Never a Sense of Urgency with Portis

[greenmile]

After reading his latest commentary on the team's situation, it seems to me like Portis is a major problem with this team.

First of all, I find HIM responsible for not getting the two goal line plays the past two weeks. Did anyone see the authority in which he starting running in the 2nd half of Sunday's game (yes, he didn't run much but the runs I saw were furiously more intense than his 1st half runs)? Where was that enthusiasm on those two runs? I found both poor navigation and lack of heart on those failed 4th down runs from Portis that should be weighed entirely more heavily than Zorn's play call in the first place.

But what's worse is that he keeps mouthing off about how "it's only a matter of time" until the team produces points, or that the team doesn't need to be "hyped up" by fellow teammates to get motivated for or within a game.

Really? If that's true, then why don't you or the rest of the team appear hyped at all? Why is it a coin toss every time you touch the ball whether or not you give it 100%? Don't tell me a running back can't get 1 yard; I don't care how bad the offensive line is playing.

Then you have his personal relationship with Synder which is suspect at best. It allows him to undermine his head coach, even if silently. We all know the issue last year between Zorn and Portis, and that situation seemingly appears better this year, but I have my doubts about what's really going on behind closed doors. Does anyone get the feeling that Portis really respects Zorn? I don't sense that. And that doesn't come from a lack of authoritative mentality on Zorn's part. It comes from the owner having too close a relationship with his players, and, IMO, probably probing those players for information/advice when he should ONLY be talking to his head coach.

[SMOSS89]

You do realize that Portis has lived through a 3 game losing streak in '05, to which they ran off 5 in a row at the end go to the playoffs, in addition to a 4 game losing streak, and losing his best friend in '07 and reeling off 4 in a row to go to the playoffs. Sounded almost exactly the same during those losing streaks as well.

[MattFancy]

People are never happy with Portis. He told it like it was last year and everyone bashed him. This year he's backing the team and coaches and he's still getting bashed. Give it up already.

[Spade]

Clinton tries to be diplomatic and now he has no heart? What happen to Clinton should keep his mouth shut, I didn't see Ladell Betts running big gains with our line, if I called that 4th down play I would have used Sellers but the point is what do people really want form Clinton? Our O-Line sucks

[Santana_89]

Did this really need to YET ANOTHER thread?

Most of the Redskins player have NOT displayed a sense of urgency either thus far..not just CP

There are several other Clinton Portis related threads this post, could have fit in quite well with.

http://extremeskins.com/showthread.php?t=301874

or

http://extremeskins.com/showthread.php?t=301762

I agree with the responses above mine.

[Skins110]

Maybe Zorn should stop calling sideways running plays on the goal line? I mean really, split back formation on the goal line? Really?

[Maximus71]

You do realize that Portis has lived through a 3 game losing streak in '05, to which they ran off 5 in a row at the end go to the playoffs, in addition to a 4 game losing streak, and losing his best friend in '07 and reeling off 4 in a row to go to the playoffs. Sounded almost exactly the same during those losing streaks as well.

He was 4 years younger in 2005, this is not the same Portis! He is done!

[greenmile]

I just find it funny that NO ONE gives ANY blame to Portis on those runs.

Please.

What this ultimately boils down to is that Portis isn't a leader. I always see him on the sideline bench pouting. I've NEVER seen him hyping players around him to pick up their game or providing any sort of motivation.

And worst, on the runs that count the most, he can't get it done.

I would seriously stop putting Portis in on goal line plays or 4th down, "must-have-it" plays.

[MattFancy]

I just find it funny that NO ONE gives ANY blame to Portis on those runs.

Please.

What this ultimately boils down to is that Portis isn't a leader. I always see him on the sideline bench pouting. I've NEVER seen him hyping players around him to pick up their game or providing any sort of motivation.

And worst, on the runs that count the most, he can't get it done.

I would seriously stop putting Portis in on goal line plays or 4th down, "must-have-it" plays.

Well when there are no holes to run through its hard to gain a yard. Why do we run stretch plays when we need a yard? Why not go right up the middle? That's no always on Portis.

So you'd rather Betts in so he can fumble or just fall down after contact?

[I-H8-DALLAS]

did this really need to yet another thread?

Most of the redskins player have not displayed a sense of urgency either thus far..not just cp

there are several other clinton portis related threads this post, could have fit in quite well with.

http://extremeskins.com/showthread.php?t=301874

or

http://extremeskins.com/showthread.php?t=301762

i agree with the responses above mine.

+1.....

[bird_1972]

People are never happy with Portis. He told it like it was last year and everyone bashed him. This year he's backing the team and coaches and he's still getting bashed. Give it up already.

He creates headaches way out of proportion to his value to the team + what he is being paid.

Note to Snyder: don't ever, ever sign an RB to a long-term, expensive contract. EVER.

[httrburgundyandgold]

9 million a year to play 2 quarters of football a week... seems to hurt the team more than help since the OL and him are not on the same page, he used to grab onto sellers and follow him through the line but now they go in complete different directions. I'm a huge fan of CP and I really want him to turn it around, but after two weeks of watching him get stuffed on the goalline by the worst defenses in the league is it obvious he is not the CP we are used to. I'm benching him on my fantasy team this week and running a 3rd string RB in his place, it has honestly gotten that bad.

[Jofizz]

9 million a year to play 2 quarters of football a week... seems to hurt the team more than help since the OL and him are not on the same page, he used to grab onto sellers and follow him through the line but now they go in complete different directions. I'm a huge fan of CP and I really want him to turn it around, but after two weeks of watching him get stuffed on the goalline by the worst defenses in the league is it obvious he is not the CP we are used to. I'm benching him on my fantasy team this week and running a 3rd string RB in his place, it has honestly gotten that bad.

Do you think CP is calling those stretch plays and counters to the left? Of course not, so you can't criticize him for the plays being called and the blocking schemes, because that is on the Head-Coach.

[mnb123]

I just find it funny that NO ONE gives ANY blame to Portis on those runs.

Please.

What this ultimately boils down to is that Portis isn't a leader. I always see him on the sideline bench pouting. I've NEVER seen him hyping players around him to pick up their game or providing any sort of motivation.

And worst, on the runs that count the most, he can't get it done.

I would seriously stop putting Portis in on goal line plays or 4th down, "must-have-it" plays.

Rewatch the games.

Where is he supposed to run, exactly?

All I see is a wall of both teams' linemen.

Our run blocking sucks

[httrburgundyandgold]

Do you think CP is calling those stretch plays and counters to the left? Of course not, so you can't criticize him for the plays being called and the blocking schemes, because that is on the Head-Coach.

actually he is, those are his best running plays and he isn't producing in them. he could of cut up and followed sellers against the rams on that 4th down but he didn't. he could of powered through 1 tackle and dove or drove his man for a stinking SINGLE YARD against the lions, but he didn't. you can blame it on play calling all you want but if guys can't produce on any plays then it's on the players. you can blame it on blocking schemes but in all reality it is just more excuses for our high profile players. JC needs 10 secs in the pocket and 7 foot tall receivers, moss needs broken coverage to get TDs, and now CP needs 10 yard wide holes to run through for any sort of gain. This is the NFL and those opportunities don't happen, at some point these guys have to rise above all that and do their job no matter the circumstances or get someone in there who can.

you honestly can't say CP looks good out there.

[Skinz4Life12]

Rewatch the games.

Where is he supposed to run, exactly?

All I see is a wall of both teams' linemen.

Our run blocking sucks

i'm not turning this into a campbell thread but i think its funny that all of a sudden people see the importance of the offensive line. last year anyone who said our offensive line sucked were labeled as making excuses for campbell but now that we have no run game its all on the o-line and not on portis.

while the offensive line is terrible, portis is no longer the back he was. no break away speed and tackle breaking ability. he looks rather lethargic out there and goes down on first contact.

his personal relationship with the owner doesn't help the situation either.

[hobie-k]

It is what it is, he is wore out. He was our workhorse, and it has taken a toll on him. He might break one off here and there, but he surely is not the same back as when we got him.

I love CP, but I think it's time he go finish his career records somewhere else. The team needs a fresh set of legs. Which brings yet another hole to fill.

[hobie-k]

This is the NFL and those opportunities don't happen, at some point these guys have to rise above all that and do their job no matter the circumstances or get someone in there who can.

you honestly can't say CP looks good out there.

Nicely put. :logo:

[21forlyfe]

Game to Game fans

The Next Quarter their opinons will change again...Seen it on here a thousand times..Cp is a Bum, the next four games CP is our Mvp ...Game to Game fans make me sick

[Laxpunk2006]

It is what it is, he is wore out. He was our workhorse, and it has taken a toll on him. He might break one off here and there, but he surely is not the same back as when we got him.

I love CP, but I think it's time he go finish his career records somewhere else. The team needs a fresh set of legs. Which brings yet another hole to fill.

Unfortunately we've really set ourselves back with his huge salary but I think Clinton could really get a second wind if we would use him in a true two-back system rather than telegraphing our playcall by running with him then sticking Betts in for pass plays. He might benefit from a system similar to Tampa's where they run one back for a series or two then switch to the next. It allows them to stay fresh and in a rhythm

[[[ghost]]]

CP is the heart and soul of the team.

What we need to do is dedicate ourselves to providing him with an OL that can block. A fantastic RT would be the best option.

[Bat~man]

9 million a year to play 2 quarters of football a week... seems to hurt the team more than help since the OL and him are not on the same page, he used to grab onto sellers and follow him through the line but now they go in complete different directions. I'm a huge fan of CP and I really want him to turn it around, but after two weeks of watching him get stuffed on the goalline by the worst defenses in the league is it obvious he is not the CP we are used to. I'm benching him on my fantasy team this week and running a 3rd string RB in his place, it has honestly gotten that bad.

He is getting less touches because they want him to have less touches to keep him fresh all year....how can that be blamed on Portis? He is also being a good sport and not moaning about it...give the guy some credit, if there's a hole he's gonna run through it. Do you see how BIG dlinemen are? And how big Portis is? Tell his line to frikin open a hole for him.

Also, the idea to keep Portis fresh all year is nice and all....but we have to GET to the end of the season with wins to even make that a good idea..I say run CP like we used too and cross the other bridge when it gets there

[Bat~man]

actually he is, those are his best running plays and he isn't producing in them. he could of cut up and followed sellers against the rams on that 4th down but he didn't. he could of powered through 1 tackle and dove or drove his man for a stinking SINGLE YARD against the lions, but he didn't. you can blame it on play calling all you want but if guys can't produce on any plays then it's on the players. you can blame it on blocking schemes but in all reality it is just more excuses for our high profile players. JC needs 10 secs in the pocket and 7 foot tall receivers, moss needs broken coverage to get TDs, and now CP needs 10 yard wide holes to run through for any sort of gain. This is the NFL and those opportunities don't happen, at some point these guys have to rise above all that and do their job no matter the circumstances or get someone in there who can.

you honestly can't say CP looks good out there.

Don't know what game you're watching but there aren't many hole for him to run through. Does he make mistakes? Yes, everyone on the team does, but he is getting next to NO running room.

I agree that they need to step up and do their job, but the defense they are facing have to do their job too, and right now they are doing it better than us. Is Portis losing a step? Prolly so, we do need some fresh legs and a REAL speed back not some practice squad leftover, look at frikin Dallas...they draft RBs while we get leftovers...I agree get someone in there who can do it but the problem is we don't have anyone that can do it right now. The problem isn't Portis alone, just like everyone on this team, it's more than one person at fault.

[Mooka]

He's clearly been playing hurt. Plus we've been playing from behind in 2 of 3 games thus far and losing the TOP battle. Not too many carries to go around.

actually he is, those are his best running plays and he isn't producing in them. he could of cut up and followed sellers against the rams on that 4th down but he didn't. he could of powered through 1 tackle and dove or drove his man for a stinking SINGLE YARD against the lions, but he didn't. y

He could've, he could've cut up against Detroit on the goal line as well.

Its really hard to blame him though when Derrick Dockery pulls on the goal line and somehow manages to hardly touch anyone with Sellers behind him doing the same thing. How is that even possible on the goal line? The defenders are directly in front of them.