compared to what teams like KC were doing).Portis did just fine as the gl back in Denver and he'll be fine this year.

They got duckett because the price was right and he provides insurance. I don't see him being here next year. He thinks he can start and he wants to start. That's not happening here.

Teams stacked the line against the skins and dared them to pass when they were down close. The addition of the wr's changes that. I don't care how tall or short they are. Neither does Gibbs.

Skins were basically resorting to trickery to score when they were close. The addition of saunders and a healthy o line(several of those guys were playing hurt last year including Jansen with the two thumbs and Samuels) changes things.

not sure how one can argue that duckett will not be used at the goal line this season for the skins... 1) portis has an injured shoulder and his playing time in general is coming into question

2) duckett is a proven goal line beast

if only 1 of the 2 scenarios existed, then i could see where you are coming from, but 2 out of 2 scenarios exist in DC, and i wouldn't be surprised if duckett vultures EVERY goalline carry (or at least lines up as the goalline back every time)... if the skins are going to continue the goal line trickery from last year, i think their chances for success would increase with duckett used as the decoy.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Portis is considered having a "good" day when his shoulder does not pop out of joint.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.

I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

I disagree with this supposition. Gibbs makes the decisions, and if the Skins win then I don't think Portis really cares if he gets 2 TDs or 20.

Agreed. His intense competitiveness will mean that he returns to the lineup sooner rather than later, however he's a consummate team player who wants to win first. Of any set of coaches he can be playing for, these guys know how to win and run a team and they have the respect of the players. Anyway, what difference do you think it would make with this coaching staff if Portis started bellyaching about not getting goalline carries? Remember, Portis only scored 5 rushing TD's in 2005 and didn't score a TD at all in 2005 until week 7 vs. SF, but he didn't utter a peep in protest or criticism.

Wanting to win first has absolutely nothing at ll to do with not wanting to be pulled out at the goal line.Sure, Gibbs is in charge. Gibbs is also smart enough to know who his star player is.

Portis is the GL back. Take it to the bank.

It's worth noting that while Portis only had 5 rusing tds it wasn't because he was pulled at the goal line."

We all know that teams were stacking the line against him because of the lack of talent at wr.

It would make a big difference to Gibbs if his star back was complaining. That's the last thing he wants.

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

Betts is slightly above average and Duckett is insurance.

I disagree with your read on this situation. First of all, this is a team that is built to win this year. This is the last year that they can credibly expect Brunell to perform well, and also keep Campbell on the bench without stunting his development. All other considerations such as keeping Portis smiling about his goalline carries (assuming that's even an issue) pale in comparison to that.

Second, Duckett is a FA after this season, and so is Betts. While I liked the trade for Duckett, that only makes sense if they sign him after this season, and I don't see that happen if they simply marginalize him on the bench as "insurance". Betts I could see them letting go if he doesn't have a contract demand that is reflective of his backup status, but I expect him to try to find a situation like (the comparably talented) Lamont Jordan found starting somewhere, though the pickings seem slim. The point here is that the team won't want to lose both of these guys, and of the two I think they'd want to keep Duckett the most.

Third, the team has been mediocre at the goalline both of the last two years. In 2004 that could be attributed to the banged up o-line, but that excuse didn't carry any water last season. The whole reason Sellers got all those receiving TD's was because they couldn't run the ball in, whether it was Portis in the backfield or Betts or Cartwright. The point is that that aspect of the game begged for improvement, and Duckett is one of the most successful goalline runners in the league.

Finally, the improvement at WR I think isn't aimed specifically at the goalline and may have little or no affect there. All of those guys are smallish, with the 6' Lloyd being the biggest guy there. I think they open up the offense between the 20-yard lines and get the team more big plays, but inside the 5-yard line it's going to be Cooley and the RB's who punch it in.

In short, I think they give Duckett the goalline role (mostly, not entirely though) because he's better than the other guys they have and because it's in their long-term interest to keep him interested enough to play for this team in order to resign with them.

The team has been "built to win this year" for the past 5 or 6 seasons. Their best qb is, for all intents and purposes, a rookie. Their best offensive player is Portis. If you taped any skins games, go back and take a look. They hardly ran the ball at all inside the 5(compared to what teams like KC were doing).Portis did just fine as the gl back in Denver and he'll be fine this year.

They got duckett because the price was right and he provides insurance. I don't see him being here next year. He thinks he can start and he wants to start. That's not happening here.

Teams stacked the line against the skins and dared them to pass when they were down close. The addition of the wr's changes that. I don't care how tall or short they are. Neither does Gibbs.

Skins were basically resorting to trickery to score when they were close. The addition of saunders and a healthy o line(several of those guys were playing hurt last year including Jansen with the two thumbs and Samuels) changes things.

not sure how one can argue that duckett will not be used at the goal line this season for the skins... 1) portis has an injured shoulder and his playing time in general is coming into question

2) duckett is a proven goal line beast

if only 1 of the 2 scenarios existed, then i could see where you are coming from, but 2 out of 2 scenarios exist in DC, and i wouldn't be surprised if duckett vultures EVERY goalline carry (or at least lines up as the goalline back every time)... if the skins are going to continue the goal line trickery from last year, i think their chances for success would increase with duckett used as the decoy.

I've not heard anything about his playing time being in question. If he's healthy enough to play, he's the man. If he's not playing, the gl back becomes irrelevant as far as this partiular discussion goes.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Well I hope we get a clear indicatiion by Sunday on wheter he will play or not. He could be the steal of my draft at 2.09.Thanks for the updates, skinsfan, keep them coming!!!

He'll be the steal whether or not he plays this weekend.

Hi Banger.Where is the line for where you see him being a "steal"?J

Good question. Definitely at 2.9 since he's paired up with the #4 back and he's your 2nd back. I'd probably say anywhere 2.6 and after because after the 7th back I feel there's a dropoff in terms of reliability (the 1st 7 being LT, LJ, SA, Tiki, SJax, Rudi, Brown). If you can pair up Portis with any of those backs I'd say you are in potentially GREAT shape if he comes back to form and if he doesn't you still have a very reliable #1 to lean on. There's always a risk that Portis is banged up and doesn't have the great year but I think at that point the risk is worth the reward because if he does bounce back having Rudi/Portis, Tiki/Portis, etc. is a pretty potent combo.

Thanks banger J

 

[redman]

If you're drafting Portis as the RB2 with the expectation of his health being in doubt throughout the season, then you've likely got much the same sort of risk-benefit analysis as has been carried out in recent years with Fred Taylor, although I think Portis is good for more TD's than Taylor has been. As such, I'd say he offers tremendous value there.

 

[fatboyj711]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.

I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

I disagree with this supposition. Gibbs makes the decisions, and if the Skins win then I don't think Portis really cares if he gets 2 TDs or 20.

Agreed. His intense competitiveness will mean that he returns to the lineup sooner rather than later, however he's a consummate team player who wants to win first. Of any set of coaches he can be playing for, these guys know how to win and run a team and they have the respect of the players. Anyway, what difference do you think it would make with this coaching staff if Portis started bellyaching about not getting goalline carries? Remember, Portis only scored 5 rushing TD's in 2005 and didn't score a TD at all in 2005 until week 7 vs. SF, but he didn't utter a peep in protest or criticism.

Wanting to win first has absolutely nothing at ll to do with not wanting to be pulled out at the goal line.Sure, Gibbs is in charge. Gibbs is also smart enough to know who his star player is.

Portis is the GL back. Take it to the bank.

It's worth noting that while Portis only had 5 rusing tds it wasn't because he was pulled at the goal line."

We all know that teams were stacking the line against him because of the lack of talent at wr.

It would make a big difference to Gibbs if his star back was complaining. That's the last thing he wants.

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

Betts is slightly above average and Duckett is insurance.

I disagree with your read on this situation. First of all, this is a team that is built to win this year. This is the last year that they can credibly expect Brunell to perform well, and also keep Campbell on the bench without stunting his development. All other considerations such as keeping Portis smiling about his goalline carries (assuming that's even an issue) pale in comparison to that.

Second, Duckett is a FA after this season, and so is Betts. While I liked the trade for Duckett, that only makes sense if they sign him after this season, and I don't see that happen if they simply marginalize him on the bench as "insurance". Betts I could see them letting go if he doesn't have a contract demand that is reflective of his backup status, but I expect him to try to find a situation like (the comparably talented) Lamont Jordan found starting somewhere, though the pickings seem slim. The point here is that the team won't want to lose both of these guys, and of the two I think they'd want to keep Duckett the most.

Third, the team has been mediocre at the goalline both of the last two years. In 2004 that could be attributed to the banged up o-line, but that excuse didn't carry any water last season. The whole reason Sellers got all those receiving TD's was because they couldn't run the ball in, whether it was Portis in the backfield or Betts or Cartwright. The point is that that aspect of the game begged for improvement, and Duckett is one of the most successful goalline runners in the league.

Finally, the improvement at WR I think isn't aimed specifically at the goalline and may have little or no affect there. All of those guys are smallish, with the 6' Lloyd being the biggest guy there. I think they open up the offense between the 20-yard lines and get the team more big plays, but inside the 5-yard line it's going to be Cooley and the RB's who punch it in.

In short, I think they give Duckett the goalline role (mostly, not entirely though) because he's better than the other guys they have and because it's in their long-term interest to keep him interested enough to play for this team in order to resign with them.

The team has been "built to win this year" for the past 5 or 6 seasons. Their best qb is, for all intents and purposes, a rookie. Their best offensive player is Portis. If you taped any skins games, go back and take a look. They hardly ran the ball at all inside the 5(compared to what teams like KC were doing).Portis did just fine as the gl back in Denver and he'll be fine this year.

They got duckett because the price was right and he provides insurance. I don't see him being here next year. He thinks he can start and he wants to start. That's not happening here.

Teams stacked the line against the skins and dared them to pass when they were down close. The addition of the wr's changes that. I don't care how tall or short they are. Neither does Gibbs.

Skins were basically resorting to trickery to score when they were close. The addition of saunders and a healthy o line(several of those guys were playing hurt last year including Jansen with the two thumbs and Samuels) changes things.

not sure how one can argue that duckett will not be used at the goal line this season for the skins... 1) portis has an injured shoulder and his playing time in general is coming into question

2) duckett is a proven goal line beast

if only 1 of the 2 scenarios existed, then i could see where you are coming from, but 2 out of 2 scenarios exist in DC, and i wouldn't be surprised if duckett vultures EVERY goalline carry (or at least lines up as the goalline back every time)... if the skins are going to continue the goal line trickery from last year, i think their chances for success would increase with duckett used as the decoy.

I've not heard anything about his playing time being in question. If he's healthy enough to play, he's the man. If he's not playing, the gl back becomes irrelevant as far as this partiular discussion goes.

even before portis hurt himself, saunders was touting betts and publicly stated that he wanted to get betts more involved this year....a shoulder injury later, with simple logic and common sense, one can deduce that betts will take even more carries away from portis. throw duckett into the mix and...

does portis being "the man" mean he's the starter? if so, i wholeheartedly agree, but he won't be the same "man" he was last year (the opportunity to be "the man" just won't be there). i agree that portis is the skins' best offensive player and they have the best chance to win with him, but that's precisely why they will limit his workload to keep him healthy throughout the season... particular come playoff time

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Redskins beat reporter on local sports talker WTEM 980 said all indications he has received from Portis himself is that he's playing in the opener. I'm listening to the show on Snyder's station now and will update as necessary.

I'm listening too. All they are talking about is the qb situation. Not much talk about Portis.I think he'll play simply because Gibbs is leaving it up to him. The guy doesn't like to miss time.

I'd also add that I don't see him tolerating being removed at the goal line all year long(if ever).

I disagree with this supposition. Gibbs makes the decisions, and if the Skins win then I don't think Portis really cares if he gets 2 TDs or 20.

Agreed. His intense competitiveness will mean that he returns to the lineup sooner rather than later, however he's a consummate team player who wants to win first. Of any set of coaches he can be playing for, these guys know how to win and run a team and they have the respect of the players. Anyway, what difference do you think it would make with this coaching staff if Portis started bellyaching about not getting goalline carries? Remember, Portis only scored 5 rushing TD's in 2005 and didn't score a TD at all in 2005 until week 7 vs. SF, but he didn't utter a peep in protest or criticism.

Wanting to win first has absolutely nothing at ll to do with not wanting to be pulled out at the goal line.Sure, Gibbs is in charge. Gibbs is also smart enough to know who his star player is.

Portis is the GL back. Take it to the bank.

It's worth noting that while Portis only had 5 rusing tds it wasn't because he was pulled at the goal line."

We all know that teams were stacking the line against him because of the lack of talent at wr.

It would make a big difference to Gibbs if his star back was complaining. That's the last thing he wants.

Did Saunders pull his star backs at the gl in KC?

Betts is slightly above average and Duckett is insurance.

I disagree with your read on this situation. First of all, this is a team that is built to win this year. This is the last year that they can credibly expect Brunell to perform well, and also keep Campbell on the bench without stunting his development. All other considerations such as keeping Portis smiling about his goalline carries (assuming that's even an issue) pale in comparison to that.

Second, Duckett is a FA after this season, and so is Betts. While I liked the trade for Duckett, that only makes sense if they sign him after this season, and I don't see that happen if they simply marginalize him on the bench as "insurance". Betts I could see them letting go if he doesn't have a contract demand that is reflective of his backup status, but I expect him to try to find a situation like (the comparably talented) Lamont Jordan found starting somewhere, though the pickings seem slim. The point here is that the team won't want to lose both of these guys, and of the two I think they'd want to keep Duckett the most.

Third, the team has been mediocre at the goalline both of the last two years. In 2004 that could be attributed to the banged up o-line, but that excuse didn't carry any water last season. The whole reason Sellers got all those receiving TD's was because they couldn't run the ball in, whether it was Portis in the backfield or Betts or Cartwright. The point is that that aspect of the game begged for improvement, and Duckett is one of the most successful goalline runners in the league.

Finally, the improvement at WR I think isn't aimed specifically at the goalline and may have little or no affect there. All of those guys are smallish, with the 6' Lloyd being the biggest guy there. I think they open up the offense between the 20-yard lines and get the team more big plays, but inside the 5-yard line it's going to be Cooley and the RB's who punch it in.

In short, I think they give Duckett the goalline role (mostly, not entirely though) because he's better than the other guys they have and because it's in their long-term interest to keep him interested enough to play for this team in order to resign with them.

The team has been "built to win this year" for the past 5 or 6 seasons. Their best qb is, for all intents and purposes, a rookie. Their best offensive player is Portis. If you taped any skins games, go back and take a look. They hardly ran the ball at all inside the 5(compared to what teams like KC were doing).Portis did just fine as the gl back in Denver and he'll be fine this year.

They got duckett because the price was right and he provides insurance. I don't see him being here next year. He thinks he can start and he wants to start. That's not happening here.

Teams stacked the line against the skins and dared them to pass when they were down close. The addition of the wr's changes that. I don't care how tall or short they are. Neither does Gibbs.

Skins were basically resorting to trickery to score when they were close. The addition of saunders and a healthy o line(several of those guys were playing hurt last year including Jansen with the two thumbs and Samuels) changes things.

not sure how one can argue that duckett will not be used at the goal line this season for the skins... 1) portis has an injured shoulder and his playing time in general is coming into question

2) duckett is a proven goal line beast

if only 1 of the 2 scenarios existed, then i could see where you are coming from, but 2 out of 2 scenarios exist in DC, and i wouldn't be surprised if duckett vultures EVERY goalline carry (or at least lines up as the goalline back every time)... if the skins are going to continue the goal line trickery from last year, i think their chances for success would increase with duckett used as the decoy.

I've not heard anything about his playing time being in question. If he's healthy enough to play, he's the man. If he's not playing, the gl back becomes irrelevant as far as this partiular discussion goes.

even before portis hurt himself, saunders was touting betts and publicly stated that he wanted to get betts more involved this year....a shoulder injury later, with simple logic and common sense, one can deduce that betts will take even more carries away from portis. throw duckett into the mix and...

does portis being "the man" mean he's the starter? if so, i wholeheartedly agree, but he won't be the same "man" he was last year (the opportunity to be "the man" just won't be there). i agree that portis is the skins' best offensive player and they have the best chance to win with him, but that's precisely why they will limit his workload to keep him healthy throughout the season... particular come playoff time

They aren't an automatic pick for the playoffs and if he's not "the man" they won't even come close to making it there. This team is very thin in the secondary(they are toast if they have to play for an extended period of time without Springs) and along the o and d lines. Definitely not the makings of a champion. With their starters healthy they can compete but all it's going to take is a couple of injuries to send this team into a tailspin. I pick em to finish 3rd or 4th in the division as it is. If they have to go with Betts or Duckett, make that 4th and a losing record.Things are so bad with this team on the O line(talking backups) that they just signed a guy who played for the Texans last year!

So, limiting his workload in anticipation of saving him for the playoffs would be foolish. They are far from being a lock to get there and Portis will be the man who gets them there if they make it.

btw-Betts only carried the ball 89 times last year. Portis had 352. I would think that any team would prefer a bit more balance. Of course you'll also have to factor in more than 30 receptions for Portis since Saunders and Portis have both said that Portis will be a bigger part of the passing game this year.

 

[redman]

They aren't an automatic pick for the playoffs and if he's not "the man" they won't even come close to making it there. This team is very thin in the secondary(they are toast if they have to play for an extended period of time without Springs) and along the o and d lines. Definitely not the makings of a champion. With their starters healthy they can compete but all it's going to take is a couple of injuries to send this team into a tailspin. I pick em to finish 3rd or 4th in the division as it is. If they have to go with Betts or Duckett, make that 4th and a losing record.Things are so bad with this team on the O line(talking backups) that they just signed a guy who played for the Texans last year! So, limiting his workload in anticipation of saving him for the playoffs would be foolish. They are far from being a lock to get there and Portis will be the man who gets them there if they make it.

Their chances to make the playoffs and win playoff games are certainly enhanced by a healthy Portis in the lineup, but let's not forget that the names of the last 5 starting RB's for the Super Bowl champions were:Jerome Bettis (34-year old version)Corey DillonAntowain SmithMichael PittmanAntowain SmithThis is not exactly the cream of the RB crop in any of those seasons, even by fantasy football standards. Betts and Duckett are capable IMHO of combining to carry the load if Portis can't. It may not be awe-inspiring, but the team can win games with them. The problems will start, as you have correctly pointed out, if they lost o-linemen to injury or if Brunell is injured. They have the least amount of proven depth at those two places on the roster (along with CB). Help me to understand your criticism of the teams' expenditure of money this offseason? What o-lineman was available for signing in FA that was good enough for them to want to provide good depth, and yet not so good that he wouldn't want to sign elsewhere for a chance to start (which he wouldn't get with this team)? I'm not saying one or several don't exist, I'm just wondering who you have in mind.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

They aren't an automatic pick for the playoffs and if he's not "the man" they won't even come close to making it there. This team is very thin in the secondary(they are toast if they have to play for an extended period of time without Springs) and along the o and d lines. Definitely not the makings of a champion. With their starters healthy they can compete but all it's going to take is a couple of injuries to send this team into a tailspin. I pick em to finish 3rd or 4th in the division as it is. If they have to go with Betts or Duckett, make that 4th and a losing record.Things are so bad with this team on the O line(talking backups) that they just signed a guy who played for the Texans last year! So, limiting his workload in anticipation of saving him for the playoffs would be foolish. They are far from being a lock to get there and Portis will be the man who gets them there if they make it.

Their chances to make the playoffs and win playoff games are certainly enhanced by a healthy Portis in the lineup, but let's not forget that the names of the last 5 starting RB's for the Super Bowl champions were:Jerome Bettis (34-year old version)Corey DillonAntowain SmithMichael PittmanAntowain SmithThis is not exactly the cream of the RB crop in any of those seasons, even by fantasy football standards. Betts and Duckett are capable IMHO of combining to carry the load if Portis can't. It may not be awe-inspiring, but the team can win games with them. The problems will start, as you have correctly pointed out, if they lost o-linemen to injury or if Brunell is injured. They have the least amount of proven depth at those two places on the roster (along with CB). Help me to understand your criticism of the teams' expenditure of money this offseason? What o-lineman was available for signing in FA that was good enough for them to want to provide good depth, and yet not so good that he wouldn't want to sign elsewhere for a chance to start (which he wouldn't get with this team)? I'm not saying one or several don't exist, I'm just wondering who you have in mind.

My criticism is based on them doing this EVERY friggin year. Had they simply tried to build a team through the draft AND via free agency, they would have more depth. Gibbs is foolishly acting like this is 1983 when he'd get JKC to go out and pay top dollar for backups like Jumpy Gathers. WHat they have done is throw almost all of their cash at a few guys and filled in with bums that have been cut by other teams. Randal El was a bad signing. Guys like him are a dime a dozen. Why pay starter money to a 3rd wr? It's stupid. THey should have gotten a corner or a safety who can cover(Archuletta was almost as big a waste as ARE). And I'll tell you this, the skins could have replaced dockery and made him a backup and gotten Steve Hutchinson for what they paid ARE. You're one of the few skins fans I know that likes what they did in the offseason. Lloyd signing wasn't bad and Carter is alright. Everything else made absolutely no sense. Why let clark go to the SB champs? Good enough for them but not the skins? Ridicuolous. Their spending has already cost them good players(Smoot, CLark and Pierce come to mind) as well as depth. Randal El will make big plays this year. Probably a few more than he did in pitt but he's not worth what they paid for him in the era of the cap.