WP: Portis Is Healthy, Confident, Upbeat

[chrisbcbu]

Portis Is Healthy, Confident, Upbeat (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/06/AR2007090602640.html)

Clinton Portis has a message for the NFL. Often injured the past year, he says he is back and healthy for a regular season game for the first time since 2005 -- when he set the franchise rushing record.

"Sunday, September 9; Sunday, September 9," he said yesterday at Redskins Park. "FedEx Field, 1 o'clock. Washington Redskins. Miami Dolphins. Clinton Portis will be there."

Perhaps no Redskin stirs such disparate passion among fans, with Portis revered by many for his toughness, explosiveness and outsize personality, but criticized for his flamboyant and provocative nature.


Gibbs has been unequivocal about Portis starting Sunday, even with backup Ladell Betts coming off a 1,000-yard season. Although Betts stands to figure prominently, Portis said he could handle his usual workload of 20 to 25 carries.

"I think I can handle any workload that's given to me," Portis said. "Whatever is given to me, that's what I can handle. I'm not going to pout and ask for more, and I'm not going to complain and say I need less. When they call my number I'll respond."



I am really excited to have portis back on the field. I believe this will actually be the first time Campbell and Portis have played together.

[Slobberknocker]

His blocking skills alone will set a different tone than we saw all preseason. Just don't do any tackling downfield, CP!

[PennSkinsFan]

I am a little cautioned on the whole tone of special treatment. Personally, I don't think any player should receive special treatment. Article kinds of sets the tone to that there may be some players who really don't like the way he is treated.

[RoanokeSkin]

I think Portis is going to have a big year. We need him to in order to contend and help Campbell's progress.

[Campbell2Moss13]

This sounds like the old CP. The NFL better watch out because he is a man on a misson.

[designsbymimi]

I personally thought he should play at the VERY least one game in pre season. I am personally suprised that Gibbs let him stay out the whole preseason. Maybe he isn't as tough a coach as I thought he is. I don't agree with it either way.

Michelle

[kingcalvin]

Portis, when healthy, is one of the best. But that's the key... is he healthy. Also... the line, while individually staffed with excellent players now, has not played together in live action yet...

that's a problem. They need to jell QUICK. I think Jason Taylor could have a field day with them this week.

[nicefellow31]

C.P. keeps referencing "critics". Who are all the people criticizing him? I really think that is a motivating tool to get himself ready to go. Expecting a big game out of him on Sunday.

[James F. Quinn]

C.P. keeps referencing "critics". Who are all the people criticizing him? I really think that is a motivating tool to get himself ready to go. Expecting a big game out of him on Sunday.

Those critics have been vocal on fan boards, in the Post, and on sports networks.
-Portis is too flaky, Portis is not as good as he was in Denver, Portis takes himself out of games too much, Portis runs his mouth too much, as in the Vick case, Portis demands special treatment, etc.

Jason Campbell's little joke about having to keep on Portis' good side to keep his job was an acknowledgement of that kind of criticism.

[jaylen]

Looking at Portis's raw numbers he has been very average stat wise here. I've always maintained a high opinion of him but the numbers really don't bear that out. His td's and ypc are basically league average. He was exceptional in Denver.

Alot of it has to do with system and qb play. He played with a better qb in Denver so the defenses played him more honest there.

I think finaly here with JC that he'll have a chance to have a season like he did in Denver, I think td wise last year would have been a big year had he remained healthy he had 7 in limited action being injured most of the season.

I think the criticism has been valid its pro football in a football crazy town, he has great talent so alot is expected.

I think if his body holds up he could get 1600yds and 20 td's.

I think the praise will be warranted if he blows up this season as well. Athlete's always look for different angles for motivation.

[JsMaViSd]

C.P. keeps referencing "critics". Who are all the people criticizing him? I really think that is a motivating tool to get himself ready to go. Expecting a big game out of him on Sunday.

is there anyone that the skins have/had that doesnt get criticized?

[gibbsisgod]

I am a little cautioned on the whole tone of special treatment. Personally, I don't think any player should receive special treatment. Article kinds of sets the tone to that there may be some players who really don't like the way he is treated.




I got the same feeling and I think the o-line feels that way too.


Center Casey Rabach said that to expect Portis to be able to rush 25 times or reach 100 yards Sunday may be ambitious. "That would be nice, obviously, but I think that's high and lofty goals for it. The good thing is we've got Ladell and him, and Ladell's been working all through camp."

[James F. Quinn]

is there anyone that the skins have/had that doesnt get criticized?

Sure. The saintly Joe Theisman was above reproach.

[James F. Quinn]

I got the same feeling and I think the o-line feels that way too.


Center Casey Rabach said that to expect Portis to be able to rush 25 times or reach 100 yards Sunday may be ambitious. "That would be nice, obviously, but I think that's high and lofty goals for it. The good thing is we've got Ladell and him, and Ladell's been working all through camp."

"Et Tu, Casey?"

[Patrick]

I am a little cautioned on the whole tone of special treatment. Personally, I don't think any player should receive special treatment. Article kinds of sets the tone to that there may be some players who really don't like the way he is treated.

I have the feeling if Portis does not produce you may hear the boo-birds start singing towards the end of the game on Sunday - NOT to memtion his own fellow players becoming alittle more critical.

[JsMaViSd]

I have the feeling if Portis does not produce you may hear the boo-birds start singing towards the end of the game on Sunday - NOT to memtion his own fellow players becoming alittle more critical.

i disagree, i think if portis doesnt produce, the fans and everyone will start to blame the line and not portis..

[SkinsfaninNJ]

i disagree, i think if portis doesnt produce, the fans and everyone will start to blame the line and not portis..

Depends. For example, I know Betts had no where to go in the Tenn preseason game this year, but I also know Betts missed open running lanes in the Pitt game, so I think most here will be able to tell the difference.

Frankly speaking, if the line produces holes, which I fully expect, then Portis when he is in the game will find them. The question for me is how long is he in the game (I am assuming he will need a lot of plays off).

I have no doubt we can run on Miami. I remember opening day against TB in 2004 when they had the #1 defense. Portis had a decent day (one long run and then grind it out from there). I remember playing teams like Phila, Dal and TB in 2005 when they all had great run defenses, and they couldn't stop us either. When we commit to running, we generally succeed at it at some point during the game.

[redskin_rich]

I really am excited/nervous about what to expect out of Portis this week. We haven't seen him healthy since the '05 season, nor have we seen him work in this offense, once it started rolling and under the stewardship of J Campbell.

One thing is for sure, Portis hasn't taken a full speed hit in a long time and undoubtedly, he will get one very early on Sunday. That moment between that hit and his next carry, will likely be a very busy one for my nervous system.

[Death_Venom]

Looking at Portis's raw numbers he has been very average stat wise here. I've always maintained a high opinion of him but the numbers really don't bear that out. His td's and ypc are basically league average. He was exceptional in Denver.

Alot of it has to do with system and qb play. He played with a better qb in Denver so the defenses played him more honest there.


Sorry but I cant agree with you here............I think the "league" average is more around 800-1000. I do agree however that because we have lacked consistent QB play that hurt our running game productivity. The other odd thing that strikes me that when BETTS was racking all those yards last year he rushing against teams that were bottom feeders in the rushing defense.

I honestly think Portis going to put up serious yards this season and shut up alot of his critics..........

[redskin_rich]

Sorry but I cant agree with you here............I think the "league" average is more around 800-1000. I do agree however that because we have lacked consistent QB play that hurt our running game productivity. The other odd thing that strikes me that when BETTS was racking all those yards last year he rushing against teams that were bottom feeders in the rushing defense.

I honestly think Portis going to put up serious yards this season and shut up alot of his critics..........
I'm not so sure about that. Betts put up 100 yd games, consecutively against Atlanta, Carolina and Philly. Both ATL and CAR had top ten rushing defenses and I believe one or both of them were leading the NFC, in rush defense, until we played them.

[shally]

Portis Is Healthy, Confident, Upbeat (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/06/AR2007090602640.html)



I am really excited to have portis back on the field. I believe this will actually be the first time Campbell and Portis have played together.

and why should portis not be upbeat. he got his way... let's see if it turns into a huge season