Smoke Signals: Riggo v. Portis

[Spence]

The issue isn't really who is a better running back -- John Riggins or Clinton Portis. Portis' stats are better and he should pass Riggo as the franchise rushing leader. However, Riggo took the team to 2 Super Bowls and was the MVP of one of them. Portis' hasn't come close to anything like that.

But none of that is the issue. The issue is Riggins' criticism of Portis, which I think is on the mark. Riggo had a colorful personal life, but he didn't undermine teammates or coaches. And if jealousy is the motivation for Riggo's criticism of Portis, what's the motivation for Brian Mitchell's criticism of Portis? Also jealousy? Isn't it possible to be critical of Clinton Portis without being jealous of him? Or does the entire Redskins world have to be filled with jock-worship for Portis the way Dan Snyder is?

I hope not. Portis is a terrific football player [I did rank him as the division's best running back in the Battle of the NFC East series], but he's also a loudmouth egomaniac who needs to learn to shut up and play.

Also, I doubt Riggo would trade his Super Bowl ring for all of Portis' stats.