bigger role for Betts this year?

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by firstdown

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.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by GMScud

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.

[Paintrain]

Originally Posted by firstdown

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.

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

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.

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by Dirtbag359

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.