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Running Men: Portis, Byner Eye History

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SkinsNeverDie

SkinsNeverDie

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Running Men: Portis, Byner Eye History

By Gary Fitzgerald

Redskins.com

May 10, 2006

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=2326

Like a father figure, Earnest Byner feels a great sense of pride in his running backs. He has developed close bonds with Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, Nehemiah Broughton and others, encouraging them on and off the field.

Byner, of course, was a running back himself, playing for the Redskins from 1989-93, the middle part of a 14-year NFL career. His 3,950 rushing yards as a Redskin ranks him fifth all-time in franchise history. Later in his career, he was the director of player development for the Baltimore Ravens.

Byner returned to the Redskins in 2004 as a first-time coach, accepting the running backs position. Two months later, the Redskins acquired Portis in a trade with the Denver Broncos.

Clinton Portis

It seems Byner and Portis have been linked ever since.

The relationship between player and coach was not always easy-going.

"Early on, it was tough love," Portis has said. "Now we're more relaxed. We can actually talk and I take his advice. Early on, with him being a first-year coach and me coming here like I knew everything, I didn't want to listen.

"Now, just knowing that we're all heading in the same direction has changed the relationship. I'm adjusting to our game plan and doing whatever is asked of me because it has the potential of putting the team in a better situation."

It's possible that Portis will surpass Byner next season on the franchise's career rushing list.

In two seasons in Washington, Portis has compiled 2,831 rushing yards (on 695 carries). Portis needs just 1,119 yards to move into fifth place ahead of Byner. He could move into fourth place, passing Terry Allen's 4,086 yards, by season's end.

"[Coach Byner] has helped me out a lot," Portis said. "He gets you to believe and understand, tries to show you the ins and outs of the position, and never shows you just your positives against other defenses. He always puts the negatives in because, honestly, other defenses do make plays.

"You can glorify yourself or say, 'This defense is sorry--they never stop anybody,' but at the same time, when you make the highlight tape, you need to put in the bad, too, so that you can see the strong points of the other team. Breaking that down gives me a better understanding of the game."

In just four NFL seasons, Portis has already compiled 5,930 rushing yards. Is the best yet to come?

With Al Saunders' dynamic offense coming to Washington, Byner sees great things in store for Portis and the other running backs on the roster.

Byner has quietly talked with Portis about achieving a goal of rushing for 2,000 yards. If accomplished, Portis would join Eric Dickerson, Jamal Lewis, Barry Sanders and O.J. Simpson as the only backs to rush for 2,000 or more yards.

"It's all about preparation, dedication, going through the process and making sure he's ready for the season," Byner told Redskins.com TV's Larry Michael earlier this offseason.

Saunders' offenses are certainly running back-friendly, but he has never had a 2,000-yard runner.

In Kansas City, where Saunders coached the Chiefs offense from 2001-05, Priest Holmes routinely logged 1,400-plus rushing yards per season, but also added another 600-plus yards in pass receiving.

Earnest Byner

Byner said that, with the addition of Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd to an offense that already featured Santana Moss and David Patten, defenses will not be able to stuff the box with eight defenders, like they have done in years past.

That could open up running lanes for Portis.

"Last year, and the year before, we would have four down lineman in the box, plus three linebackers and either a safety or cornerback in position of being able to support the run," Byner said. "This year, we have and the ability to spread the ball around a little bit more. Now we'll see not just seven men in the box, but maybe six men in the box. What that does is provide some more space and opportunity.

"I think we'll have some real opportunities to exploit the talents, at every position on offense, but especially the running backs perspective. You have Randle El, and Moss, and Patten, and Lloyd, and when you have those guys, then the defensive safeties have to really take that into account. It's going to provide some additional room for us to run."

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Skins11

Skins11

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"Early on, it was tough love," Portis has said. "Now we're more relaxed. We can actually talk and I take his advice. Early on, with him being a first-year coach and me coming here like I knew everything, I didn't want to listen.

Very interesting. Might explain some of the troubles early on.

Looks like both guys have learned from each other.

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Porterhouse12er

Porterhouse12er

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If Portis can get a combined total of 2,000 rushing and receiving yards, I think that would be more valuable than just 2,000 rushing yards and would bode better overall for the team.
Clinton Portis is on pace to break all sorts of rushing records if his health and indurance allows him too!!!!look what he did against 8 man fronts the last 2 seasons, the man dont quit...just think what he will do when the line of scrimmage is not crowded?2000 yards on the ground is very possible if healthy every game and it would be that much sweeeter for T.O.P. for the redskins on a ground game this potent!!!when you add in a versitle passing attack this offense on paper is very very scary you cannot focus on 1 thang like teams were able to do in the past.I'd like too see Betts in a change of pace used more as a receiving back that adds a whole new demension to when portis and betts are both lined up in the backfield ,anywho 2000 on the ground is better than 2000 total!!!
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