Portis concerns

[Hogskin]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Gibbs won't run him in to the ground either, Betts and the other backups will play a significant role in this offense.

Absolutely. There will be several offensive sets without Portis on the field. Short yardage plays will probably go to Betts or Cartright - any indication yet which it will be?

[Paintrain]

I don't think Gibbs will overwork Portis.. He will probably give him 18-25 carries a game, I expect to see a lot more of Betts (assuming he's healthy) this year than we anticipate.. Plus, there is a misconception that Gibbs is a grind it out type of coach.. He's a short pass, sweep, play action type of coach who will run the ball to keep the clock moving when he has a lead.. Everyone brace themselves, but remember how (ugh) Norv Turner called plays for the (ugh ugh) Cowboys during their run in the 90's? Get the lead early thru the air then grind it out on the ground. That's the same way that Gibbs did in his years.. He was ahead of the game offensively at the time. Remember his offense is the same as Air Coryell and what Mike Martz and the Rams run now.. It'll be a good balance to help protect Portis..

[Hogskin]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

I don't think Gibbs will overwork Portis.. He will probably give him 18-25 carries a game, I expect to see a lot more of Betts (assuming he's healthy) this year than we anticipate.. Plus, there is a misconception that Gibbs is a grind it out type of coach.. He's a short pass, sweep, play action type of coach who will run the ball to keep the clock moving when he has a lead.. Everyone brace themselves, but remember how (ugh) Norv Turner called plays for the (ugh ugh) Cowboys during their run in the 90's? Get the lead early thru the air then grind it out on the ground. That's the same way that Gibbs did in his years.. He was ahead of the game offensively at the time. Remember his offense is the same as Air Coryell and what Mike Martz and the Rams run now.. It'll be a good balance to help protect Portis..

Actually, the Coryell offense was the BASIS for his offense, but he made dramatic changes (improvements) to it in his last stint here. And expect to see many more new wrinkles this season. He has spent MANY hours studying the new NFL defensive schemes, and will certainly have surprises to counter them. His total offensive package will surely be uniquely his. Every time a new defensive wrinkle shows up to counter his offense, he makes new adjustments.

[Riggo44]

Uhh you guy's it's a video game! Portis is big enough to av 5.5 yrds a carry. That's all I need to know.

[backrow]

I want to report a theft! Matty stole my thoughts and posted first! Betts, my friends, is a Stephen Davis Clone, only a step or two faster! I still have his stats, 40 times, Wonderlic score and such from when he was drafted!

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Gibbs won't run him in to the ground either, Betts and the other backups will play a significant role in this offense.

[memphisskin]

Unconcerned about Portis' size. He averages 1500 yds a season, and 5.5 yards per carry. I have no doubt that Gibbs will run his share of 50 gut, and counter treys, but I also know that by now Gibbs knows what Portis' best plays were in Denver and will probably install a couple of them here.

Gibbs' best quality is his adaptability. True he's always had a power back, but he's also been very clever at adjusting what he does to suit his talent. Laugh now, but I really think Ladell Betts is going to have a monster year in short yardage situations. Early last season he was solid in goal line situations, and if we do hit 4th and 1 believe me Gibbs will find the play to get it done.

On the 2k5 tip, I ran for 205 yards versus the Eagles with Portis, I can't wait for the HOF game to see him for real, even if its just one or two carries.

[illdefined]

Originally Posted by memphisskin

Unconcerned about Portis' size. He averages 1500 yds a season, and 5.5 yards per carry. I have no doubt that Gibbs will run his share of 50 gut, and counter treys, but I also know that by now Gibbs knows what Portis' best plays were in Denver and will probably install a couple of them here.

trying to find out what those plays are. and if he's used to having an FB leading. etc.

[offiss]

Originally Posted by backrow

I want to report a theft! Matty stole my thoughts and posted first! Betts, my friends, is a Stephen Davis Clone, only a step or two faster! I still have his stats, 40 times, Wonderlic score and such from when he was drafted!

Excellent job BR, it's no secret my thought's of Bett's, your assesment is dead on IMO, faster, quicker, and almost as strong, and he will catch better out of the backfield, I expect big thing's from him under Gibb's, but unless an injury hit's Portis, it will be limited.

[MTK]

Betts has the skills, BUT he's got a long way to go before we can compare him to Stephen Davis.

He needs to stay healthy for one, whether his injuries have been just bad luck or maybe he's dogging it I don't know, but sitting on the sidelines doesn't help anybody.

[Hogskin]

Originally Posted by memphisskin

if we do hit 4th and 1 believe me Gibbs will find the play to get it done.

Yep, and I'm sure many of you have that same SB picture hanging in your house that I do. 4th and 1, and the play ended up going outside with Riggo shedding the DB. Yes, Gibbs will call the right plays, and Portis and Betts will be more than ready to improvise. There are many ways to make 4th and 1 with an effective front line. Bugel will develop that for us.

[Redskins8588]

Hogskin, NO I DO NOT HAVE THAT ONE, BUT I WANT IT VERY BAD!!!!! Where can I get it? My uncle has it and ever since I was 7 or 8 I wanted it. Now that I have my own house I need it!!! Please anyone help!!!

[skins009]

I think if you look at the trends of great running backs in the league, he certainly has the size. Ladanion tomlison and preist holmes are only about 10 pounds heavier than portis. Not to mention what marshal faulk has been able to do. Also don't forget that portis is 23 he's gonna put on at least 10 pounds.

[SKINSnCANES]

How tall are those other running backs though , Portis is kinda short.

[SmootSmack]

Here are some stats for you Canes:

Clinton Portis: 5'11" 205 lbs.
Priest Holmes: 5'9" 213 lbs.
LaDanian Tomlinson: 5'10" 221 lbs.
Emmitt Smith: 5'10" 209 lbs.
Barry Sanders: 5'8" 200 lbs.
Walter Payton: 5'10" 202 lbs.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by illdefined

didn't get an answer from any Denver watchers. what did Portis tend to do, up the middle or bounce outside? i know he can do both. what would Denver do on short yardage, and how did they their FB? did they do lots of singleback? how does he play?

I can't really recall Portis' specific style of play, as in whether he bounced out a lot, or if he was the prototypical 'North-South' runner, but the fullback in Denver is Mike Anderson who is excellent, one of the very best in the league at his position. A few years ago, after Terrell Davis sustained a career ending ACL tear, Anderson took over as the primary running back and gained over 1500 yards. Then the very next year, he went back to the fullback role, and has had it ever since.

Mike Shanahan is a West Coast offensive coach -- meaning he uses fullbacks extensively. Whatever success Portis had, his offensive line and Mike Anderson deserve their due credit. I'm not saying Portis can't do the same here, but it will be interesting to see him in the one-back, 'Air Coryell' offensive scheme Gibbs' uses.

Everything I've heard about Portis is that he is a running back who can do it all, and consistently racks up big yardage no matter how it comes.