Redskins starting RB not on roster (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyU]

Not that it really matters because we all know how Shanny is with RBs and what that means to fantasy owners, but the word is that both Portis and Betts will be cut. The rest of the RBs on their roster is trash, so look for Shanny to draft a RB. He's been known to even start 2nd day RBs.

NFL Network's Steve Wyche said Wednesday that he's "hearing" Clinton Portis' days in Washington could be numbered following the hiring of head coach Mike Shanahan.

Fellow reporter Mike Lombardi agreed with the notion. Shanahan hinted strongly Wednesday that he values the offseason program, especially for running backs. Portis, long averse to OTA participation, might be given a do-or-die mandate entering the spring. If so, it would be in his best interest to attend and practice. If he's cut, no other team would pay the declining back a $7+ million salary, which the Skins are currently slated to do in 2010.

According to beat writer Jason Reid, it appears Ladell Betts (torn MCL, ACL) "has played his last game for the Redskins."

Betts is signed through 2013, with his salary increasing from $900,000 to $1.65M next season. With both knee ligaments torn, the 30-year-old is a poor bet to return to pre-injury form by the start of next season -- if at all. The Redskins have plenty of needs this offseason, and running back will have to be near the top of the list.

Source: Washington Post

 

[KellysHeroes]

I expect Betts to be Cut... but not Portis; Ganther and Mason will get a good amount of carries

 

[finito]

I expect Betts to be Cut... but not Portis; Ganther and Mason will get a good amount of carries

You don't think they'll draft someone or sign a free agent?

 

[Floyd The Barber]

Not that it really matters because we all know how Shanny is with RBs and what that means to fantasy owners, but the word is that both Portis and Betts will be cut. The rest of the RBs on their roster is trash, so look for Shanny to draft a RB. He's been known to even start 2nd day RBs.NFL Network's Steve Wyche said Wednesday that he's "hearing" Clinton Portis' days in Washington could be numbered following the hiring of head coach Mike Shanahan.Fellow reporter Mike Lombardi agreed with the notion. Shanahan hinted strongly Wednesday that he values the offseason program, especially for running backs. Portis, long averse to OTA participation, might be given a do-or-die mandate entering the spring. If so, it would be in his best interest to attend and practice. If he's cut, no other team would pay the declining back a $7+ million salary, which the Skins are currently slated to do in 2010.According to beat writer Jason Reid, it appears Ladell Betts (torn MCL, ACL) "has played his last game for the Redskins."Betts is signed through 2013, with his salary increasing from $900,000 to $1.65M next season. With both knee ligaments torn, the 30-year-old is a poor bet to return to pre-injury form by the start of next season -- if at all. The Redskins have plenty of needs this offseason, and running back will have to be near the top of the list.Source: Washington Post

While I admire Betts on so many levels, he should have gone to the FA market a couple of years ago. The loyalty he showed to the Skins by taking less is never reciprocated once you're percieved as damaged goods.

 

[TankRizzo]

I expect Betts to be Cut... but not Portis; Ganther and Mason will get a good amount of carries

Portis is on really thin ice and he's symbolic of everything that was wrong with the old regime, so he may very well be a statement cut.

 

[pablito]

and if the cap goes away, it is the only time they may be able to get out from under Portis' huge cap hit. He's pretty much a goner, I believe.

 

[Chunky Soup]

I expect Betts to be Cut... but not Portis; Ganther and Mason will get a good amount of carries

Portis is on really thin ice and he's symbolic of everything that was wrong with the old regime, so he may very well be a statement cut.

Dan Snyder is still the current regime.

 

[Cawbird]

Willis McGahee after Baltimore releases him

 

[loose circuits]

Willis McGahee after Baltimore releases him

I don't think 3.6 mil is ridiculous for a quality b/u RB. You need more than 1 in this league, I think that's purely speculation.Would like to see Lendale White in Shanny's down hill system.

 

[TankRizzo]

I expect Betts to be Cut... but not Portis; Ganther and Mason will get a good amount of carries

Portis is on really thin ice and he's symbolic of everything that was wrong with the old regime, so he may very well be a statement cut.

Dan Snyder is still the current regime.

Whether he flushes Shanahan after a year like he did Marty is a possibility, but it really appears that he's potentially learned a lesson and is taking a back seat. Cerrato is gone now and Shanahan won't put up with his meddling. There's going to be structure and discipline and no going over the head coach's head this go around and Portis was probably the biggest abuser of that.

 

[JohnnyU]

I expect Betts to be Cut... but not Portis; Ganther and Mason will get a good amount of carries

Portis is on really thin ice and he's symbolic of everything that was wrong with the old regime, so he may very well be a statement cut.

Dan Snyder is still the current regime.

Whether he flushes Shanahan after a year like he did Marty is a possibility, but it really appears that he's potentially learned a lesson and is taking a back seat. Cerrato is gone now and Shanahan won't put up with his meddling. There's going to be structure and discipline and no going over the head coach's head this go around and Portis was probably the biggest abuser of that.

Plus, Shanny got rid of Portis once by trade while he was in his prime, so what do you think he will do with him now that he's over the hill?

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Not that it really matters because we all know how Shanny is with RBs and what that means to fantasy owners, but the word is that both Portis and Betts will be cut. The rest of the RBs on their roster is trash, so look for Shanny to draft a RB. He's been known to even start 2nd day RBs.

NFL Network's Steve Wyche said Wednesday that he's "hearing" Clinton Portis' days in Washington could be numbered following the hiring of head coach Mike Shanahan.

Fellow reporter Mike Lombardi agreed with the notion. Shanahan hinted strongly Wednesday that he values the offseason program, especially for running backs. Portis, long averse to OTA participation, might be given a do-or-die mandate entering the spring. If so, it would be in his best interest to attend and practice. If he's cut, no other team would pay the declining back a $7+ million salary, which the Skins are currently slated to do in 2010.

According to beat writer Jason Reid, it appears Ladell Betts (torn MCL, ACL) "has played his last game for the Redskins."

Betts is signed through 2013, with his salary increasing from $900,000 to $1.65M next season. With both knee ligaments torn, the 30-year-old is a poor bet to return to pre-injury form by the start of next season -- if at all. The Redskins have plenty of needs this offseason, and running back will have to be near the top of the list.

Source: Washington Post

And you don't think Shanahan is just trying to get Portis to actually work out in the offseason, so that he can report in shape?

 

[JohnnyU]

Not that it really matters because we all know how Shanny is with RBs and what that means to fantasy owners, but the word is that both Portis and Betts will be cut. The rest of the RBs on their roster is trash, so look for Shanny to draft a RB. He's been known to even start 2nd day RBs.

NFL Network's Steve Wyche said Wednesday that he's "hearing" Clinton Portis' days in Washington could be numbered following the hiring of head coach Mike Shanahan.

Fellow reporter Mike Lombardi agreed with the notion. Shanahan hinted strongly Wednesday that he values the offseason program, especially for running backs. Portis, long averse to OTA participation, might be given a do-or-die mandate entering the spring. If so, it would be in his best interest to attend and practice. If he's cut, no other team would pay the declining back a $7+ million salary, which the Skins are currently slated to do in 2010.

According to beat writer Jason Reid, it appears Ladell Betts (torn MCL, ACL) "has played his last game for the Redskins."

Betts is signed through 2013, with his salary increasing from $900,000 to $1.65M next season. With both knee ligaments torn, the 30-year-old is a poor bet to return to pre-injury form by the start of next season -- if at all. The Redskins have plenty of needs this offseason, and running back will have to be near the top of the list.

Source: Washington Post

And you don't think Shanahan is just trying to get Portis to actually work out in the offseason, so that he can report in shape?

No, I don't think Shanahan likes Portis, going back to his early years in Denver.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Not that it really matters because we all know how Shanny is with RBs and what that means to fantasy owners, but the word is that both Portis and Betts will be cut. The rest of the RBs on their roster is trash, so look for Shanny to draft a RB. He's been known to even start 2nd day RBs.

NFL Network's Steve Wyche said Wednesday that he's "hearing" Clinton Portis' days in Washington could be numbered following the hiring of head coach Mike Shanahan.

Fellow reporter Mike Lombardi agreed with the notion. Shanahan hinted strongly Wednesday that he values the offseason program, especially for running backs. Portis, long averse to OTA participation, might be given a do-or-die mandate entering the spring. If so, it would be in his best interest to attend and practice. If he's cut, no other team would pay the declining back a $7+ million salary, which the Skins are currently slated to do in 2010.

According to beat writer Jason Reid, it appears Ladell Betts (torn MCL, ACL) "has played his last game for the Redskins."

Betts is signed through 2013, with his salary increasing from $900,000 to $1.65M next season. With both knee ligaments torn, the 30-year-old is a poor bet to return to pre-injury form by the start of next season -- if at all. The Redskins have plenty of needs this offseason, and running back will have to be near the top of the list.

Source: Washington Post

And you don't think Shanahan is just trying to get Portis to actually work out in the offseason, so that he can report in shape?

No, I don't think Shanahan likes Portis, going back to his early years in Denver.

Because he traded Portis for one of the best DBs in the league?

 

[JohnnyU]

Not that it really matters because we all know how Shanny is with RBs and what that means to fantasy owners, but the word is that both Portis and Betts will be cut. The rest of the RBs on their roster is trash, so look for Shanny to draft a RB. He's been known to even start 2nd day RBs.

NFL Network's Steve Wyche said Wednesday that he's "hearing" Clinton Portis' days in Washington could be numbered following the hiring of head coach Mike Shanahan.

Fellow reporter Mike Lombardi agreed with the notion. Shanahan hinted strongly Wednesday that he values the offseason program, especially for running backs. Portis, long averse to OTA participation, might be given a do-or-die mandate entering the spring. If so, it would be in his best interest to attend and practice. If he's cut, no other team would pay the declining back a $7+ million salary, which the Skins are currently slated to do in 2010.

According to beat writer Jason Reid, it appears Ladell Betts (torn MCL, ACL) "has played his last game for the Redskins."

Betts is signed through 2013, with his salary increasing from $900,000 to $1.65M next season. With both knee ligaments torn, the 30-year-old is a poor bet to return to pre-injury form by the start of next season -- if at all. The Redskins have plenty of needs this offseason, and running back will have to be near the top of the list.

Source: Washington Post

And you don't think Shanahan is just trying to get Portis to actually work out in the offseason, so that he can report in shape?

No, I don't think Shanahan likes Portis, going back to his early years in Denver.

Because he traded Portis for one of the best DBs in the league?

No, because he despised Portis' work ethic and attitude going back to his rookie year.

 

[DoubleG]

Not that it really matters because we all know how Shanny is with RBs and what that means to fantasy owners, but the word is that both Portis and Betts will be cut. The rest of the RBs on their roster is trash, so look for Shanny to draft a RB. He's been known to even start 2nd day RBs.

NFL Network's Steve Wyche said Wednesday that he's "hearing" Clinton Portis' days in Washington could be numbered following the hiring of head coach Mike Shanahan.

Fellow reporter Mike Lombardi agreed with the notion. Shanahan hinted strongly Wednesday that he values the offseason program, especially for running backs. Portis, long averse to OTA participation, might be given a do-or-die mandate entering the spring. If so, it would be in his best interest to attend and practice. If he's cut, no other team would pay the declining back a $7+ million salary, which the Skins are currently slated to do in 2010.

According to beat writer Jason Reid, it appears Ladell Betts (torn MCL, ACL) "has played his last game for the Redskins."

Betts is signed through 2013, with his salary increasing from $900,000 to $1.65M next season. With both knee ligaments torn, the 30-year-old is a poor bet to return to pre-injury form by the start of next season -- if at all. The Redskins have plenty of needs this offseason, and running back will have to be near the top of the list.

Source: Washington Post

And you don't think Shanahan is just trying to get Portis to actually work out in the offseason, so that he can report in shape?

No, I don't think Shanahan likes Portis, going back to his early years in Denver.

Because he traded Portis for one of the best DBs in the league?

No, because he despised Portis' work ethic and attitude going back to his rookie year.

And you don't think Shanny's comments are just a ploy to motivate Clinton Portis?

 

[JohnnyU]

And you don't think Shanny's comments are just a ploy to motivate Clinton Portis?

Maybe, but I doubt it. I believe Shanny wants to build with his RBs, not Portis. Notice how I made RBs plural. Get used to it guys, because He's.......baaack !!

 

[Buffaloes]

I don't think Shanahan will keep Portis, but I could be wrong. He wasn't too keen on the way Portis did some things in Denver and now Portis is older, slower and nowhere close to the RB he was in Denver.

I wou;dn;t be the least bit surprised to see Washington send a late round pick to Denver for Hillis. I doubt Hillis would be the lead back in Shanahan's system, but he's a great fit for Shanahan's WCO.

 

[JohnnyU]

I don't think Shanahan will keep Portis, but I could be wrong. He wasn't too keen on the way Portis did some things in Denver and now Portis is older, slower and nowhere close to the RB he was in Denver. I wou;dn;t be the least bit surprised to see Washington send a late round pick to Denver for Hillis. I doubt Hillis would be the lead back in Shanahan's system, but he's a great fit for Shanahan's WCO.

There is one little thing called cap hit however. I believe fatness posted in the Redskins thread that it would be a 14 million hit to the Redskins. Not sure if there's a way out of that or not.

 

[Buffaloes]

I don't think Shanahan will keep Portis, but I could be wrong. He wasn't too keen on the way Portis did some things in Denver and now Portis is older, slower and nowhere close to the RB he was in Denver. I wou;dn;t be the least bit surprised to see Washington send a late round pick to Denver for Hillis. I doubt Hillis would be the lead back in Shanahan's system, but he's a great fit for Shanahan's WCO.

There is one little thing called cap hit however. I believe fatness posted in the Redskins thread that it would be a 14 million hit to the Redskins. Not sure if there's a way out of that or not.

Ah, well I didn't realize his cap hit would be so high. If that's the case, I doubt he's cut.

 

[fatness]

No, because he despised Portis' work ethic and attitude going back to his rookie year.

Got some link to this? What I remember is that Portis wanted to get paid big bucks so he got traded for Bailey.

 

[fatness]

There is one little thing called cap hit however. I believe fatness posted in the Redskins thread that it would be a 14 million hit to the Redskins. Not sure if there's a way out of that or not.

Here you go:

If the Redskins were to release Portis before June 1, 2010, they could face a cap hit of as much as $14.8 million, according to league sources familiar with Portis's contract and the Redskins' cap situation.

The Redskins also have "offset" language on the guaranteed portion of his contract. If Washington released Portis and he joined another team next season, the Redskins would receive a credit against his guarantee for any additional salary.

Jason Reid

 

[fatness]

My guess is that either Portis or Betts will be with the Redskins next year, but not both. And that is just a guess. Allen and Shanahan are in their first day of evaluating personnel today, starting with the front office. I believe the internet reports of who Shanahan supposedly favors or will cut are just guesswork at this point. A week from now, 2 weeks from now, there may be real information.

 

[JohnnyU]

No, because he despised Portis' work ethic and attitude going back to his rookie year.

Got some link to this? What I remember is that Portis wanted to get paid big bucks so he got traded for Bailey.

Well, I'm sure that's the way we see it, but I remember this coming out when Portis was in Denver. Portis' work ethic isn't something created during his time in Washington.....but to the more recent news about it....

Shanahan on Clinton Portis- “I think like all players as they get older, I think the key is how they work in the offseason program, what they do to make themselves get better. I’ve been around some veterans who are very successful, and all of a sudden they stop working out, then as a running back you can fall of a cliff. If you make a commitment that you’re gonna be the best you can possibly be, where you’ve got passion, you’ve got the work ethic to be as good as you can possibly be, then you got a chance to be something special. Looking at Clinton a year ago in the first half of the season, you could see how well he played. To say that right now with the injures and what’s happened right now would be premature at this time. But I do love his toughness.”

Veiled shot or not, it is hard to see the part of that quote about older running backs who stop working out as not pertaining to Clinton Portis and his propensity for avoiding practice. Remember as well that Rock Cartwright, in these days after Zorn’s hiring has said that certain players (ie superstars) had double standards. It seems like Shanahan is saying those days are over, and that Clinton's days of avoiding certain practices are over. No longer does it seem that Redskins management is willing, nor should they be when Portis tells reporters that he doesn't need to practice because he leaves it all on the field. Oh really? How well did that work out this year?

Coach Shanahan also doesn’t exactly give Clinton a ringing endorsement by essentially saying that, “it’s premature” to know if Clinton can be as good as he was in the past.

But outside of things that were said today and Shanahan’s press conference, the biggest change might have been the one making the announcements. One needed no second glance at the organizational chant to understand the football decision making pecking order, as owner Dan Snyder introduced the Redskins last two coaches. Could Snyder finally be heeding to fan criticism that he needs to step away from player/personnel decisions? We don’t know, but we’ll take it as a good sign today that he was in the crowd rather than on the podium as Allen handled introduction duties for coach Shanahan.

Mr. Snyder, we do like you so much more from afar.

Shanahan's comments make it sound like Portis has some work to do.

"Like all players, the key is what they work in the offseason program," Shanahan said. "I've been around some veterans that have been very successful and they quit working out and as a running back you can fall off a cliff. If you make a commitment, then you've got a chance to do something special."

Asked in a television interview about Portis after the press conference, Shanahan repeated that work habits were key . There's a new sheriff in town. link

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Well, I'm sure that's the way we see it, but I remember this coming out when Portis was in Denver. Portis' work ethic isn't something created during his time in Washington.

....but to the more recent news about it....

Shanahan on Clinton Portis- “I think like all players as they get older, I think the key is how they work in the offseason program, what they do to make themselves get better. I’ve been around some veterans who are very successful, and all of a sudden they stop working out, then as a running back you can fall of a cliff. If you make a commitment that you’re gonna be the best you can possibly be, where you’ve got passion, you’ve got the work ethic to be as good as you can possibly be, then you got a chance to be something special. Looking at Clinton a year ago in the first half of the season, you could see how well he played. To say that right now with the injures and what’s happened right now would be premature at this time. But I do love his toughness.”

Veiled shot or not, it is hard to see the part of that quote about older running backs who stop working out as not pertaining to Clinton Portis and his propensity for avoiding practice. Remember as well that Rock Cartwright, in these days after Zorn’s hiring has said that certain players (ie superstars) had double standards. It seems like Shanahan is saying those days are over, and that Clinton's days of avoiding certain practices are over. No longer does it seem that Redskins management is willing, nor should they be when Portis tells reporters that he doesn't need to practice because he leaves it all on the field. Oh really? How well did that work out this year?

Coach Shanahan also doesn’t exactly give Clinton a ringing endorsement by essentially saying that, “it’s premature” to know if Clinton can be as good as he was in the past.

But outside of things that were said today and Shanahan’s press conference, the biggest change might have been the one making the announcements. One needed no second glance at the organizational chant to understand the football decision making pecking order, as owner Dan Snyder introduced the Redskins last two coaches. Could Snyder finally be heeding to fan criticism that he needs to step away from player/personnel decisions? We don’t know, but we’ll take it as a good sign today that he was in the crowd rather than on the podium as Allen handled introduction duties for coach Shanahan.

Mr. Snyder, we do like you so much more from afar.

Shanahan's comments make it sound like Portis has some work to do.

"Like all players, the key is what they work in the offseason program," Shanahan said. "I've been around some veterans that have been very successful and they quit working out and as a running back you can fall off a cliff. If you make a commitment, then you've got a chance to do something special."

Asked in a television interview about Portis after the press conference, Shanahan repeated that work habits were key . There's a new sheriff in town. link

Yet earlier above when I suggested that Shanahan was trying to light a fire under Portis, you disagreed. If you read the above and take it at face value, all that Shanahan is implying is "Portis needs to work hard in the offseason and re-dedicate himself. It's my way or the highway."Doesn't that indicate Shanahan is hopeful Portis will step up? What am I missing?

 

[Sweet Love]

There is one little thing called cap hit however. I believe fatness posted in the Redskins thread that it would be a 14 million hit to the Redskins. Not sure if there's a way out of that or not.

Here you go:

If the Redskins were to release Portis before June 1, 2010, they could face a cap hit of as much as $14.8 million, according to league sources familiar with Portis's contract and the Redskins' cap situation.

The Redskins also have "offset" language on the guaranteed portion of his contract. If Washington released Portis and he joined another team next season, the Redskins would receive a credit against his guarantee for any additional salary.

Jason Reid

Is this taking into account that 2010 MAY be an uncapped year? If not, then a ton of guys will get tossed as it may be the only time for teams to purge heavy contracts and POrtis would be the poster-child for the movement.

 

[JohnnyU]

Well, I'm sure that's the way we see it, but I remember this coming out when Portis was in Denver. Portis' work ethic isn't something created during his time in Washington.

....but to the more recent news about it....

Shanahan on Clinton Portis- “I think like all players as they get older, I think the key is how they work in the offseason program, what they do to make themselves get better. I’ve been around some veterans who are very successful, and all of a sudden they stop working out, then as a running back you can fall of a cliff. If you make a commitment that you’re gonna be the best you can possibly be, where you’ve got passion, you’ve got the work ethic to be as good as you can possibly be, then you got a chance to be something special. Looking at Clinton a year ago in the first half of the season, you could see how well he played. To say that right now with the injures and what’s happened right now would be premature at this time. But I do love his toughness.”

Veiled shot or not, it is hard to see the part of that quote about older running backs who stop working out as not pertaining to Clinton Portis and his propensity for avoiding practice. Remember as well that Rock Cartwright, in these days after Zorn’s hiring has said that certain players (ie superstars) had double standards. It seems like Shanahan is saying those days are over, and that Clinton's days of avoiding certain practices are over. No longer does it seem that Redskins management is willing, nor should they be when Portis tells reporters that he doesn't need to practice because he leaves it all on the field. Oh really? How well did that work out this year?

Coach Shanahan also doesn’t exactly give Clinton a ringing endorsement by essentially saying that, “it’s premature” to know if Clinton can be as good as he was in the past.

But outside of things that were said today and Shanahan’s press conference, the biggest change might have been the one making the announcements. One needed no second glance at the organizational chant to understand the football decision making pecking order, as owner Dan Snyder introduced the Redskins last two coaches. Could Snyder finally be heeding to fan criticism that he needs to step away from player/personnel decisions? We don’t know, but we’ll take it as a good sign today that he was in the crowd rather than on the podium as Allen handled introduction duties for coach Shanahan.

Mr. Snyder, we do like you so much more from afar.

Shanahan's comments make it sound like Portis has some work to do.

"Like all players, the key is what they work in the offseason program," Shanahan said. "I've been around some veterans that have been very successful and they quit working out and as a running back you can fall off a cliff. If you make a commitment, then you've got a chance to do something special."

Asked in a television interview about Portis after the press conference, Shanahan repeated that work habits were key . There's a new sheriff in town. link

Yet earlier above when I suggested that Shanahan was trying to light a fire under Portis, you disagreed. If you read the above and take it at face value, all that Shanahan is implying is "Portis needs to work hard in the offseason and re-dedicate himself. It's my way or the highway."Doesn't that indicate Shanahan is hopeful Portis will step up? What am I missing?

Coachspeak imo. I believe Shanahan wants to bring in his own RBs. Sort of "in with the new, out with the old" mentality.

 

[fatness]

If you read the above and take it at face value, all that Shanahan is implying is "Portis needs to work hard in the offseason and re-dedicate himself. It's my way or the highway."Doesn't that indicate Shanahan is hopeful Portis will step up? What am I missing?

It implies Portis needs to to do that, yes. As do numerous other printings of the same quote in various Washington outlets right now. It says nothing about Portis's attitude in Denver or any problems Shanahan had with it.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

Ganther and Mason will get a good amount of carries

In the UFL?

 

[Sebowski]

The Redskins starting RB will not matter unless we hear news that

"The entire Redskins offensive line is not yet on the roster"

 

[fatness]

Is this taking into account that 2010 MAY be an uncapped year? If not, then a ton of guys will get tossed as it may be the only time for teams to purge heavy contracts and POrtis would be the poster-child for the movement.

The article mentions that, but what's written is as though the year is capped I believe.

Many in the league believe 2010 will be an uncapped year, but the current system and its rules are in place while the NFL and NFL Players Association negotiate. If the Redskins were to release Portis before June 1, 2010, they could face a cap hit of as much as $14.8 million, according to league sources familiar with Portis's contract and the Redskins' cap situation.The Redskins also have "offset" language on the guaranteed portion of his contract. If Washington released Portis and he joined another team next season, the Redskins would receive a credit against his guarantee for any additional salary.

 

[fatness]

The Redskins starting RB will not matter unless we hear news that"The entire Redskins offensive line is not yet on the roster"

You're right, or at least 60% of the line. The 2009 Redskins offensive line was just horrible. Shanahan mentioned this too, saying no good team has ever been built without building effective offensive and defensive lines, and that he planned to do that.

 

[dmac37]

I wou;dn;t be the least bit surprised to see Washington send a late round pick to Denver for Hillis. I doubt Hillis would be the lead back in Shanahan's system, but he's a great fit for Shanahan's WCO.

I was going to post 'half joking" pick up Hillis now, may not be that far fetched. Like you say not as the lead dog but could be very productive in the Shanny system once again.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Well, I'm sure that's the way we see it, but I remember this coming out when Portis was in Denver. Portis' work ethic isn't something created during his time in Washington.

....but to the more recent news about it....

Shanahan on Clinton Portis- “I think like all players as they get older, I think the key is how they work in the offseason program, what they do to make themselves get better. I’ve been around some veterans who are very successful, and all of a sudden they stop working out, then as a running back you can fall of a cliff. If you make a commitment that you’re gonna be the best you can possibly be, where you’ve got passion, you’ve got the work ethic to be as good as you can possibly be, then you got a chance to be something special. Looking at Clinton a year ago in the first half of the season, you could see how well he played. To say that right now with the injures and what’s happened right now would be premature at this time. But I do love his toughness.”

Veiled shot or not, it is hard to see the part of that quote about older running backs who stop working out as not pertaining to Clinton Portis and his propensity for avoiding practice. Remember as well that Rock Cartwright, in these days after Zorn’s hiring has said that certain players (ie superstars) had double standards. It seems like Shanahan is saying those days are over, and that Clinton's days of avoiding certain practices are over. No longer does it seem that Redskins management is willing, nor should they be when Portis tells reporters that he doesn't need to practice because he leaves it all on the field. Oh really? How well did that work out this year?

Coach Shanahan also doesn’t exactly give Clinton a ringing endorsement by essentially saying that, “it’s premature” to know if Clinton can be as good as he was in the past.

But outside of things that were said today and Shanahan’s press conference, the biggest change might have been the one making the announcements. One needed no second glance at the organizational chant to understand the football decision making pecking order, as owner Dan Snyder introduced the Redskins last two coaches. Could Snyder finally be heeding to fan criticism that he needs to step away from player/personnel decisions? We don’t know, but we’ll take it as a good sign today that he was in the crowd rather than on the podium as Allen handled introduction duties for coach Shanahan.

Mr. Snyder, we do like you so much more from afar.

Shanahan's comments make it sound like Portis has some work to do.

"Like all players, the key is what they work in the offseason program," Shanahan said. "I've been around some veterans that have been very successful and they quit working out and as a running back you can fall off a cliff. If you make a commitment, then you've got a chance to do something special."

Asked in a television interview about Portis after the press conference, Shanahan repeated that work habits were key . There's a new sheriff in town. link

Yet earlier above when I suggested that Shanahan was trying to light a fire under Portis, you disagreed. If you read the above and take it at face value, all that Shanahan is implying is "Portis needs to work hard in the offseason and re-dedicate himself. It's my way or the highway."Doesn't that indicate Shanahan is hopeful Portis will step up? What am I missing?

Coachspeak imo. I believe Shanahan wants to bring in his own RBs. Sort of "in with the new, out with the old" mentality.

Then why even bother posting the article if you don't believe a word of it?

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

If you read the above and take it at face value, all that Shanahan is implying is "Portis needs to work hard in the offseason and re-dedicate himself. It's my way or the highway."Doesn't that indicate Shanahan is hopeful Portis will step up? What am I missing?

It implies Portis needs to to do that, yes. As do numerous other printings of the same quote in various Washington outlets right now. It says nothing about Portis's attitude in Denver or any problems Shanahan had with it.

Did I say that it has anything to do with his attitude in Denver?

 

[JohnnyU]

If you read the above and take it at face value, all that Shanahan is implying is "Portis needs to work hard in the offseason and re-dedicate himself. It's my way or the highway."Doesn't that indicate Shanahan is hopeful Portis will step up? What am I missing?

It implies Portis needs to to do that, yes. As do numerous other printings of the same quote in various Washington outlets right now. It says nothing about Portis's attitude in Denver or any problems Shanahan had with it.

Did I say that it has anything to do with his attitude in Denver?

No, but I said Shanahan had a problem with Portis' attitude in Denver. Currently I don't have a link to back it up, but I do remember that being an issue. I'll keep looking.

 

[JohnnyU]

Well, I'm sure that's the way we see it, but I remember this coming out when Portis was in Denver. Portis' work ethic isn't something created during his time in Washington.

....but to the more recent news about it....

Shanahan on Clinton Portis- “I think like all players as they get older, I think the key is how they work in the offseason program, what they do to make themselves get better. I’ve been around some veterans who are very successful, and all of a sudden they stop working out, then as a running back you can fall of a cliff. If you make a commitment that you’re gonna be the best you can possibly be, where you’ve got passion, you’ve got the work ethic to be as good as you can possibly be, then you got a chance to be something special. Looking at Clinton a year ago in the first half of the season, you could see how well he played. To say that right now with the injures and what’s happened right now would be premature at this time. But I do love his toughness.”

Veiled shot or not, it is hard to see the part of that quote about older running backs who stop working out as not pertaining to Clinton Portis and his propensity for avoiding practice. Remember as well that Rock Cartwright, in these days after Zorn’s hiring has said that certain players (ie superstars) had double standards. It seems like Shanahan is saying those days are over, and that Clinton's days of avoiding certain practices are over. No longer does it seem that Redskins management is willing, nor should they be when Portis tells reporters that he doesn't need to practice because he leaves it all on the field. Oh really? How well did that work out this year?

Coach Shanahan also doesn’t exactly give Clinton a ringing endorsement by essentially saying that, “it’s premature” to know if Clinton can be as good as he was in the past.

But outside of things that were said today and Shanahan’s press conference, the biggest change might have been the one making the announcements. One needed no second glance at the organizational chant to understand the football decision making pecking order, as owner Dan Snyder introduced the Redskins last two coaches. Could Snyder finally be heeding to fan criticism that he needs to step away from player/personnel decisions? We don’t know, but we’ll take it as a good sign today that he was in the crowd rather than on the podium as Allen handled introduction duties for coach Shanahan.

Mr. Snyder, we do like you so much more from afar.

Shanahan's comments make it sound like Portis has some work to do.

"Like all players, the key is what they work in the offseason program," Shanahan said. "I've been around some veterans that have been very successful and they quit working out and as a running back you can fall off a cliff. If you make a commitment, then you've got a chance to do something special."

Asked in a television interview about Portis after the press conference, Shanahan repeated that work habits were key . There's a new sheriff in town. link

Yet earlier above when I suggested that Shanahan was trying to light a fire under Portis, you disagreed. If you read the above and take it at face value, all that Shanahan is implying is "Portis needs to work hard in the offseason and re-dedicate himself. It's my way or the highway."Doesn't that indicate Shanahan is hopeful Portis will step up? What am I missing?

Coachspeak imo. I believe Shanahan wants to bring in his own RBs. Sort of "in with the new, out with the old" mentality.

Then why even bother posting the article if you don't believe a word of it?

News is news. I guess if Portis was to do a turn around on his work ethic and attitude Shanny might be impressed, but we both know that's not going to happen.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

News is news. I guess if Portis was to do a 360 on his work ethic and attitude Shanny might be impressed, but we both know that's not going to happen.

Fair enough. FWIW, I do appreciate you posting the article.

 

[Sammy Traveller]

Portis is not yet 30. The RB pool in the draft is thin and some teams would kill to have a quality RB like Portis. I smell a trade. Would probably have to be contingent on the renegotiation of Portis' contract. It would be nice if the Skins got a 3rd round pick out of the deal.

 

[zamboni]

And you don't think Shanny's comments are just a ploy to motivate Clinton Portis?

Maybe, but I doubt it. I believe Shanny wants to build with his RBs, not Portis. Notice how I made RBs plural. Get used to it guys, because He's.......baaack !!

I thought we established awhile back that Shanahan is not necessarily an ardent believer in RBBC, having gone that way out of necessity rather than design since Portis left. Guys like the Bells (Tatum and Mike), Hillis, Hall, etc. either weren't up to the task or got hurt. Travis Henry was brought in to be the guy and was just that before the wheels fell off.My sense is that Shanahan will try to identify his guy for 2010, and if he's not available, will go the RBBC route until he finds his guy in 2011.

 

[thatguy]

News is news. I guess if Portis was to do a 360 on his work ethic and attitude Shanny might be impressed, but we both know that's not going to happen.

Don't you mean a 180? A 360 would put him right back where he started...

 

[JohnnyU]

News is news. I guess if Portis was to do a 360 on his work ethic and attitude Shanny might be impressed, but we both know that's not going to happen.

Don't you mean a 180? A 360 would put him right back where he started...

Yeah ok.

 

[Sam Quentin]

Portis and Shanaham are like star-crossed lovers

 

[JJP]

I expect Betts to be Cut... but not Portis; Ganther and Mason will get a good amount of carries

Portis is on really thin ice and he's symbolic of everything that was wrong with the old regime, so he may very well be a statement cut.

Dan Snyder is still the current regime.

Whether he flushes Shanahan after a year like he did Marty is a possibility, but it really appears that he's potentially learned a lesson and is taking a back seat. Cerrato is gone now and Shanahan won't put up with his meddling. There's going to be structure and discipline and no going over the head coach's head this go around and Portis was probably the biggest abuser of that.

Plus, Shanny got rid of Portis once by trade while he was in his prime, so what do you think he will do with him now that he's over the hill?

Yes and no. He traded him for Champ Bailey, who's arguably been the top, or one of the top 3 cover corners since that trade. To get quality, he had to give up quality. I don't know if we can read into it that he doesn't want Portis.

 

[gradin123]

It is very doubtful that Portis will be outright cut anytime soon. I believe 6M of the 7M he will make next year is guaranteed!

If he were cut and another team picked him up they would get off the hook somehow but Portis could also give up if he got cut and just take the $6Million and do nothing.

Right now I believe Shanahan is trying to get a message across to Portis that the poor work ethic he has displayed over the last year plus under Zorn won't be tolerated.

Where this story goes from here completely depends on what Portis does. If he shows up to offseason training and makes getting in shape for next year a priority then not only will he back with the Redskins but he probably will be a good candidate for a bounce back season.

But if he just parties all offseason then the Redkins may just bit the bullet and cut or try to bait him into saying or doing something stupid so they can suspend him for conduct determental to the team.

 

[az_prof]

I agree with OP. There is no way that Shanny doesn't either bring in a FA or draft a guy probably in the second, third, or fourth round. The idea that the draft is weak is pretty meaningless when it comes to Shanny, as he thinks he can find a golden RB deep in almost every draft.

 

[PantherPower]

I think we also need to remember after Sean Taylor's death, Portis said he rededicated his commitment to football, and changed how and where he trained, the things he ate, etc. So I'm not as concerned about Portis taking care of himself in the offseason, but more concerned about him being willing to do it WITH the team, and following the rules, etc. We quickly forget that he was in such good shape before the season that he almost beat Landry in that race.

 

[Holy Schneikes]

The problem with all of this is that the Redskins have needs at damn near EVERY position. Depending on who you ask and when you as them, the Redskins' "#1 need" is:

OL (probably the REAL #1 need, they could literally use four new starters).

QB (not that there are a ton of options for them here, but most assume Campbell is gone, and if so they absolutely HAVE to have somone).

They need a safety that plays like a safety. Landry could be a decent player, but he doesn't really play safety.

They need a starting CB, but frankly could use two.

DT, and if they go 3-4 D, they probably need a LB or two. Some folks are clamoring to dump Haynesworth. If that happens, DT goes right up there with OL in the ranking.

A year ago, their "#1" need was WR according to prevailing opinion, but that opinion has dropped off a bit since the young guys have shown a LITTLE something.

Finally, they could use a RB.

But what's on "top" of the list? Who knows, but I will say that adequate RBs are easier to come by than most of the other positions they need, so I suspect that if they have to "make do" at a position (and they will), RB might be a good candidate. I wouldn't be surprised to see a late round pick, but I'd be shocked to see anything early, or any kind of "flashy" FA signing.

 

[az_prof]

The problem with all of this is that the Redskins have needs at damn near EVERY position. Depending on who you ask and when you as them, the Redskins' "#1 need" is:OL (probably the REAL #1 need, they could literally use four new starters).QB (not that there are a ton of options for them here, but most assume Campbell is gone, and if so they absolutely HAVE to have somone).They need a safety that plays like a safety. Landry could be a decent player, but he doesn't really play safety.They need a starting CB, but frankly could use two.DT, and if they go 3-4 D, they probably need a LB or two. Some folks are clamoring to dump Haynesworth. If that happens, DT goes right up there with OL in the ranking.A year ago, their "#1" need was WR according to prevailing opinion, but that opinion has dropped off a bit since the young guys have shown a LITTLE something.Finally, they could use a RB.But what's on "top" of the list? Who knows, but I will say that adequate RBs are easier to come by than most of the other positions they need, so I suspect that if they have to "make do" at a position (and they will), RB might be a good candidate. I wouldn't be surprised to see a late round pick, but I'd be shocked to see anything early, or any kind of "flashy" FA signing.

Why not a "flashy" or more likely "not so flashy" FA signing? One of the positives about Snyder is he is not stingy with the check book, so if there is a FA that Shanny wants, he will get him. And this is a non-salary cap year right now, right? Even in Denver there was hardly a year that Shanny sat tight and did nothing at the RB position--so why would he go to a failing team and leave the position alone? It makes no sense.

 

[Sidewinder16]

We quickly forget that he was in such good shape before the season that he almost beat Landry in that race.

So Jason Witten is faster than Landry and Portis.