ESPN's Len Pasquarelli reports there are whispers emanating from Washington that RB Clinton Portis isn't quite a perfect fit for the HC Joe Gibbs offense, which usually demands a power-type back. But a far bigger concern for the Redskins, who still figure to get about 1,400-1,500 yards from the third-year veteran obtained in the CB Champ Bailey trade, is the No. 2 tailback spot. None of the backups -- RB Ladell Betts, RB Sultan McCullough, RB Chad Morton or FB Rock Cartwright -- have been very impressive. Which explains why personnel chief Vinny Cerrato has been calling around checking on the status of veteran tailbacks who might be released this weekend. The 'Skins snooped around the possible availability of RB Garrison Hearst, with whom Cerrato is familiar from their stint together with the 49ers, but the Denver Broncos aren't likely to cut him now that RB Mike Anderson is sidelined for the season. Washington will take a long look at the waiver wire this weekend to see if there is a tailback better than the group it currently has behind Portis on the depth chart.
:lol:
Riggo44
09-03-2004, 11:08 PM
:laughing- :laughing- :laughing- I really don't think so. Wait, :laughing- no I don't think so.
EEich
09-03-2004, 11:15 PM
I don't think it's laughable. Joe prefers big backs (Riggins). None of the backups qualify as big. Why wouldn't Vinny try to get someone that Joe would feel comfortable to back up Portis?
Hearst isn't necessarily the answer because he's only 5'11'' 215 but he's been pretty solid for the last few years. And face it... if Portis gets hurt... with the current backups, the Redskins are out of the playoffs. Hearst is better than any other backup we have,
Rushing
Year Team G GS Att Yards Avg Lg TD 20+ FD
2001 San Francisco 49ers 16 16 252 1206 4.8 43 4 7 53
2002 San Francisco 49ers 16 16 215 972 4.5 40 8 6 53
2003 San Francisco 49ers 12 12 178 768 4.3 36 3 3 38
Receiving:
Year Team G GS No Yards Avg Lg TD 20+ 40+ FD
2001 San Francisco 49ers 16 16 41 347 8.5 60 1 2 1 15
2002 San Francisco 49ers 16 16 48 317 6.6 16 1 0 0 14
2003 San Francisco 49ers 12 12 25 211 8.4 26 1 3 0 7
You guys starting to doubt Joe Gibbs?
SKINSnCANES
09-03-2004, 11:16 PM
Heart has two bum knees, and everyone talks about GIbbs wants power backs like riggons, but wernt all his other backs small guys? Portis is a perfect fit for any coach, the guys a stud.
jrocx69
09-03-2004, 11:32 PM
Jamie Morris Is A Good Example. Byner Wasnt All That Big. Kelvin Bryant, Timmy Smith Etc.
Portis Is A Great Rb For The System
Hearst Has A Repaired Bum Ankle His Knees Should Be Fine
EEich
09-03-2004, 11:37 PM
Considering Joe intends to run Portis "until his tongue hangs out"... he may break down over the course of the year. I trust Joe as a good judge of talent. Aside from Portis, he doesn't see it on out current roster.
Timmy Smith had one good game. (One amazing game).
Jamie Morris Is A Good Example. Byner Wasnt All That Big. Kelvin Bryant, Timmy Smith Etc.
Portis Is A Great Rb For The System
Hearst Has A Repaired Bum Ankle His Knees Should Be Fine
Brute44
09-04-2004, 01:24 AM
I think after tonights preseason finale, Betts has proved that he is a worthy number 2. If you look back at at SuperBowl XXII Timmy Smith had a career day and that game changed Gibbs philosophy about power backs compared to speed backs. Before that SuperBowl he primarily relied on power backs Like Riggo but even then he had speed with Joe Washington. After that SuperBowl the skins went through many speed backs none really worth mentioning except Ernest Byner. George Rogers was around and took over for Riggo then came Gerald Riggs but it was never like the days of Riggo because he was a phenomenon for his size and speed. Don't get me wrong though it's nice to have a power full back thats 250Lbs to run it in at goal line situations but in todays football I'd rather have an all around quick back than a power back.
Beemnseven
09-04-2004, 01:39 AM
I don't think it's laughable. Joe prefers big backs (Riggins). None of the backups qualify as big...You guys starting to doubt Joe Gibbs?
Nobody's doubting Joe Gibbs, we're doubting Lenny Pasta!
This is simply one of the biggest misconceptions we keep hearing over and over. Gibbs prefers backs who can get the job done and don't fumble the ball -- regardless of their size.
He has used running backs of all different statures: Byner was an average sized back (about 220), Joe Washington, Timmy Smith (one amazing game or not) and Ricky Ervins were all little guys. Kelvin Bryant was lanky (6'2", 195), while Riggs, Rogers and Riggins were all above 235 -- so clearly, there was no favorite prototypical running back. Gibbs handed the ball to players at that position of practically every physical type.
Must have been a slow news day for Pastabelly.
Hogskin
09-04-2004, 01:47 AM
I don't think it's laughable. Joe prefers big backs (Riggins). None of the backups qualify as big. Why wouldn't Vinny try to get someone that Joe would feel comfortable to back up Portis?
Was this supposed to be serious or just totally silly?? Just because a coach happens to have one big back for less that half of his very successful years with a team, that is ALL he wants? Gee, I guess he should have looked up Portis' weight on www.nfl.com before he made the trade. Portis is definitely a "Gibbs" RB. LOL
Len Pastabelly is REALLY desparate to get his name in the news to come up with this ridiculous pile up bull crap. How could anyone on this site buy into it?? Amazing.
SmootSmack
09-04-2004, 01:51 AM
Well said Beemnseven! I'm just waiting for someone to write "Whispers are emanating from Washington that Brunell isn't quite the perfect fit for HC Joe Gibbs offense, which has always had a right-handed starting QB"
The man is one of the greatest ever because he can win with anybody!