bigger role for Betts this year?

Betts has to play a bigger role this year or Portis will again have nothing left by the 2nd half of the season.

I do not think that it has to be Betts as long as somebody spells him. If CP gets more than 75% of the carries as frequently as we run the ball, he isn't going to make it much longer.

In all honesty I would like to see some young blood at the RB position. I just don't think that Betts is hungry or explosive enough. I do not know the man personally, I am just speaking from what I have seen on the field. Maybe I just haven't seen enough of him, but I am not sold.

On a good day I'd like to see Betts get at least 10 carries. Let him play a couple of series in a row to get in a groove. I'd rather see a healthy Portis at the end of the year with 1200 yards than a totally gassed Portis with 1500 yards. Come playoff time a broken down CP is going to be worthless.

This is one key to the success of the season IMO. I would like to see Portis rest a good deal in the first half most games, and like you've said Matty (along w/ others) Betts is at his best when he gets several carries in a row. I say give Betts the 2nd Qtr or something like that if we're rolling along.

...one other thing i wonder is if a more complete integration into WCO will favor betts. Personally I like to see him catch the ball out of the backfield over CP...this is one area where I think Ladell punishes defenders.

Nobody's questioning his speed or quickness, because all of that is irrelevant. The bottom line is that when he's had oppurtunities he hasn't taken full advantage of them, whether that's fumbling or getting injured (which isn't his fault). If you look at production, he really hasn't done much since '06 and that (could) be blamed on playing time but if he made the most out of his oppurtunities we would not have signed 3 RB's to compete with him for the #2 job which already tells you something.

So who said those guys were signed to compete for the #2 job? Your post is the first I'd heard of that. Don't recall any coaches or Vinny saying that.

I took those signings to be more competition for Rock, whose contract is less, and who also returns kicks. Of course, anyone can potentially take a spot, Portis' spot included.

Betts is getting up there in years so of course they're going to look to replace him in the near future, but I certainly don't think those 3 guys we signed are an attempt to replace or demote him.

Also, take a look at Portis' numbers in the 2nd half of the year, since it seems that's what you're doing w/Betts. The running game fell off big time. Do you blame that all on Portis since his "production" dropped?

So who said those guys were signed to compete for the #2 job? Your post is the first I'd heard of that. Don't recall any coaches or Vinny saying that.

I took those signings to be more competition for Rock, whose contract is less, and who also returns kicks. Of course, anyone can potentially take a spot, Portis' spot included.

Yup same here, I don't see any of those guys as a real threat to Betts at all. In reality it would be a bit of a surprise to see any of them make the team.

So who said those guys were signed to compete for the #2 job? Your post is the first I'd heard of that. Don't recall any coaches or Vinny saying that.

I took those signings to be more competition for Rock, whose contract is less, and who also returns kicks. Of course, anyone can potentially take a spot, Portis' spot included.

Betts is getting up there in years so of course they're going to look to replace him in the near future, but I certainly don't think those 3 guys we signed are an attempt to replace or demote him.

Also, take a look at Portis' numbers in the 2nd half of the year, since it seems that's what you're doing w/Betts. The running game fell off big time. Do you blame that all on Portis since his "production" dropped?

Last time I checked competion is when a bunch of guys compete to see whose the best, so if Betts looks bad in Training Camp and in Preseason you wouldn't think someone like Marcus Mason who could paly better than Betts, would then battle for the #2 job? You have to understand this is a "what have you done for me lately league" and Betts hasn't done alot when given the oppurtunity. No one should automatically assume anyone has a spot just because "Vinny said it in the offseason" or because Betts has been a #2 back for a few years, because things change. It doesn't matter what the coaches says in June, because this is the Offseason! Alot of coaches say shit in June, but their dead wrong come September. Until Training Camp starts we won't know anything about where the RB lineup stands. As for Portis I never compared Portis to Betts because that's irrelevant, all I said was when Betts is in the lineup he has been average at best.

His versaltility is his main strength, but he's been just mediocre after his good year in '06. I'm really hoping one of those backs we signed (Aldridge, Dorsey, Mason) step and become the #2 behind Portis.
How can you say he has been just average when he has not really had anough chances to judge him. It like they just throw him out there on a wim several times a game. They need to design a game plan that involves Betts and his strengths. I was actually surprised when he signed a new deal with us knowing that CP was going to be the starter.

Last time I checked competion is when a bunch of guys compete to see whose the best, so if Betts looks bad in Training Camp and in Preseason you wouldn't think someone like Marcus Mason who could paly better than Betts, would then battle for the #2 job? You have to understand this is a "what have you done for me lately league" and Betts hasn't done alot when given the oppurtunity. No one should automatically assume anyone has a spot just because "Vinny said it in the offseason" or because Betts has been a #2 back for a few years, because things change. It doesn't matter what the coaches says in June, because this is the Offseason! Alot of coaches say shit in June, but their dead wrong come September. Until Training Camp starts we won't know anything about where the RB lineup stands. As for Portis I never compared Portis to Betts because that's irrelevant, all I said was when Betts is in the lineup he has been average at best.

I'm not assuming anything. I'm giving my opinion that i don't see those 3 guys as a threat to betts.

YOU assumed that they were signed to compete for the #2 spot, from what your post said, as if the coaches think Betts needs to be replaced. If what you meant to say was that they signed these guys because they want something more out of the rb position & potentially any of these guys could supplant Betts, and for that matter, Portis. Well, I agree w/you, and if you read my earlier post you'll see I mention that.

Basically anyone can be replaced at any time, but that's stating the obvious. You implied 3 guys were signed to specifically compete for the #2 spot. I disagree, but it goes w/out saying that it's possible for them to earn it.

they're not even in pads. let's see if smith says the same thing when betts gets hit and fumbles. i like betts, always have but it's ota's. i don't care about anything until pads are on.

I agree we need to spell CP, but Betts offers nothing new. I'd like to spell Portis with someone who can bring a change of pace to the offense. A scat back type of player. That's why I'm hoping Dorsey or Alridge pans out.

I think the problem is the Skins haven't really implemented a 2 back system. Gibbs pretty much gave Portis free reign as far as when he was in the game or not. When Betts was put in the Ravens game last year, Portis got upset. I think we'll see some changes this year for the good of the offense and Betts will do a good job.