New role for Portis-From SI.com

After studying Clinton Portis on tape during the offseason, Redskins coach Jim Zorn is preparing the seven-year vet for a bigger role in the offense.

Portis, who finished sixth in the league in rushing with 1,262 yards, is spending his offseason training at the team's complex. "We think that he can be a 1,800-yard back this season," assistant head coach/running backs Stump Mitchell said. "Running behind that offensive line, he should average four-and-a-half to five yards per carry."

The Redskins are keeping their blocking schemes intact and believe that continuity will allow Portis to thrive as their feature back. Furthermore, the Redskins are contemplating expanding Portis' role as a receiver after the vet hauled in a career-high 47 passes last season.

"We know that he was productive as a receiver last season, but most of his receptions were of the 'check-down' variety," Mitchell said. "We will see how he runs routes during mini-camps and O.T.As (Organized Team Activities) and determine if we can make him a bigger part of the passing game. He is a complete player with an unbelievable set of skills and we must find a way to maximize his talent." SI.com - Writers - Bucky Brooks: Houshmandzadeh wants new deal, more buzz - Thursday March 27, 2008 5:39PM (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/bucky_brooks/03/27/the.buzz/index.html)

A better Portis means a better Campbell which should add up to more wins.. Why isn't it August??

I always believed that when healthy he is a top tier back in the company of the best. I think a lot of non Skins fans have forgotten that.

i hope with his expanded role means that portis will participate more in offseason and preseason.

Sounds good, let's see if Zorn and Co. can take the RB position to Westbrook status or even further. It would open up so much, glad to see coaches boosting up players by telling them what they think they're capable of... love the quote from Stump about Portis being an "1800" yd back behind "that line."

I always believed that when healthy he is a top tier back in the company of the best. I think a lot of non Skins fans have forgotten that.

He was in the top 3 for total yards - nobody should forget that. He's carried this team (on and off the field) for the past two years.

Well, we always hear stuff like this BEFORE the season starts, then when it does, it never happens.
I love the enthusiasm, but let's see how we play after the first week of the season before thinking Portis can do 1800+ yards. That is laughable at this point.

I wonder if the desire to make Portis an 1,800 yard rusher will get the Redskins to invest a first round pick in a guy like Albert, considering the importance they've stressed on the O-Line in this article, as a key factor in reaching this goal. I know it sounds like they're set at O-Line, but I'm hoping that they realize how much injuries and age along the O-Line hurt the offense last year.

I sware if they don't at least get Mike McGlynn this April then I'm going to be very upset. Personally I would love to see Chilo Rachel or Branden Albert in Maroon and Black next year (To save Smootsmack the trouble, I'm kidding here about the colors, I know we're really burgendy and gold).

I just like hearing that they are pumped for Clinton this year. Towards the mid/late games of last year he started running harder. He said that "he's got the chip back on his shoulder", and I hope he does good this year. And if "that line" stays healthy, I think he'll have a big year.....just not 1800yds big. Maybe in total offense.
I'd actually like to see them line him up in the slot with Betts in the backfield. That would throw a defense off.

Am I the only one a little worried for Clinton? During the Gibbs era he got a lot of carries, took a lot of hits, sounds like nothing is changing. I hope we put Betts out there to keep Clinton as healthy as possible.

He's had abusive seasons, but luckily for us, Clinton didn't see a whole lot of carries in the playoff game.

He is past his prime years, but as long as we treat his workload properly, he can still tote the rock for us for the next 4 years.