hR Review Series: Position Discussion: RUNNING BACK

[PennSkinsFan]

OK, we will do a series of discussion threads this off-season to discuss, talk about and reflect on each position. Please keep the discussion confined to the position at hand. Feel free to discuss the position in review, what we should do in the off-season at that position, etc...

Posts that begin discussing other positions, will be deleted by an Admin or Mod. We want to generate great discussion in a focused manner and felt the best way to do it was allow hR members to dig in and address each position individually. By addressing each position individually, we feel we can really generate great discussion that is well focused. Please respect the opinions of others, because quite frankly with a 5-11 team, well, the team just is not very good.

Each positional thread will also have a poll. Please feel free to discuss the position beyond the poll topic! This is an all out position thread. When you favorite team finished 5-11, there is much to talk about!!!

First up is in this thread RUNNING BACK!!!

[PennSkinsFan]

For me, the numbe rone issue that needs to be resolved during the off-season is how best to use CP and Betts. Both have unique runnign styles and both can be very effective. The tests is comign up with the best, most opportune way to use both and whether we use both at teh same time.

[smoak]

I have little faith that Portis will stay healthy all season... so I picked Betts.

But I hope I am wrong.

[NCskinsfanatic]

I say portis will be the work horse but that depends on his health status at the start of the season, if still recovering it will probably be about equal.

[Discalced]

I say get rid of both of them and keep Duckett.
:)

I think that the only way CP is able to stay healthy for an entire season is if he and Betts effectively split the load down the middle. CP is obviously more explosive than Betts, but (with a bit of Pine Tar on the fingers) Betts is pretty reliable.

[HollywoodKolt]

I think Portis will be the workhorse but Betts will get his fair share of carries. I don't understand why everybody is so concerned about portis and injuries. He's been a pretty durable back with the exception of a few freak injuries (torn pec his first year here, then this year).

[CNYSkinFan]

I say portis will be the workhorse , but that is because I envision a 65-35 split. Still plenty of carries for Betts.

[BostonSkins]

Portis gets more, hopefully. He's more talented and doesn't seem to have Betts propensity to put the ball on the ground.

[Redskin-4-life]

I say Portis will be the workhorse, since he didn't play much this year, he should be fresh and rejuvenated for the next season.

[LATrueRedskin]

Work Portis. I just think he's a better runner than Betts. He's a better blocker, he has better vision, he's faster, and he holds on to the football.

[hockeygoalie29]

I have little faith that Portis will stay healthy all season... so I picked Betts.

But I hope I am wrong.
Why is that? Over their careers, Portis has remained relatively healthy before this season while Betts has been injured repeatedly.

In his first four years in the NFL, Clinton missed a grand total of 4 games and only one game in his first two years as a Redskin. That's pretty durable for an NFL running back, especially considering the ponding he took in '04 and '05.

On the other hand, Betts missed 16 games in his first 4 seasons. And it wasn't like he had one big injury that caused him to miss an entire season. He missed 5 games in '02, 7 games in '03, and 4 games in '05. Also keep in mind that all of those injuries came while he was a backup.

To shed a little more light on the subject, look at it like this. Portis, in his first 4 years, carried the ball 1,258 times and missed 4 games. So that's about 1 game missed for every 320 carries. Betts carried the ball only 321 times in his first 4 years but was out for 16 games. That's a game missed for every 20 carries. Even if you throw in his numbers for this year it only jumps to an injury every 35 carries. All in all it in points to Betts being much more injury prone then Portis.

[LuvSkins17]

I said Portis. I don't know how much different their running styles are.... They have been used in different ways and in Portis's defense, not to his strength. I really feel both guys are down hill runners and can pound it also, but Portis was given way too many pitches for our O Line that is built for the "Power Running Game". Too bad we don't have quality depth like this on the O Line. We could just run on everyplay...

I don't see the two off them splitting carrys as a problem as long as the genius coaches that we have can find a way to make it work.

[smave]

i picked portis..

a lot of those runs that Betts broke out, he gained 30 yards or so..as if it were portis, he woulda scored easily..

and the fact he blocks so much better

[RedskinRyan]

For me, the numbe rone issue that needs to be resolved during the off-season is how best to use CP and Betts. Both have unique runnign styles and both can be very effective. The tests is comign up with the best, most opportune way to use both and whether we use both at teh same time.

that is the correct answer. both are excellent backs in their own styles. portis is the better blocker, betts is the better receiver out of the backfield(when the throws dont fall 2 yards from his feet). portis is quicker and faster, betts has more power. sean payton was able to find a way to utilize deuce and reggie, atlanta worked out something with dunn and duckett, so its not impossible. who knows, maybe 1 receiver sets with portis, betts, and sellers in the backfield. its just time to see the coaches earn their paychecks with this one.

[shally]

I say portis will be the workhorse , but that is because I envision a 65-35 split. Still plenty of carries for Betts.


exactly my thoughts

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Assuming you get about 60 plays on offense per game, I would love to see the following ratio:

23 carries for Portis
13 carries for Betts

leaving 24 plays for throws with 1 or 2 "trick" plays, ARE reverses, etc.

I'm sure there is stats on this, but my thinking is if you run the ball 36 times in a game you must be knocking someone around.

[rusty73]

I say that as always with the caveat that who ever is healthy will get the majority of the carries duh!

[flave1969]

We have seen in this league with teams like New Orleans, Denver, Jacksonville etc that you can get good production from two backs. I just dont see why it has too be one or the other, it should be both and it should be often.

For me Portis is still the better running back. I think the questions about his durability and size are misplaced. The injury that sidelined him and set him back was actually very freaky. I think we should have given him time to come back properly. Portis in what was effectively just 7 games still outscored Betts by 3TD's. I think he has a nose for the endzone that Betts doesnt. Also despite the shoulder injury he never lost a fumble this year.

Betts on the other hand fumbled six times including the last three games costing us big time in the last two. It is an area he must perhaps take a leaf out of Tiki Barber's book and learn to protect the ball. Betts was very good receiving out of the backfieldand I think this should be his main function.

At the end of the day it is a simple equation. If we are to win games next year X+Y=30. If you run the ball 30 times per game between Portis and Ladell we stand a good chance of being in the game at the end. Look at the wins and the losses where we rushed more than 30 times we were within a score in all but the Atlanta game.

The ability to run makes you competitive, it is clear we have two good backs lets use them.

[bgforever]

Reminds me of the Ricky Earvins, Earnest Byner thing.

Earvins got some carries, but face it, the workhorse was Byner. Clinton Portis is likely to come back with nostrils flaring.

[dj_stouty]

I believe...

Our 55 million dollar RB will get upwards of 25 carries a game
Our 11 million dollar RB will get anywhere between 5-12 carries a game

[Meatsnack]

Al Saunders said, "Defenses fear #26." For that reason, barring a blowout in camp, I believe CP will re-establish himself as the guy here. I do think we will see some two-back formations with Betts starting out in the backfield and splitting out wide. Maybe even an option play or two per game with ARE at QB - which would be cool as can be.

What I would like like to see is some variations of the old-old "West Coast Offense" as originally implemented in Cincinnati by Bill Walsh and Paul Brown. Walsh's "problem" was that his two best offensive players were both tailbacks so he designed an offense that used them both at the same time. I think some of those old plays and formations could be dusted off to great effect here.

As those old enough to remember can attest (Shally, Wild Bore, etc.), the Cincinnati offense in the '68-'75 period was unpredictable and dynamic. I think it would fit in well with Saunders' current playbook.

[Skinz4lyfe]

I say portis will be the workhorse , but that is because I envision a 65-35 split. Still plenty of carries for Betts.

Totally agree here. However, I believe there will be times where we will see both of them on the field at the sametime. One thing I like about Betts this year is he improved his pass blocking dramatically. That means he's no longer a liability there. As far as the carries go though, the majority belongs to CP.

[flave1969]

I believe...

Our 55 million dollar RB will get upwards of 25 carries a game
Our 11 million dollar RB will get anywhere between 5-12 carries a game

The guy with 6453 yards @ 4.7 ypc and 52TD's will get 20-25 carries
The guy with 2425 yards @4.3 ypc and 9TD's will get 12-15 carries

Or they wont because as in every other year we will show no real commitment to the run for absolutely no imaginable reason.

[openallnight]

I don't care how many yards a guy has had in the past. I don't care how much money the guy makes. I don't care how many luxury cars the guy drives. I say let these guys battle head to head in camp and may the best man come out on top. Whoever wins the battle at camp should be rewarded with the lions share of the carries.

[skins111111]

I'm thinkin 60-40

[smoak]

Why is that? Over their careers, Portis has remained relatively healthy before this season while Betts has been injured repeatedly.

In his first four years in the NFL, Clinton missed a grand total of 4 games and only one game in his first two years as a Redskin. That's pretty durable for an NFL running back, especially considering the ponding he took in '04 and '05.

On the other hand, Betts missed 16 games in his first 4 seasons. And it wasn't like he had one big injury that caused him to miss an entire season. He missed 5 games in '02, 7 games in '03, and 4 games in '05. Also keep in mind that all of those injuries came while he was a backup.

To shed a little more light on the subject, look at it like this. Portis, in his first 4 years, carried the ball 1,258 times and missed 4 games. So that's about 1 game missed for every 320 carries. Betts carried the ball only 321 times in his first 4 years but was out for 16 games. That's a game missed for every 20 carries. Even if you throw in his numbers for this year it only jumps to an injury every 35 carries. All in all it in points to Betts being much more injury prone then Portis.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying Portis isn't a good back or tough... heck I think he is about the toughest SOB we've had in the backfield since Terry Allen. I just think that once RBs start to get banged up the way Portis was this season, it is tougher and tougher to finish the year. I'd say the same exact thing about Betts if he were the starter and Portis were the backup. I think my only point is that the coaching staff is going to need both guys.

But I don't agree with your analysis b/c Portis was a starter from day 1 whereas Betts was usually a backup. I'm not saying one is more durable than the other, but I am saying both guys are often hurt (maybe not injured but hurt) and I think we'll need the both... I'm more worried than doubting Portis.

I don't care how many yards a guy has had in the past. I don't care how much money the guy makes. I don't care how many luxury cars the guy drives. I say let these guys battle head to head in camp and may the best man come out on top. Whoever wins the battle at camp should be rewarded with the lions share of the carries.

I definitely agree here! The only thing I HATE about Portis is his Allen Iverson attitude towards practice and preseason. Gibbs should have taken him down a notch on day one with that whining to the media BS.

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

i think CP should be the workhorse, but now that he concluded an injury filled season and betts came into his own i can see the amount of carries being more 60-40 next season. betts will see the field morethan usual, but clinton will be the guy.

[DCGreys]

70/30 sounds about right, and the reception factor could go the opposite, with Betts catching around 30-40 and Portis with maybe 15. I could be completely in left field because if Portis is out there with only a cb to beat and a linebacker/safety to outrun? cool.

[Blind-sided]

Portis work horse, Betts is great insurance.

[ChiefPowhatan17]

Portis gets the ball.

[NamVet4]

[For me, the number one issue that needs to be resolved during the off-season is how best to use CP and Betts. Both have unique running styles and both can be very effective. The tests is coming up with the best, most opportune way to use both and whether we use both at the same time.

Mark... You nailed the primary issue. This season was a coaching disaster all around; the offense was hamstrung and the defense was ... well I will leave that for another position thread. . .
This RB utilization conundrum being addressed in the off season demands that Coach Gibbs and Coach Saunders admit their failures and address what IMHO is the KEY issue: what is the offensive identity of this team with the personnel in place. Any number of factors contributes to a single game performance, but a season is determined by a unified coaching plan. IMHO, there was no unified coaching plan for the running game in the 2006 season. I have been highly critical of Coach Saunders for most of the season. I cannot confirm or deny his "like or dislike" for Clinton Portis and if it affected the season game plan. IMHO, the running game is still the "guts" of our Beloved Team... I base this on the experience of Coach Gibbs and the fact that he has shown he has the skill to adapt that experience from Gibbs I to Gibbs II. I also have concerns about the "running back by committee" concept, and if it is even suitable for our Beloved Team... even though we're really only concerned with 2 RB's... for now. I have a lot of questions, but IMHO the 2007 season plan, the identity of our Beloved Team will decide whether or not 2007 will see the Redskins go deep in the playoffs….
Just my 2 cents…

[Keino]

For me, the numbe rone issue that needs to be resolved during the off-season is how best to use CP and Betts. Both have unique runnign styles and both can be very effective. The tests is comign up with the best, most opportune way to use both and whether we use both at teh same time.


Hardly the #1 issue to be resolved. Holy overstatement Batman!!!

I think how they were used prior to CP's injury is exactly how they should be used. I thought Betts made it perfectly clear that he doesn't need more carries than he already gets.

The #1 issue to be resolved is how to generate some pass rush. #2 is how to create some turnovers and #3 is obtaining quality DB help. Hell, the RBs IMO aren't even the #1 offensive issue. I think the #1 offensive issue is to get the QB and WRs on the same page.

[hockeygoalie29]

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying Portis isn't a good back or tough... heck I think he is about the toughest SOB we've had in the backfield since Terry Allen. I just think that once RBs start to get banged up the way Portis was this season, it is tougher and tougher to finish the year. I'd say the same exact thing about Betts if he were the starter and Portis were the backup. I think my only point is that the coaching staff is going to need both guys.

But I don't agree with your analysis b/c Portis was a starter from day 1 whereas Betts was usually a backup. I'm not saying one is more durable than the other, but I am saying both guys are often hurt (maybe not injured but hurt) and I think we'll need the both... I'm more worried than doubting Portis.

Gotcha. I just think calling Portis injury prone is a little extreme since he really hasn't had more injuries than you would expect a full time NFL running back to have. This is his first major injury but as you said he does get banged up but of course so does every other NFL player.

I agree 100% that we need both guys here. At the very least, giving Betts a good chunk of playing time will keep Portis fresh throughout the game and througout the year by keeping the bumps and bruises to a minimum.

[hockeygoalie29]

I definitely agree here! The only thing I HATE about Portis is his Allen Iverson attitude towards practice and preseason. Gibbs should have taken him down a notch on day one with that whining to the media BS.

I'm on the fence here. He should definitely be playing hard in the preseason to toughen him up and get him into game shape for the season. But in midseason practices if he went all out he would be worn out by week 4 or 5. Running backs get beat up so much on Sundays that they need to rest and recuperate the entire week and not be putting their bodies through more stress on the practice field.

When saying, as Saunders did, that Portis should be running just as hard in practice as guys like Betts (when he was strictly a backup) or Rock doesn't take into account that those other guys are relatively fresh because they didn't take the beating that Portis did the previous Sunday and can therefore afford to push themselves.

[skinsgurl4life]

I say get rid of both of them and keep Duckett.
:)

I think that the only way CP is able to stay healthy for an entire season is if he and Betts effectively split the load down the middle. CP is obviously more explosive than Betts, but (with a bit of Pine Tar on the fingers) Betts is pretty reliable.

ducket is good if you want 1 yard every down.....portis will probably be the main running back(occasionally betts will run the ball too) but if he can stay strong enough then he will be starter all season long

[redwolf1218]

another running back thread...welcome to the offseason. Duckett should spend a season at fullback like Davis did with Terry Allen. in fact he should have already done that long ago for the Falcons. Sellers is a great blocking fullback and he can catch, so Duckett is lost here in that capacity because Sellers is better. Rock is non-existent as a running back and makes the team only as a special teamer, which i dont agree with. Betts has 5 TD's and 6 fumbles. Nemo is the only young guy to watch, and he's not going to get any chances. can Manuel White return? i doubt it. no newcomers have a chance here.

[Smiley]

Portis is not injury prone. He's our franchise running back and he will continue to be. I'm glad we found depth at the position.

[Smiley]

P.S. Someone mentioned this about Duckett (I foeget wehere I heard it):
Duckett is a big back but he doesn't run like one. That's true. Everyone thinks he's a hammer, he isn't. Mike Sellars is a sledgehammer.

[wave6ten]

This is kind of a strange question. I really don't think it matters who gets the workload.

What I would like to see is a situation where Betts is utilized similiar to the way Reggie Bush is. I understand that Betts doesn't have the recieving tools that Bush does in the sense that Bush is more versatile at commanding a db for coverage, but I think we could mimic the balance.

All season long the Saint's did well getting Reggie his touches while keeping Deuce fresh. They really seemed to maximize the touches that Deuce got and essentially kept him fresh and healthy all season long.

I think that a strategy like this could get us back to being a ball control, ground and pound type of team. With Campbell's poise and game mangement and the safeties coming up it should also allow us to hit Santana and ARE deep with playaction and take advantage of our WR speed.

Of course a lot of this depends on our Def. keeping us in the games.

[skinsgurl4life]

P.S. Someone mentioned this about Duckett (I foeget wehere I heard it):
Duckett is a big back but he doesn't run like one. That's true. Everyone thinks he's a hammer, he isn't. Mike Sellars is a sledgehammer.

i couldn't agree with you more:)

[frankez99]

I'm on the CP wagon....but have a foot hanging off of it. There is no reason for taking in oxygen after the FIRST series of the game. I'm not going to question his commitment to conditioning...but something doesn't seem right. He has made a few quips about "practice".....hopefully they were taken out of context.

He's had a lot of time to get back into game shape, hopefully he'll show it.

But one thing for sure, Betts proved to me that he has the capability to carry the load....I'm inclined to believe that his fumbles are more bad luck than technique.

CP and Ladell Betts in 2007, a force to be reckoned with.

Hail to the Redskins and to the members of hR.com.

[BurgundyNGold]

I said it will be nearly equal. I think that CP will get more carries on the order of 5:3, but since completing a full 16 game season is not a guarantee with Portid (he usually misses at least 1 or 2 games), those numbers could be closer, like 3:2.

[dj_stouty]

I said it will be nearly equal. I think that CP will get more carries on the order of 5:3, but since completing a full 16 game season is not a guarantee with Portid (he usually misses at least 1 or 2 games), those numbers could be closer, like 3:2.

Yes...but Betts has a history of missing a few games a season prior to '06. And that was in a reserve role....

Who knows if he can continue to handle 240 attempts per season. I have my doubts.

[GWBlitzST]

As long as Brunell doesn't throw any retarded interceptions in the preseason, I think Portis will run for 1750.

[Redskin4Life]

I'm on the CP wagon....but have a foot hanging off of it. There is no reason for taking in oxygen after the FIRST series of the game. I'm not going to question his commitment to conditioning...but something doesn't seem right. He has made a few quips about "practice".....hopefully they were taken out of context.

He's had a lot of time to get back into game shape, hopefully he'll show it.

But one thing for sure, Betts proved to me that he has the capability to carry the load....I'm inclined to believe that his fumbles are more bad luck than technique.

CP and Ladell Betts in 2007, a force to be reckoned with.

Hail to the Redskins and to the members of hR.com.
If your referring to the first PRESEASON game, I'm with you but if you're talking about the first game of the REGULAR SEASON, then I've got problems with that sentiment.

Portis was injured in the first preseason game of the year and rehabbed back to the field four weeks later for the regular season. He didn't get to keep up his conditioning from the offseason cause he's rehabbing his arm and resting. He didn't have any problems toting the ball in '05 despite having the same workout schedule he had this season (actually he might have had a more intense one this past offseason than the year before).

I have to give him the benefit of the doubt cause of the shoulder separation....

I still don't get why so many of us have problems with a two headed monster... Betts and Portis should be a "problem" we enjoy watching in the post season.

[ernie0326]

I really don't think y'all appreciate Portis as a pass receiver out of the backfield. I believe he VERY good coming out of the backfield and would give LBs hell trying to match up with him in pass routes.

[Patrick]

Portis / Betts - 55/45, so pretty close. Probably both will have games they'll be out - hopefully nothing serious. AND in the Preseason: 1 series game #2, 2 series game # 3, a half in the last preseason game AND walk away from any turnover situation. That would be for both of them. Let the bulk of the work in preseason be for the guys trying to make the team.

[REDMAN]

Portis 70% - Betts 30%.

[Redskin4Life]

I hope this season helped Al see why Portis is so comfortable leaving the field and having Betts spell him when needed. They both can do the same things as a RB, just one excels at getting the extra yard or two while the other at getting the extra 10 or more...

[smoak]

I'm on the fence here. He should definitely be playing hard in the preseason to toughen him up and get him into game shape for the season. But in midseason practices if he went all out he would be worn out by week 4 or 5. Running backs get beat up so much on Sundays that they need to rest and recuperate the entire week and not be putting their bodies through more stress on the practice field.

When saying, as Saunders did, that Portis should be running just as hard in practice as guys like Betts (when he was strictly a backup) or Rock doesn't take into account that those other guys are relatively fresh because they didn't take the beating that Portis did the previous Sunday and can therefore afford to push themselves.

Yeah, I am ok with the occasional extra mid week day off as long as the player gets treatment and works out. HOWEVER! Portis gripes and complains about offseason practices and preseason games. IMO that is wrong b/c while he may be able to roll out of bed and carry the rock, great teams need to work hard TOGETHER to accomplish their goals. I just hear all this talk about how hard guys in other organizations bust their tails and I wish our team had that attitude. I really hope Gibbs kills these guys in camp b/c I thought the soft attitude started then.

[silverspring]

Yeah, I am ok with the occasional extra mid week day off as long as the player gets treatment and works out. HOWEVER! Portis gripes and complains about offseason practices and preseason games. IMO that is wrong b/c while he may be able to roll out of bed and carry the rock, great teams need to work hard TOGETHER to accomplish their goals. I just hear all this talk about how hard guys in other organizations bust their tails and I wish our team had that attitude. I really hope Gibbs kills these guys in camp b/c I thought the soft attitude started then.

I agree.
And honestly i think portis' practice habits are affecting him on sundays, he certainly seems to have a conditioning issue because he has to come off the field every couple plays and suck on oxygen. Also looking back, being that we were implementing a new offense our starters need every rep they could of got together during pre-season and we should have been doing that with much more of the playbook.

[Death_Venom]

I am still on the Portis bandwagon and will be riding it until the wheels fall off!!!!!!!!!!!

[FanFromArizona]

another running back thread...welcome to the offseason. Duckett should spend a season at fullback like Davis did with Terry Allen. in fact he should have already done that long ago for the Falcons. Sellers is a great blocking fullback and he can catch, so Duckett is lost here in that capacity because Sellers is better. Rock is non-existent as a running back and makes the team only as a special teamer, which i dont agree with. Betts has 5 TD's and 6 fumbles. Nemo is the only young guy to watch, and he's not going to get any chances. can Manuel White return? i doubt it. no newcomers have a chance here.


Hey, you're forgetting about good ol' Jamp Lodder (oh no I didn't!) :rolleyes:

[hobo83]

What... no love for Rock Cartwright? But seriously, CP will get the ball.

[SkinsKY]

I say portis will be the workhorse , but that is because I envision a 65-35 split. Still plenty of carries for Betts.

That's about how I envision it. The only way that would happen is if Gibbs takes back Clinton's freedom to sub himself in and out.

[Aurej]

I don't think Portis will stand up for more than 4 years of 300 plus carries in his career. He just doesn't seem to be built for it so I hope they each get between 200 and 250 carries a piece. I'd also like to see Rock run it a few times.

[jtovb2005]

I think we are far from having a Running back problem here. Should not be much of a change in my opinion except letting Ducket go. Portis clearly has to be the number 1 back in spite of Betts of great end of year pperformance. When healthy he is just plain old to explosive to not have him in there.

[smoak]

I agree.
And honestly i think portis' practice habits are affecting him on sundays, he certainly seems to have a conditioning issue because he has to come off the field every couple plays and suck on oxygen. Also looking back, being that we were implementing a new offense our starters need every rep they could of got together during pre-season and we should have been doing that with much more of the playbook.

Not to mention that there are times where Portis doesn't hit the hole with authority which may or may not stem from his lack of understanding of the play.

I hope he shows up big next season b/c Campbell needs a really good running game to win (IMO)

[redcayman]

I think we are pretty good at running back. Has anyone else noticed the last four teams playing have 2 great/good backs? The Saints have Duece and Bush, New England Marroney sp? and Dillon, Chi Benson and Jones, Indy Addai and Rhodes. I think in the league now you need 2 good backs. Nothing is harder on a defense then a good fresh rb to pund on them. We have that now and I think that leaves us in great shape.

[betterczechyourself]

Portis: One of the best in the game. fast, quick and tough. Best RB in the league at picking up the blitz and plays with passion. Excellent in space, but has issues picking up tough yards between the tackles. Should bounce back nicely in 07

Betts: Shined in his replacement of portis. good between the tackles and quick enough to hit the holes. struggles in space and can't break one for the long TD like portis can. Has developed tremendously from the injury-prone back and has turned his former weakness (running north-south between the tackles) into a strength. Also excells as a reciever out of the backfield. re-signed at a fairly reasonable price and should help our team for years to come. Some troubles with fumbling should be addressed.

Cartwright: Has developed into an excellent return man and is a great locker-room guy who has defied the odds year round, whether he was changing positions or scrapping on kick coverage units. Has signifigant problems holding onto the ball and needs to get big holes to make the running game go. Valuable player to have around

Duckett: Not worth nearly what we paid for him. For such a big back, goes down way too easily, and becuse of this, was not the second-coming of Gerald Riggs I believe Gibbs imagined him to be. Should be let go.

One of the few positions of strength, our RB situation needs no upgrading and the only players we likely will bring in will be camp fodder. And, for all those who still have man-crushes on Lumsden, I will say this: If you love something, set it free... etc.

[skinfan43]

I'd be shocked if we didn't pound the rock w/Portis and Betts at least 30-35times a game between both of them next season...JC will benefit so much from that combo...fun to think about it, IMO.

[Biggie]

If we don't run the ball 40 times a game on average, it'd be a crime. We're built to run, pure and simple.

[ShaggySkins]

I voted it will nearly be equal but it honestly wouldn't shock me if one of these backs weren't on the team next year. The team has a lot of holes to fill and if by dealing one of these guys they can fill some holes I see them jumping all over it.

Not saying I think its a good idea but I can see it happening.

[redwolf1218]

the Bears give me a lot of hope, both with their dual running back situation and with their young QB struggling at times. i hope we can fix the defense and have success next year similar to their's this year. i'd rather have Portis and Betts than Jones and Benson, and i think Campbell has more upside than Grossman as well. all we need now is a few guys like Urlacher.

[bergiemoore]

the Bears give me a lot of hope, both with their dual running back situation and with their young QB struggling at times. i hope we can fix the defense and have success next year similar to their's this year. i'd rather have Portis and Betts than Jones and Benson, and i think Campbell has more upside than Grossman as well. all we need now is a few guys like Urlacher.

Lance Briggs might come available.... [I'll reserve any further comment on that for another thread.]

I have to echo the common sentiment in this thread. Barring freak injury on a defensive play, Portis will be the workhorse, with a generous helping of Betts to keep the defenses guessing. We are in great shape at this position, and I would love to see the coaches make appropriate use of it.

Let's see some ingenuity!