bigger role for Betts this year?

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.
Unless Aldridge is terrible in camp and/or shows he cannot be relied upon in the return game I can see them sticking with him over Rock. I don't think the Zorn regime has as much loyalty to Rock as the previous coach and they have all talked about seeking more explosiveness which Aldridge brings.

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.
Why do we need a change of pace if he is good at what he does?

Why do we need a change of pace if he is good at what he does?

When Betts comes in, he's a downgrade in the running game. And that's the case for any RB on our roster when compared to CP, however at least a speed guy like an Alridge or Dorsey can bring a different dimension to the offense, a la Darren Sproles. A scat back kind of player that will give opposing defenses a different look. Betts is a fumble prone, slower version of Portis. He can give us a few quality carries per game, but he shouldn't be the only RB getting touches behind CP.

When Betts comes in, he's a downgrade in the running game. And that's the case for any RB on our roster when compared to CP, however at least a speed guy like an Alridge or Dorsey can bring a different dimension to the offense, a la Darren Sproles. A scat back kind of player that will give opposing defenses a different look. Betts is a fumble prone, slower version of Portis. He can give us a few quality carries per game, but he shouldn't be the only RB getting touches behind CP.
I think Betts is faster then Portis.

I would like them to use Betts and a speed guy more to spell- situational players you. As long as Betts isn't running into the linemans knees

I would like them to use Betts and a speed guy more to spell- situational players you. As long as Betts isn't running into the linemans knees
It was CP that always was falling down.

I think Betts is faster then Portis.

If you watch Betts run he's a lot of motion, arms and legs churning, but I don't think there's much debate that Portis is quicker, faster and stronger than Betts. There's a reason that one is a starter and the other is a backup.

If you watch Betts run he's a lot of motion, arms and legs churning, but I don't think there's much debate that Portis is quicker, faster and stronger than Betts. There's a reason that one is a starter and the other is a backup.

I'd argue that Betts is a little better when it comes to power running. Anyway watch out. With the line in better shape this year we'll be able to put virtually anyone in that backfield and do what we did at the beginning of last year. And yes I really do believe that Mike Williams is going to pan out.

I'd argue that Betts is a little better when it comes to power running. Anyway watch out. With the line in better shape this year we'll be able to put virtually anyone in that backfield and do what we did at the beginning of last year. And yes I really do believe that Mike Williams is going to pan out.

Betts mows down DBs like a power runner, especially catching passes out of the backfield. But between the tackles he disappoints a bit IMO.

...to his defense one thing I've always noticed, though don't have any stats to back this up, is Betts seeing contact behind the LOS far more than CP does. Now it's tempting to say the reason is Betts' is slower than CP, especially on sweeps. But watch CP closely when he swings out and u notice he rarely goes hard behind the LOS until he see the play develop, so I tend to think speed isn't the issue. My guess is when Betts spells CP the OL maybe takes a little break...maybe just a bit. Defenders can sneak in more often and wrap up his legs or at least slow him down.

I partly think this way cuz in '06 once Betts became "the guy" he didn't see as much contact behind the LOS, which gave him time to get some momentum and plan his cuts. And we know how that turned out...in the 2nd half of the season Mr Betts was 2nd in yardage only to Mr Tomlinson. Now if the guy could just develop a nose for the endzone like great RBs have I'd be a pretty big Betts guy.

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.

Portis is going to complain about his role no matter what so the coach needs to force a lighter workload upon him and ignore the drama.

Betts just needs to hold onto the ball. I don't know how you find ways to get him the ball at less important junctures of the game because he always seems to find the worst possible moment to fumble.

I like the idea of giving Betts a full series or two because judging him on spot duty isn't fair to him.