Portis talks openly

[greatest2]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/11/AR2008091103216.html


wow, he doesn't pull any punches.

how does this affect his teammates, especially the oline when he says he sometimes wishes he was behind a better line?

i tell you what, if i was the oline, i would not have a problem with this. he isn't saying anything they and the fan base doesn't already know. that he is a great talent wasting away. And they respect him cause boy does he bring it every sunday.

Maybe this lights a fire under the oline, but i doubt it. the point of him saying this is nothing. It doesn't help, or hurt anything. maybe light a fire, but i doubt it.

[akhhorus]

Not good for this to be happening after 1 game.

[skinsfan36]

sounds very disgruntled kind of like his first year after the browns game.portis is a heck of a back but this is troubling to hear this early in the season

[redskin_rich]

A lot I could say, yet I'm speechless at this moment.
Wish Portis had the same problem.

[skinsfan36]

i really dont see him speaking openly if gibbs is here. throw him the ball and get him into space is what we should do i hope this lights a fire under the oline

[silverspring]

A lot I could say, yet I'm speechless at this moment.
Wish Portis had the same problem.

agreed

[GreenspanDan]

portis always calls it like he sees it. nobody ever accused him of being tight-lipped or giving the canned answer.

usually he puts a more positive spin on it, though.

but you know realistically, what back in the league WOULDNT want to play behind the best line in football? i guess is mistake is actually saying what anyone in his position would be feeling.

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

Very strong words... I'm very curious about how the team responds, both on and off the field.

[Death_Venom]

I think what Portis is saying is "I am frustrated-please fix this-NOW!!!"

[jaylen]

main problem I've had with portis he doesn't understand leadership or the value of team morale.

You throw your o line under the bus, your qb and then moderately your coach. Say you wish you were on a team that blocks because you can still make the big play YET admit to not giving a damn about practice or preparation which in your mind couldn't possible affect your play during games.

I love Portis for how hard he goes in games but you can't say idiotic things that undermine team morale. which isn't that high to begin with.

I mean the money they paid him this summer should be enough of a filter in his mind not to throw teammates under the bus.

:cussing:

[Death_Venom]

main problem I've had with portis he doesn't understand leadership or the value of team morale.

You throw your o line under the bus, your qb and then moderately your coach. Say you wish you were on a team that blocks because you can still make the big play YET admit to not giving a damn about practice or preparation which in your mind couldn't possible affect your play during games.

I love Portis for how hard he goes in games but you can't say idiotic things that undermine team morale. which isn't that high to begin with.

I mean the money they paid him this summer should be enough of a filter in his mind not to throw teammates under the bus.

:cussing:

Sorry to say I understand his point of view; his O-Line can barely block for passing plays, is not much better on the running plays either.........

Personally I TRULY hope the REDSKINS come out seriously heated about last weeks performance-.........

[greatest2]

Sorry to say I understand his point of view; his O-Line can barely block for passing plays, is not much better on the running plays either.........

Personally I TRULY hope the REDSKINS come out seriously heated about last weeks performance-.........

i don't think the problem with it is the validity of his argument. its the fact he said it in public. that is what some people may have a problem with, and personally i can see both sides of the coin.

[jaylen]

Sorry to say I understand his point of view; his O-Line can barely block for passing plays, is not much better on the running plays either.........

Personally I TRULY hope the REDSKINS come out seriously heated about last weeks performance-.........

of course he's right.

But thats hardly the point you in for a dime or a dollar with your teammates. Your o line is the only thing between your health and the training table.

Portis is one of them hard to please divas. In Denver he had running lanes not the money, here he has the money yet claims not to have running lanes.

He needs to inspire his teammates not conspire to undermine them.

[WarEagle]

i don't think the problem with it is the validity of his argument. its the fact he said it in public. that is what some people may have a problem with, and personally i can see both sides of the coin.

Agreed. Maybe he's thinking about his legacy and wants out of here. Amazing he said these things to a reporter.

[esmith1790]

He threw down the gaunlet now. SO when the line cant block and he gets 1 yard or he gets a penalty, are people gona think, he must be dreaming about playing for another team, he is not focused. Maybe he doesnt fully care....


:smash: He should have said, I must do better, even though Portis is all the redskins really have.

Hopefully he doesnt wear out his welcome or his body. That is alot of money to have tied up in CP.

[Nomad]

If Portis were still in Denver he might be talked about as a HOF player. He wanted money, and forced his way out of a system ideally suited to his skills. He got what he wanted, and landed here, where he will spend the prime of his career getting pummeled and misused for absolute top dollar. If he had been more patient and classy Denver would have given him a new deal, but at that point he took the role the system had in his success for granted, and it was all about the money.

In summary: cry me a river.

Clinton while good, isn't as good as he thinks. He probably has the most lucrative guaranteed deal of any RB in football, and will have a short career because he pays so dearly for his yardage. He is consigned to the career graveyard that is one of the most mismanaged teams in football.

Barry Sanders had it MUCH worse and NEVER bitched publicly. NEVER. I remember when it was reported (not saying I believe it, but it was indicative of the situation) that his agent asked Barry be paid top RB & QB salaries if the Lions didn't find a QB. The Lions were so bad so consistently, it was believed by many.

I think it is finally dawning on Portis that we may never really be good while he is in his prime and the goat rodeo will continue ad nauseum. I bet you he would give 5 or 10 million to get out of DC and be back in a system that uses him properly, to a franchise with stability and a long term plan, or to go back in time and be a little more humble in Denver. He sold his soul, and now has regrets, how trite.

Hey Clinton: shut up and just play. You made your bed, now sleep in it.

Long term, expect him to do what most players do here: pad his pockets, and then go somewhere else to win.

[greatest2]

as bad as it is to hear your prime player say he wish he was behind a better line IN PUBLIC, it could be worse and might get that way.

if the oline doesn't take it as a shrug, and takes it personal, we could hasve big trouble.

if another member attacks portis for saying this publicly and not behind closed doors it could get ugly.

If espn picks up this story. that would put more pressure for a response, and give bad public viewing of our team, our oline, and our running back.

this is bad,but if it isn't just rolled off the shoulder of the oline, FO, and forgotten about by ESPN, it could get worse.

[Death_Venom]

I have read & re-read the article. I don't see it as Portis attacking the O-Line. One of his key comments:

"I wish I could go to a team for one week with the best offensive line, or the team with the best scheme, and switch places with their back and see how others would do in this system," Portis said

I think we are read far to much into this article. It is not like he is publicly demanding a trade or personnally insulting anyone. Then again who knows how much of this was coaxed or miscontrewed by the interviewer???

[jaylen]

I have read & re-read the article. I don't see it as Portis attacking the O-Line. One of his key comments:

"I wish I could go to a team for one week with the best offensive line, or the team with the best scheme, and switch places with their back and see how others would do in this system," Portis said

I think we are read far to much into this article. It is not like he is publicly demanding a trade or personnally insulting anyone. Then again who knows how much of this was coaxed or miscontrewed by the interviewer???

I see you reaching lol but how can you say at the beginning of a season that you wanna play for a better line or a better scheme, the key word meaning better, I mean thats bad man but spin on if it makes you feel good lol.

[Death_Venom]

I see you reaching lol but how can you say at the beginning of a season that you wanna play for a better line or a better scheme, the key word meaning better, I mean thats bad man but spin on if it makes you feel good lol.

Where am I "reaching" at?

[SpicyMcHaggis]

Wow. I wish there was a video of this interview to get a better feel for the tone, but Portis sounds like a really frustrated guy.
So far, pretty rough introduction to the NFL for Zorn...

[Lacquer Head]

Not good for this to be happening after 1 game.

Yes, my prediction that we're totally screwed stands.

[LuvSkins17]

I can't disagree with Portis on this. He is only saying publicly what we as skins fans say to each other,....... but not to fans of other teams. We can have a conversation with each other and talk about the same problems but NOT discuss it with fans from other teams. Im not proud of what he said, but it is true. We've seen it for years here.

I hope that this is a gut check for our offense. We are capable of doing better. We as fans deserve better from our beloved franchise. I hated our loss last week but I hated even more to see the other teams highlights and they just looked way more aggressive and wreckless then we did. It made me sick to see those highlights and all we had were "low lights". It's sad that my only defense was "It was our first game." I don't air my complaints with other fans.... Maybe Clinton shouldn't either.... but he wasn't lying.

I didn't like it.... But I didn't like it because it was true.

I know we can do better. We have too....

Hail

[guess88]

I see you reaching lol but how can you say at the beginning of a season that you wanna play for a better line or a better scheme, the key word meaning better, I mean thats bad man but spin on if it makes you feel good lol.

In a sense, I don't think it's the 1st game of the season that's gotten to him, it's practically his entire career with the Skins. He hasn't had very good blocking, and we all know it. Now Portis might not watch his mouth much, but it's hard to single out any one person who plays harder than him on gameday, and actually produces. I'd rather have that, than a practice star like our former Florida draftee. It seems like the O line knows it too, they know they need to do better, it's no secret. Portis is just frustrated, and he's probably reflecting a lot of his offensive teammates sentiments as well. How many coordinators have they been through since they've been here? Maybe it's an indirect shot at the FO.

[Redskin-4-life]

CP calls it like he sees it. I can't remember a time where he had open lanes to run through. He's has the talent or even more talented than some of the top RB in the league, but won't get recognized for it until the line blocks better or a better scheme is developed to utilize his talents.

[csquared]

CP calls it like he sees it. I can't remember a time where he had open lanes to run through. He's has the talent or even more talented than some of the top RB in the league, but won't get recognized for it until the line blocks better or a better scheme is developed to utilize his talents.

Ive seen plenty of times in the last few years where he has a huge lane to run and the all of a sudden he falls over. His balance isnt very good. I have never seen a running back fall as much as he does.

[hail2skins]

I have read & re-read the article. I don't see it as Portis attacking the O-Line. One of his key comments:

"I wish I could go to a team for one week with the best offensive line, or the team with the best scheme, and switch places with their back and see how others would do in this system," Portis said

I think we are read far to much into this article. It is not like he is publicly demanding a trade or personnally insulting anyone. Then again who knows how much of this was coaxed or miscontrewed by the interviewer???I totally agree with you. I think people are taking it out of context. Here is the paragraph everyone is talking about:

"I wish I could go to a team for one week with the best offensive line, or the team with the best scheme, and switch places with their back and see how others would do in this system," Portis said, sitting on a couch the other day at Redskins Park. "I get a lot of touches with nowhere to run. I could see if I got all those touches and had some lanes, but there's nine or 10 men in the box.Basically he's saying he wants to see if RB's like Tomlinson can produce in our running system where you see 9 and 10 man fronts because our of young QB and lack of a passing attack.

People are not paying attention to what he says afterwards:

"You know, I'm dodging all the people in the backfield, fighting just to get back to the line of scrimmage, and people [are] looking around like, 'Oh, he just missed it.' I'm dodging people getting the handoff, because nobody's really respecting us as a passing team."
I don't see it has him bashing his offensive line. I do see it as Portis sort of patting himself on the back for what he's done here. Yeah, it can be taken out of context but I don't see Portis throwing his offensive line under a bus like this. I just don't.

[Keino]

Not good for this to be happening after 1 game.

I read the piece last night and frankly, lost a ton of respect for Portis.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

I totally agree with you. I think people are taking it out of context. Here is the paragraph everyone is talking about:

Basically he's saying he wants to see if RB's like Tomlinson can produce in our running system where you see 9 and 10 man fronts because our of young QB and lack of a passing attack.

People are not paying attention to what he says afterwards:


I don't see it has him bashing his offensive line. I do see it as Portis sort of patting himself on the back for what he's done here. Yeah, it can be taken out of context but I don't see Portis throwing his offensive line under a bus like this. I just don't.

You might be right, and I hope his teammates see it that way, but usually nothing comes out of speaking out like this.

[SkinsKY]

I think what Portis is saying is "I am frustrated-please fix this-NOW!!!"

I think you're giving him too much credit. He's just not happy, and I understand him. I was disappointed when it was announced that we would keep Gibb's running game. It's not very good. Clinton put up good yardage, but he had to carry it a ton just get that. Since his first season here, I have never thought, "Oh, maybe Portis will break a big one this play." THe offense doesn't lend itself to creating big plays on the ground. It is meant to wear teams down and run clock. If that's what we want, we need a different back because we've wasted his talent the last couple years.

Now, whether the media is the right place to vent that, I disagree with him. That's not the dirty laundry you want to air out after week one, if ever. Discretion has not been a strength of his and this has potential to hurt the team. Just as his comments when Vick was first arrested, he does need to know when to shut his trap.

[AliBabba]

This interview doesn't bother me a bit. Portis has always been candid and unfiltered. When he says he wishes he could line up behind a different line for a week its more so others can see what (little) their back can produce behing ours. He has always been and will always be concerned about his image and public perception. He wants people to look beyond the 3.7ypc and 84yds rushing and know that CP has not lost it but that he doesn't have the tools to succeed or produce as he's capable right now.

Is it a little immature? yes. Is it self-serving? yes. Is this going to negatively affect his teammates? not in my opinion. He's been here for years and everyone is used to how Clinton speaks. He didn't say a thing he needs to back off of, imo. Zorn will likely feel a little razzed but he hasn't been here so long, doesn't know CP as well, and will take it better than most due to his laid back demeanor. In a positive sense while others don't see it this way I think it could motivate some of the linemen such as Thomas, Rabach, and Samuels. Moreso than Kendall/Heyer those three have been with CP for a long time and they know that he has never received the protection and blocking he truly deserves. He has bailed them out many a time. I would not be surprised in the least to see Portis break off a 20 yarder or two this week -- not necessarily a direct result of this interview but I wouldn't completely dismiss the connection either.

He provided some support for JC in the interview and says he doesn't regret coming to DC. He obviously wonders what may have been, but doesn't have regrets. He obviously believes this could motivate some people and its possible it will. I think that the line takes a lot of blame here for an ineffective passing game, especially downfield. My feelings about Santana Moss (WTH is that Moss quote supposed to mean by the way?!?) are no mystery but I believe he and Campbell and to an extent Cooley are also largely responsible for the 8 and 9 man fronts.

In summary, he's very frustrated by last week's loss, his performance, and likely very concerned about the team's prospects this year. As are many, many people here and all around the DC area. IMO though its still week 2 and things can change alot in a week. Its too early to throw in the towel or to be down on the year as whole yet. Portis imo believes that this team can only succeed this year if he plays very well and he's worried that won't be possible with no running lanes and men in the backfield..... sometimes its best to keep these things to yourself or at least amongst your teammates and coaches --- but that's just not his style.

.... this will be forgotten in a few weeks and does not change my opinion of Clinton in the least.

[AliBabba]

I read the piece last night and frankly, lost a ton of respect for Portis.

Not I. I hope his frustration can be channeled into increased production for himself and the offense as a whole Sunday. This is who Clinton Portis has always been.

[Moe]

This interview doesn't bother me a bit. Portis has always been candid and unfiltered. When he says he wishes he could line up behind a different line for a week its more so others can see what (little) their back can produce behing ours. He has always been and will always be concerned about his image and public perception. He wants people to look beyond the 3.7ypc and 84yds rushing and know that CP has not lost it but that he doesn't have the tools to succeed or produce as he's capable right now.

Is it a little immature? yes. Is it self-serving? yes. Is this going to negatively affect his teammates? not in my opinion. He's been here for years and everyone is used to how Clinton speaks. He didn't say a thing he needs to back off of, imo. Zorn will likely feel a little razzed but he hasn't been here so long, doesn't know CP as well, and will take it better than most due to his laid back demeanor. In a positive sense while others don't see it this way I think it could motivate some of the linemen such as Thomas, Rabach, and Samuels. Moreso than Kendall/Heyer those three have been with CP for a long time and they know that he has never received the protection and blocking he truly deserves. He has bailed them out many a time. I would not be surprised in the least to see Portis break off a 20 yarder or two this week -- not necessarily a direct result of this interview but I wouldn't completely dismiss the connection either.

He provided some support for JC in the interview and says he doesn't regret coming to DC. He obviously wonders what may have been, but doesn't have regrets. He obviously believes this could motivate some people and its possible it will. I think that the line takes a lot of blame here for an ineffective passing game, especially downfield. My feelings about Santana Moss (WTH is that Moss quote supposed to mean by the way?!?) are no mystery but I believe he and Campbell and to an extent Cooley are also largely responsible for the 8 and 9 man fronts.

In summary, he's very frustrated by last week's loss, his performance, and likely very concerned about the team's prospects this year. As are many, many people here and all around the DC area. IMO though its still week 2 and things can change alot in a week. Its too early to throw in the towel or to be down on the year as whole yet. Portis imo believes that this team can only succeed this year if he plays very well and he's worried that won't be possible with no running lanes and men in the backfield..... sometimes its best to keep these things to yourself or at least amongst your teammates and coaches --- but that's just not his style.

.... this will be forgotten in a few weeks and does not change my opinion of Clinton in the least.

This is my take as well. A few weeks back there was a conversation whereing Adrian Peterson's name came up and Portis said essentially the same thing; he'd like to have some time behind that line.

People seem to forget Manning openly criticizing his o-line after their playoff loss to Pittsburgh a few years back, and yet amazing that ship didn't sink. No reason to think these far less imflammatory (and IMO borne of frustration) comments will create havoc.

[Keino]

Not I. I hope his frustration can be channeled into increased production for himself and the offense as a whole Sunday. This is who Clinton Portis has always been.

I disagree. The tone and specificity of his finger pointed have taken on a level not previously displayed before. To do that all while admitting your approach to practice sucks AND that the opportunities you have had, you missed, pisses me off.

He said what those of us watching already knew, but accepted no responsibility for his role in it.

How many times has he lost his footing and didn't get a big run? Even his big run in the Giants game, instead of trying to break that he was worried bout fumbling, holding the ball with 2 hands in the open field.

I was planning on wearing Portis on Sunday. I think I will wear Sean Taylor now instead.....

[skin4ever]

I disagree. The tone and specificity of his finger pointed have taken on a level not previously displayed before. To do that all while admitting your approach to practice sucks AND that the opportunities you have had, you missed, pisses me off.

He said what those of us watching already knew, but accepted no responsibility for his role in it.

How many times has he lost his footing and didn't get a big run? Even his big run in the Giants game, instead of trying to break that he was worried bout fumbling, holding the ball with 2 hands in the open field.

I was planning on wearing Portis on Sunday. I think I will wear Sean Taylor now instead.....

Yeah, in reading it, it does seem to be as you say, but this is written by someone who gets paid to drum up readers. WHo knows the context or questions asked of Clinton, when making those remarks. I really have lost faith in journalism when it comes to written media. They take answers to questions and lump them together, leave out parts and so on. I dont think Clinton throws his line under the bus, he probably was like the entire offense has work to do, the Oline needs to do this, and so on. I will bet the entire transcript of the conversation would be interpreted differently.

[bergiemoore]

I think that Portis' criticism is not so much disparaging the OLine as the lack of a passing game. Take that quote in context:

"I wish I could go to a team for one week with the best offensive line, or the team with the best scheme, and switch places with their back and see how others would do in this system," Portis said, sitting on a couch the other day at Redskins Park. "I get a lot of touches with nowhere to run. I could see if I got all those touches and had some lanes, but there's nine or 10 men in the box.

You know, I'm dodging all the people in the backfield, fighting just to get back to the line of scrimmage, and people [are] looking around like, 'Oh, he just missed it.' I'm dodging people getting the handoff, because nobody's really respecting us as a passing team."

Portis isn't calling out his OLine, albeit he admits they aren't the best. He's criticizing the lack of a respectable passing game. I heard Brian Westbrook complain about the same thing prior to the Eagles vs. Rams game. McNabb and his receivers responded by putting on a passing clinic. Hopefully, Campbell and the Skins receivers will step up to the challenge.

[BigHairedAristocrat]

Very strong words... I'm very curious about how the team responds, both on and off the field.

Hopefully the offensive line responds by creating holes for him. Maybe they need some fire under their @$$ to get them to start playing like grown men.

[AliBabba]

I disagree. The tone and specificity of his finger pointed have taken on a level not previously displayed before. To do that all while admitting your approach to practice sucks AND that the opportunities you have had, you missed, pisses me off.

I think these can at least in part me attributed to the journalist as well. Obviously an attempt was made to make this sound as dramatic as possible. I'm not saying everything was out of context but obviously some of it was.... just look at the quote below. The writer just drops it, let's it sit in the readers mind for another 2+ paragraphs before explaining it. He's playing games imo, not that there's anything wrong with that.

"I really wish," Portis said, "that I could switch places."

He said what those of us watching already knew, but accepted no responsibility for his role in it.

How many times has he lost his footing and didn't get a big run? Even his big run in the Giants game, instead of trying to break that he was worried bout fumbling, holding the ball with 2 hands in the open field.

I can't disagree here. He definitely does bear responsibility as well for his decreased production.

He may have taken more responsibility but those statements may not have made it into the article, obviously I don't know though and that's just a possibility.

I was planning on wearing Portis on Sunday. I think I will wear Sean Taylor now instead.....

I'll be wearing my red #26 and not cuz of this article but b/c I believe he will be the most important player on our side of the ball Sunday.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

This is my take as well. A few weeks back there was a conversation whereing Adrian Peterson's name came up and Portis said essentially the same thing; he'd like to have some time behind that line.

People seem to forget Manning openly criticizing his o-line after their playoff loss to Pittsburgh a few years back, and yet amazing that ship didn't sink. No reason to think these far less imflammatory (and IMO borne of frustration) comments will create havoc.

I'm no expert on the Vikings, but isn't their line in shambles right now. Didn't seem to slow down Peterson this past week. Perhaps Clinton has an inflated self-worth?

[Keino]

When T.O made similarly styled statements (For example, correctly opining that Brett Favre was better than McNabb) people around here bashed him for being a crappy team-mate. I don't view Portis' comments any differently and I don't think anyone can question the intensity each player plays with. It's being a good team-mate that's at the heart of this issue for me.

Yes, I get the journalist likely took what he wanted from the discussion. Point is, Portis should have given him nothing but the standard Cliche's to work with. This is no different than that interview Lavar gave the to Times right before the biggest game in his career.

I've loved CP for as long as he's been a Redskin, but I will not excuse him for these comments because of that fact. Because at the end of the day, I love this team more than any single individual player.

[Patrick]

I totally agree with you. I think people are taking it out of context. Here is the paragraph everyone is talking about:

Basically he's saying he wants to see if RB's like Tomlinson can produce in our running system where you see 9 and 10 man fronts because our of young QB and lack of a passing attack.

People are not paying attention to what he says afterwards:


I don't see it has him bashing his offensive line. I do see it as Portis sort of patting himself on the back for what he's done here. Yeah, it can be taken out of context but I don't see Portis throwing his offensive line under a bus like this. I just don't.

Totally agree with you Mike. BUT what I do see is him saying - "Hey Coach, OPEN up the passing game".
And do that IMO - they got to employ the slants (quick hitters). AND I'm not talking 7 yard pass plays when its 3rd & 8.

[Keino]

Totally agree with you Mike. BUT what I do see is him saying - "Hey Coach, OPEN up the passing game".
And do that IMO - they got to employ the slants (quick hitters). AND I'm not talking 7 yard pass plays when its 3rd & 8.

And you think the Newspaper is the place to address that with the coach?

[Moe]

I'm no expert on the Vikings, but isn't their line in shambles right now. Didn't seem to slow down Peterson this past week. Perhaps Clinton has an inflated self-worth?

I didn't see the Pack/Vikes game to comment on either but what I'm referencing that Portis was from pre-season and Portis couched them as people forgetting about him but thinking Peterson is the next great RB after only one year. He was surprised at how much fawning people were doing over AP (who he admitted it talented) for one 1500 yard season when he opened his career with three and didn't get that type of treatment. An ego thing for sure, but not necessarily inaccurate either.

[hail2skins]

And you think the Newspaper is the place to address that with the coach?Maybe his sideline discussion with coach during the Giants' game didn't work. :D

[redskin_rich]

And you think the Newspaper is the place to address that with the coach?

Ding, ding, ding!

Keep your business in house and off the streets.

[AliBabba]

When T.O made similarly styled statements (For example, correctly opining that Brett Favre was better than McNabb) people around here bashed him for being a crappy team-mate. I don't view Portis' comments any differently and I don't think anyone can question the intensity each player plays with. It's being a good team-mate that's at the heart of this issue for me.

IMO that's not a fair comparison. He called his QB out my name and and said how he thought another QB was better. In my opinion that's very different than saying there are better lines in the league than our unit. This is obviously true and may serve to motivate our line to perform better as a unit.

Had he called Samuels or Thomas out by name it'd be different, imo. Also I think he points to the entire scheme and offense and expresses his frustration.

Yes, I get the journalist likely took what he wanted from the discussion. Point is, Portis should have given him nothing but the standard Cliche's to work with. This is no different than that interview Lavar gave the to Times right before the biggest game in his career.

I've loved CP for as long as he's been a Redskin, but I will not excuse him for these comments because of that fact. Because at the end of the day, I love this team more than any single individual player.

Your reaction to this article is understandable especially when taken in context of that line. He's not bigger than the team and as you believe he is slighting his teammates you are annoyed. I think going to the media with something like this is stupid but I also think its something a guy like Portis would do. It doesn't bother me b/c I don't think its gonna bother his teammates.

And you think the Newspaper is the place to address that with the coach?

Absolutely not, but Clinton Portis is not your regular cat.

[Keino]

IMO that's not a fair comparison. He called his QB out my name and and said how he thought another QB was better. In my opinion that's very different than saying there are better lines in the league than our unit. This is obviously true and may serve to motivate our line to perform better as a unit.

Had he called Samuels or Thomas out by name it'd be different, imo. Also I think he points to the entire scheme and offense and expresses his frustration.


Sorry , but I think you are splitting hairs here. TO was asked a direct question and answered openly and honestly. The media made it a slight against McNabb who was at the time his current QB. Saying he is not getting any lanes to run in is not only inaccurate, but it is a direct comment against the O Line (Entirely). To go on to add that teams don't respect our passing game and if he was in the "Best Scheme" things would be different are Direct slights against his QB, Line and Head Coach/O Coordinator. The Tri-fecta if you will.



Your reaction to this article is understandable especially when taken in context of that line. He's not bigger than the team and as you believe he is slighting his teammates you are annoyed. I think going to the media with something like this is stupid but I also think its something a guy like Portis would do. It doesn't bother me b/c I don't think its gonna bother his teammates.

I wouldn't be so sure about that. I think they won't say it publicly, because they respect the locker-room, but I can't believe that in reading these comments a few feathers won't be ruffled.

Absolutely not, but Clinton Portis is not your regular cat.

Eccentricity doesn't excuse douchebaggery. Dennis Rodman was Eccentric (and the best at what he did) that didn't excuse his ridiculousness.

I will not give CP a pass on this, because I wouldn't give a similar pass to other Redskins players in the past. I love him on the field, but I have lost respect for him as a man and as a team-mate.

If he learned anything from Gibbs, as he claimed, then the word "ACCOUNTABILITY" would be incorporated into his mantra. He would blame himself first publicly (whether he believed that or not) and protect his teammates and coach.

[skin4ever]

Sorry , but I think you are splitting hairs here. TO was asked a direct question and answered openly and honestly. The media made it a slight against McNabb who was at the time his current QB. Saying he is not getting any lanes to run in is not only inaccurate, but it is a direct comment against the O Line (Entirely). To go on to add that teams don't respect our passing game and if he was in the "Best Scheme" things would be different are Direct slights against his QB, Line and Head Coach/O Coordinator. The Tri-fecta if you will.



I dont think there is a team that has the "best scheme", and so forth. IMO, he was talking about if he were in the best circusmstances he would be dominant, but what NFL player doesnt think this. Take for example, all this discussion about Campbell not being in an offense ideally fit for all of his abilities and if he was, he would be way better. No one has this, sure any player would like it, but its not realistic. But reading it, it seems like a slant on his oline and the offense in general, but I doubt he meant it as such.

[AliBabba]

Sorry , but I think you are splitting hairs here. TO was asked a direct question and answered openly and honestly. The media made it a slight against McNabb who was at the time his current QB. Saying he is not getting any lanes to run in is not only inaccurate, but it is a direct comment against the O Line (Entirely). To go on to add that teams don't respect our passing game and if he was in the "Best Scheme" things would be different are Direct slights against his QB, Line and Head Coach/O Coordinator. The Tri-fecta if you will.




I wouldn't be so sure about that. I think they won't say it publicly, because they respect the locker-room, but I can't believe that in reading these comments a few feathers won't be ruffled.



Eccentricity doesn't excuse douchebaggery. Dennis Rodman was Eccentric (and the best at what he did) that didn't excuse his ridiculousness.

I will not give CP a pass on this, because I wouldn't give a similar pass to other Redskins players in the past. I love him on the field, but I have lost respect for him as a man and as a team-mate.

If he learned anything from Gibbs, as he claimed, then the word "ACCOUNTABILITY" would be incorporated into his mantra. He would blame himself first publicly (whether he believed that or not) and protect his teammates and coach.

Touche, I hope we see frustration manifested as production on Sunday for all parties concerned.

[BigHairedAristocrat]

Maybe his sideline discussion with coach during the Giants' game didn't work. :D

Anyone ever find out what they were talking about exactly? Im guessing Portis was telling Zorn to give him the ball every snap.

Unfortunately, Zorn didnt listen until we were down by two scores with 6 minutes left in the game.

[redskinz#1fan]

It must just be me...but I don't see anything wrong with this article and what Portis says. Portis never once in this article dogged his team. What he did was try and explain his value to this team and what he does to try and make this team win. He stated that he wishes he could be behind another line, just so people could see that he still had "it" and how well another back would run given the circumstances. He actually supported the team in this article more then trying to tear them apart.

I guess perception is everything, and this is mine on this article!

[csquared]

Clinton loves him some Clinton.

[LATrueRedskin]

It must just be me...but I don't see anything wrong with this article and what Portis says. Portis never once in this article dogged his team. What he did was try and explain his value to this team and what he does to try and make this team win. He stated that he wishes he could be behind another line, just so people could see that he still had "it" and how well another back would run given the circumstances. He actually supported the team in this article more then trying to tear them apart.

I guess perception is everything, and this is mine on this article!

In my view, he saying he wishes he was behind another line because his current one sucks. He's saying he only sees "darkness" because his OLine doesn't open any holes for him to run through (again, because they suck). He's basically saying that he'd like to see another running back succeed behind his crappy OLine. I don't see this as too serious either, but I don't think calling out your OLine to the media is the proper way to go about motivationg them.

[Charlz]

[QUOTE=greatest2;1137066]http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/11/AR2008091103216.html


...he says he sometimes wishes he was behind a better line?

...he is a great talent wasting away...QUOTE]

I saw a stat when Emmitt Smith was having an "off year", and only gained 1200 yards. It showed that the previous season when he gained 1600+ yeards he averaged 4 yards BEFORE initial contact, and during the "off year" he only managed 2 yards before initital contact.

[csquared]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/34/73369982_fdc719e46e.jpg?v=0


Beavis and Butthead

[redskinz#1fan]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/34/73369982_fdc719e46e.jpg?v=0


Beavis and Butthead

So now we're trash talking our RB???

Just because he took a picture with T.O...

[csquared]

So now we're trash talking our RB???

Just because he took a picture with T.O...

No we are trash talking our RB because he publicly bashed his O-line.

[hail2skins]

In my view, he saying he wishes he was behind another line because his current one sucks. He's saying he only sees "darkness" because his OLine doesn't open any holes for him to run through (again, because they suck). He's basically saying that he'd like to see another running back succeed behind his crappy OLine. I don't see this as too serious either, but I don't think calling out your OLine to the media is the proper way to go about motivationg them.I don't see how any oline can handle a 8, 9, 10 man front which the article did quote him as saying it is the reason for it.

[Battle Cat]

I disagree with some. I think the tone was much worse when he basicly said that the offense under Joe GIbbs was too predictable and the other team was calling out the plays before the Redskins got to the line. I think he said this about 2 weeks into GIbbs II. I thought that was more finger pointing than now. To blame a Hall of Fame coach that just brought you in and paid you a huge contract in the second or so game. So the team knows to expect this type of things from Portis now. If you can be a new comer to Washington and finger point at GIbbs. You don't have any problem pointing at anybody.

I think allot of players especially the older ones saw how the offense played last week and know or think that they might be going through a learning curve similar to the one when GIbbs and Al Saunders came in and think they may not be here when it finally comes together. I think that is probably frustrating to Portis and Samuels and Moss and ARE and several older guys on the defense. They have to come to grips that it may be 3 years like many WCO qbs a coordinators have said before this team has that offense down pat. And they have to think where will they be in their careers by then. I think that is partly were the frustration comes from.

[redskinz#1fan]

No we are trash talking our RB because he publicly bashed his O-line.

Please quote me exactly what he said that seems to be calling out his O-line...

[SpicyMcHaggis]

I don't see how any oline can handle a 8, 9, 10 man front which the article did quote him as saying it is the reason for it.

Which is the reason why IMO he wasn't criticizing just the offensive line, but in general the offensive systems in which he has played since he came to the Skins.

[Keino]

Please quote me exactly what he said that seems to be calling out his O-line...

"I wish I could go to a team for one week with the best offensive line, or the team with the best scheme, and switch places with their back and see how others would do in this system,"


"You know, I'm dodging all the people in the backfield, fighting just to get back to the line of scrimmage, and people [are] looking around like, 'Oh, he just missed it.' I'm dodging people getting the handoff, because nobody's really respecting us as a passing team."


"Even though Clinton Portis would love to have 160 to 170 yards, those 80 yards, sometimes it's the hardest 80 yards you possibly will see somebody get if you watch the game. It's not like it's daylight there."



All of those quotes are slights against his line, his blocking, his scheme and his QB.

[NamVet4]

Clinton Portis is maligned because he expresses his frustration!?!?!
Did he state anything that was a direct indictment of the O-line!?!?!?

Give Portis the ball, and the Washington Redskins tailback will carry it. No back in the league did so more than Portis's 325 times last season,

There may maybe more or less to this interview than what was reported.
I don't know. I do know he goes out there every game day during the regular season and plays the game!
I am hoping that the perceived "honesty" of his remarks will cause a stir in Our Beloved Team.

http://i.cnn.net/si/fannation/wash-dal.jpg

[csquared]

"I wish I could go to a team for one week with the best offensive line, or the team with the best scheme, and switch places with their back and see how others would do in this system,"


"You know, I'm dodging all the people in the backfield, fighting just to get back to the line of scrimmage, and people [are] looking around like, 'Oh, he just missed it.' I'm dodging people getting the handoff, because nobody's really respecting us as a passing team."


"Even though Clinton Portis would love to have 160 to 170 yards, those 80 yards, sometimes it's the hardest 80 yards you possibly will see somebody get if you watch the game. It's not like it's daylight there."



All of those quotes are slights against his line, his blocking, his scheme and his QB.

Thanks Keino!

[ChiefPowhatan17]

Portis likes to call people out, even the fans. But, I have news for CP, we were here before he came and we will be here after he is gone.
It was one game, and he acts like he is throwing in the towel. To be a leader, you have to set the standard by example, most of the time CP does not set a good example.
Don't get me wrong, I like Portis, I have three of his jerseys and love to see him play well, but don't point fingers, it causes separation and disrupts the offenses' synergy. They still need to gel as a team and not turn on each other.

[silverspring]

If portis is so unhappy then he shouldn't have signed the absurd extension we just gave him. Since he did sign it, he should keep these topics between himself, his coach and his teammates.
As far as I am concerned it is a cardinal sin for a running back, or a qb for that matter, to ever say something bad about his offensive line out loud. It is an unspoken rule. To me it just comes off as poor me, poor clinton....be a man clinton and take responsibility for your actions. Maybe our line hasn't been the best in the league over the last 4 years, but it isn't near the worst, especially the run blocking.

[flave1969]

Pretty dissapointing read that really. Cant say I am surpirised after witnessing 84 of the hardest yards I have seen in a long time. It would be an even bigger shame if there wasn't so much truth in it.

I would say more than anything Portis was calling out the scheme not his line, but One Week in is not the time to be doing it.

This is all looking very depressing.

[skin4ever]

Portis likes to call people out, even the fans. But, I have news for CP, we were here before he came and we will be here after he is gone.
It was one game, and he acts like he is throwing in the towel. To be a leader, you have to set the standard by example, most of the time CP does not set a good example.Don't get me wrong, I like Portis, I have three of his jerseys and love to see him play well, but don't point fingers, it causes separation and disrupts the offenses' synergy. They still need to gel as a team and not turn on each other.

He may have been the only person on the field last week playing like it was his last game. He puts it on the line everyweek(probably more so than any other player on the field) no matter the score or if its a preseason game. Unfortunately, its not recipricated.

[skinsfan36]

lets hope this is a positive ie the line plays on fire like they did vs jax in 06

[BigCountry]

Things haven't been great, but if we've finished top 10 in rushing offense I believe the last 3 seasons despite 16 men in the box and all that good stuff running backs like to complain about, then the O-line can't be that bad.

[Meatsnack]

What is frustrating to me is that Clinton is being a douche by speaking what most of us woud acknowledge is the clear truth. So, the virtue of being a good teammate and speaking only pre-chewed nonsense for the public is being weighed more than speaking the clearly visible truth.

This is complicated by the fact that we would usually associate saying that the Emperor has no clothes with courage but in this case it has the tinge of self-serving whining. It is not even as if he is spilling some information that took place in private and we would have no way of knowing without someone spilling the beans, we all can see and have seen for years the line problems. When was the last time we expected to convert 3rd and 2? When was the last time we knew we had a receiver/QB combo who we knew would put 7 on the board for a moments defensive inattention?

As the cherry on the Sunday, Clinton is a notorious off-season layabout who cares more about being on MTV Cribs than making himself the next HOFer.

In the end, Clinton needs to shut his trap and play. Gibbs brought him here and supported Clinton through thick and thin and payed him more than any RB in the league over that period. And Clinton has repaid him by pointing the finger at his retreating back saying his offense was predictable. Well, that's true as even Gibbs acknowledged. Gibbs' offense depended on flawless execution which is arrived at through diligent PRACTICE and Attention to Detail. Clinton plays as hard as anyone on Sunday's and I respect that tremendously but it isn't enough to justify finger pointing.

A guy named Matthew once said:
"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."

[warpaint]

sounds very disgruntled kind of like his first year after the browns game.portis is a heck of a back but this is troubling to hear this early in the season

i dont blame him myself, might be after the first game,but how many years behind this poor line,with many of the so called starters being hurt, oh i know he has had some good years,but even so still have to wonder what he would have done with a better line, also with the teams lack of drafting o lineman in the first couple of rounds, sometimes things never change until someone has the gonads to step up to the plate and spell out what the problem is,its apparent to me the team doesnt know the problem.

[BigHairedAristocrat]

Pretty dissapointing read that really. Cant say I am surpirised after witnessing 84 of the hardest yards I have seen in a long time. It would be an even bigger shame if there wasn't so much truth in it.

I would say more than anything Portis was calling out the scheme not his line, but One Week in is not the time to be doing it.

This is all looking very depressing.

To be honest, Gibbs was too soft on everyone. I was tired of hearing about guys being supersmart and fighting their guts out when they obviously didnt.

Zorn has already set the tone - he publically calls out players when they don't perform well so i dont see why portis cant do the same. As far as i'm concerned, portis is one of the few guys on offense who actually plays like he wants to win. As long as he keeps playing with the same intensity, let him call people out all day if he wants to. Maybe that attitude will be contagious, other guys will step up, and put pressure on anyone who isnt giving 100%.

[jaylen]

I'm just quite amazed that people will defend a player on their team no matter what he says or does. I've been a huge Clinton fan but he's just wrong and stupid for saying this no matter how truthful it is.

You can't keep telling your wife she looks fat in that dress and not expect her to catch an attitude even if she looks fat in that dress.

[LATrueRedskin]

I don't see how any oline can handle a 8, 9, 10 man front which the article did quote him as saying it is the reason for it.

I fully agree. Just tell it to your teammates, not the media.

[Hrabanmaur]

I'm just quite amazed that people will defend a player on their team no matter what he says or does. I've been a huge Clinton fan but he's just wrong and stupid for saying this no matter how truthful it is.

You can't keep telling your wife she looks fat in that dress and not expect her to catch an attitude even if she looks fat in that dress.

I'm not sure I agree with your assessment of the Portis article, but I love your analogy.

I think this team is still holding everything together and aren't going to be derailed by one article in the Post. If anything, I think the O-line is more miffed about Jansen being benched than anything Portis might inadvertently say to the media.

[redskinz#1fan]

"I wish I could go to a team for one week with the best offensive line, or the team with the best scheme, and switch places with their back and see how others would do in this system,"


"You know, I'm dodging all the people in the backfield, fighting just to get back to the line of scrimmage, and people [are] looking around like, 'Oh, he just missed it.' I'm dodging people getting the handoff, because nobody's really respecting us as a passing team."


"Even though Clinton Portis would love to have 160 to 170 yards, those 80 yards, sometimes it's the hardest 80 yards you possibly will see somebody get if you watch the game. It's not like it's daylight there."



All of those quotes are slights against his line, his blocking, his scheme and his QB.

See Sean, I don't see some of these as smacks against his O-line...

For example...

I wish I could go to a team for one week with the best offensive line, or the team with the best scheme, and switch places with their back and see how others would do in this system


I see this as the truth! We don't have the best line or best scheme. I see this as Portis saying that if another back came here, then they would have a greater appreciation for their position (on their current team) and what Portis had to endure in game time situations. That way people would stop 2nd guessing whether Portis still had it or not...because most backs would have negative yards in this system.

To me the other 2 examples are just pointing out what he goes through on game day, and justifies why he gets what he gets. It also states that he may get only 80 yards (for instance), but his 80 yards required more battling and work then somebody elses 160 yards...

I have to say that I agree with that... of course just my opinion.

[Lacquer Head]

lets hope this is a positive ie the line plays on fire like they did vs jax in 06

Any positive comparison to the 06 season has to be disregarded as ludicrous. We were simply terrible that year.

If anything, you could compare it to 06 in that everyone who was not a Skins fan could tell it was going to be a long year for us very quickly.

I love my team but I'm a realist, this all looks pretty dodgy as far as our playoff chances are concerned.

HTTR...

[Battle Cat]

I think part of this is Clinton Portis worrying about his legacy. I mean after his first few years at Denver he averaged like over 5 yards a carry. I think he and Jim Brown and maybe Barry Sanders were the only ones at the time over a large body of work. He went from being compared to Jim Brown and Barry Sanders to if the average fan names the top running backs in the leauge today his name doesn't get brought up. I can't read his mind but it sounded to me like he was worrying about his place in history and how he will be remembered.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Everyone has to agree he is complaining to some degree in this article. In this world, its never a good idea to publicly complain about your situation. It turns people off, takes the focus off the real problems and sounds like whinning.

[Keino]

See Sean, I don't see some of these as smacks against his O-line...

For example...




I see this as the truth! We don't have the best line or best scheme. I see this as Portis saying that if another back came here, then they would have a greater appreciation for their position (on their current team) and what Portis had to endure in game time situations. That way people would stop 2nd guessing whether Portis still had it or not...because most backs would have negative yards in this system.

To me the other 2 examples are just pointing out what he goes through on game day, and justifies why he gets what he gets. It also states that he may get only 80 yards (for instance), but his 80 yards required more battling and work then somebody elses 160 yards...

I have to say that I agree with that... of course just my opinion.



Again, my issue is not the Truthfulness of his statements, but rather their appropriateness.

He doesn't have to convince anyone who watches the games. We see it. After the Giants game I was like "Seriously, he had 84 yards?"

But those quotes are definitely slights against his O line, the scheme and the QB and coach. Whether he intended them that way or not, that's what they are.

Basically he is saying: "No elite back would do as well as I do with this Crap. "

True or not, thats not what he should be saying to the Washington Post 4 days before the 2nd game of the season.

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

Uh, wow. I agree with everything CP said, but that needs to be kept in house buddy.

[swheeler]

I think he was complaining a little, but also that this is being overblown. He's mostly talking about the scheme, which Campbell has done a fair amount of too but without nearly as much attention. The line seemed like more of a side note to the fact that there are always too many guys in the box, which if anything is a knock on Campbell, but he goes out of his way to back him up, too. I think more than anything he's just trying to say that what he does is hard. Kind of unnecessary, but not that bad.


Two things about which to be clear: In the same conversation, Portis stood up for Campbell, whose adjustment to Zorn's offense is receiving magnifying-glass attention. "I believe in him," Portis said. Portis added that he doesn't rue the trade that brought him to Washington prior to the 2004 season

[jaylen]

I'm not sure I agree with your assessment of the Portis article, but I love your analogy.

I think this team is still holding everything together and aren't going to be derailed by one article in the Post. If anything, I think the O-line is more miffed about Jansen being benched than anything Portis might inadvertently say to the media.

I don't think in the football world bubble the team lives in this is playing real big but if he struggles Sunday his teammates are gonna be asked to death about the comments and it could create a huge wedge in the team.

You don't say you'd be better off on another team EVER under any circumstance, If I'm Snyder I'm pissed with the dollars I've paid him now he romantacizes of playing on a team with better scheme's and lines.

Thats terrible.

Like I said there's truth in what he said but there can be criticism leveled at him as well by teammates so unless he wants to go down this route he better shut up with the cracks on his lifeblood which is the O line.

[Keino]

Bottomline and this was true under Gibbs. Until we make teams afraid to stack the box and make them pay when they do it, Portis is going to have a rough time.

Im looking at Jason Campbell, Jim Zorn, the WRs and the O line. I think Portis is correct in what he says, but I think he is wrong for saying it publicly.

[BigHairedAristocrat]

Clinton had A LOT more to say that wasn't in the original article:

I think being here made me appreciate having Shannon Sharpe or Rod Smith or Ed McCaffrey as a teammate, or being able to watch an Al Wilson go out and play football -- people who really love the game and played the game the way it was supposed to be played.

"I'm past the frustration point," Portis said, "because in frustration, you can't go out and make others do something. I can only do my job. And you know, I think within the organization, they can see I do my job. I can't control other people's jobs. This team, with the talent we have -- we never had this kind of talent in Denver. So the talent that we have here is phenomenal.

"When I was in Denver, there was three players getting a lot of money -- Brian Griese, Trevor Pryce, John Mobley. But you come to this organization, you got six of the highest-paid players on offense. You got five of the highest-paid players on defense. So it's kind of hard when you got 11 players making that much money, and then you got a guy such as James Thrash or Rock Cartwright not making that kind of money who's really the leaders of this team.


More if you follow the link...
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2008/09/the_portis_interview_directors.html

[Skins7ny]

I read the piece last night and frankly, lost a ton of respect for Portis.
It didn't change my opinion of Portis at all. It only confirmed it.
I have been saying for years that Portis, as hard as he plays on the field, is a problem off of it. Anyone who is surprised by Clinton's comments hasn't been paying attention. He has been like this his whole career.
The main problem I've had with portis he doesn't understand leadership or the value of team morale. You throw your o line under the bus, your qb and then moderately your coach. Say you wish you were on a team that blocks because you can still make the big play YET admit to not giving a damn about practice or preparation which in your mind couldn't possible affect your play during games....:cussing:
He criticized the other 10 guys on offense (the blocking stinks, the passing game stinks, that covers everybody) in order to rehabilitation his reputation, which he fears is going downward. Not once does he take responsibility for his performance.

In football, saying you want other blockers and want to play with different teammates is like cheating on your wife. The season is long, and football players have a bunker mentality to get them through a grueling 16 game season. You can think about it, but don't voice it out loud. His teammates might forgive him, but they will never look at him the same way.

If Portis were still in Denver he might be talked about as a HOF player. He wanted money, and forced his way out of a system ideally suited to his skills. He got what he wanted, and landed here, where he will spend the prime of his career getting pummeled and misused for absolute top dollar. If he had been more patient and classy Denver would have given him a new deal, but at that point he took the role the system had in his success for granted, and it was all about the money....

Bingo. He had the opportunity to be Tomlinson in Denver, but talked his way out of it.
I totally agree with you. I think people are taking it out of context. Here is the paragraph everyone is talking about:
Basically he's saying he wants to see if RB's like Tomlinson can produce in our running system where you see 9 and 10 man fronts because our of young QB and lack of a passing attack.
People are not paying attention to what he says afterwards:
I don't see it has him bashing his offensive line. I do see it as Portis sort of patting himself on the back for what he's done here. Yeah, it can be taken out of context but I don't see Portis throwing his offensive line under a bus like this. I just don't.
What about when Tomlinson traded in his established veteran QB after a Pro Bowl year for essentially a rookie with growing pains? You mean to tell me that teams didn't stuff the box on Tomlinson because Brees was gone and Rivers hadn't played? Did Tomlinson pout after 1 game? Did he complain about it? No, he kept on producing. And kept his mouth shut.
I disagree with some. I think the tone was much worse when he basicly said that the offense under Joe GIbbs was too predictable and the other team was calling out the plays before the Redskins got to the line. I think he said this about 2 weeks into GIbbs II. I thought that was more finger pointing than now. To blame a Hall of Fame coach that just brought you in and paid you a huge contract in the second or so game. So the team knows to expect this type of things from Portis now. If you can be a new comer to Washington and finger point at GIbbs. You don't have any problem pointing at anybody....
He had the gall to call Gibbs out in Gibbs' second game back, when Gibbs rescued him from a hostage situation in Denver (where Clinton was contractually tied to the Broncos for 2 more years) and gratuitously tore up his contract and gave him a huge contract with a big signing bonus. What an ingrate. Yet, Gibbs and the FO coddled Portis and gave him preferential treatment.

This past off-season, Dan and Vinny tear up Clinton's contract again and gives him $15 Million + more in guaranteed money, on top of the millions he already has been paid and commits to him for 3 more years. Clinton repays them by undermining their hand-picked coach, in whom they have invested their reputations, at a time when confidence in Zorn is at an all-time low and Zorn needs his players to rally around him and each other.

It amazes me that people continue to defend Clinton. Yes, he is a gamer on the field. But his selfish and immature behavior off the field is really a negative for this team, and has been for a long time.

[Keino]

Clinton had A LOT more to say that wasn't in the original article:





More if you follow the link...
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2008/09/the_portis_interview_directors.html



Now see, I would have liked to seen that 2nd quote in the article. It would have certainly taken some of the sting out of the other comments, and would have sounded less like whining about his own stats, and more concerned with winning football games.

I don't mind these type of call-outs. He holds 2 hard working players up as the leaders and says "Hey big money makers, we have to match these guys' effort".

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Bottomline and this was true under Gibbs. Until we make teams afraid to stack the box and make them pay when they do it, Portis is going to have a rough time.

Im looking at Jason Campbell, Jim Zorn, the WRs and the O line. I think Portis is correct in what he says, but I think he is wrong for saying it publicly.

But defenses stack the box much more against the Vikings and yet AP still gets off. We'll see how it goes in Chicago, but their rookie runner seemed to have no problem with a dud for a QB. Again, we'll see how it goes in Atlanta, but Matt Ryan didn't hold back their running game.

CP may need to look in the mirror a little more.

[Skins7ny]

To be honest, Gibbs was too soft on everyone. I was tired of hearing about guys being supersmart and fighting their guts out when they obviously didnt.

Zorn has already set the tone - he publically calls out players when they don't perform well so i dont see why portis cant do the same. As far as i'm concerned, portis is one of the few guys on offense who actually plays like he wants to win. As long as he keeps playing with the same intensity, let him call people out all day if he wants to. Maybe that attitude will be contagious, other guys will step up, and put pressure on anyone who isnt giving 100%.

Because he is not the damn head coach!
If you have 53 players calling their teammates out, you don't have a team. You can bet that there are 53 strong opinions in that locker room, and I don't see where Clinton has done enough on or certainly off the field to merit being team spokesman.

You can be sure that there are lots of players among those 5-6 "highest paid" players on offense and defense that Clinton just called out as basically not giving a darn (we know who they are, just look at the NFLPA list) who have been participating in our off-season program the last 4 years, and did not require a $15.7 Million pretty-please from Dan Snyder to stick around here in February, March, April and May.

[Skins7ny]

But defenses stack the box much more against the Vikings and yet AP still gets off. We'll see how it goes in Chicago, but their rookie runner seemed to have no problem with a dud for a QB. Again, we'll see how it goes in Atlanta, but Matt Ryan didn't hold back their running game.

CP may need to look in the mirror a little more.

Bingo, bingo & bingo. People stacked the box all year last year and last week and dared Tarvaris Jackson to beat them. Same with Kyle Orton and Matt Forte. Probably true for Matt Ryan and Michael Turner as well.

I have seen Clinton miss plenty of holes. I also saw Ladell Betts rush for over 1,000 yards in less than half a season with the same OL that Clinton is complaining about.

[cal_junior]

You can bet that there are 53 strong opinions in that locker room, and I don't see where Clinton has done enough on or certainly off the field to merit being team spokesman.

Wow, really? If not CP, then who? I'm ready to give CP a pass here, especially if we see results the next 4-6 games. The guys has busted his butt for the team for a number of years and maybe lighting a fire is what's called for. If the Redskins start 1-5 and their play doesn't improve than maybe it was a mistake. But frankly I'm okay with a respected veteran whose opinion matters (which is definitely CP) saying "You know what, we could be playing better."

The proof will be in the pudding.

[Skins7ny]

I think Zorn should seriously consider benching Portis for at least the start of the game. He needs to assert his authority over the team and show he will not be messed with. No one player is bigger than the team. For Portis to publicly call out Zorn's schemes when Zorn has had 1 week to get it established is just inexcuseable, and if I were Zorn I wouldn't tolerate it.

[bergiemoore]

I think the interview with Portis has been largely taken out of context. This post in RI does a little to elucidate on the conversation:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2008/09/the_portis_interview_directors.html#more

[Skins7ny]

Wow, really? If not CP, then who? I'm ready to give CP a pass here, especially if we see results the next 4-6 games. The guys has busted his butt for the team for a number of years and maybe lighting a fire is what's called for. If the Redskins start 1-5 and their play doesn't improve than maybe it was a mistake. But frankly I'm okay with a respected veteran whose opinion matters (which is definitely CP) saying "You know what, we could be playing better."

The proof will be in the pudding.

No he hasn't. He has busted his butt for 65 Sunday, less games he missed due to injury. He has NOT busted his butt along with his teammates during the other days of the year, which is why he has NOT given you, me, our fellow Skins fans, his teammates who he is calling out, the coaches who coddle him and the owner and VP who has lined his pockets his best. Contrast him with Earnest Byner, Art Monk, Terry Metcalf, and any number of great Skins who knew what it took the other 349 days of the year to be the best they could be, and who always gave it to us.

I would rather hear Rock Cartwright, London Fletcher or James Thrash call someone out than Clinton Portis. He would be way down on my list.

I hope this has the effect of rallying the team, but even if it does, I don't think that is what Clinton intended. He was trying to rehabilitate his reputation. Even to the extent he has a point, it was a purely selfish act.

[bergiemoore]

I think Zorn should seriously consider benching Portis for at least the start of the game. He needs to assert his authority over the team and show he will not be messed with. No one player is bigger than the team. For Portis to publicly call out Zorn's schemes when Zorn has had 1 week to get it established is just inexcuseable, and if I were Zorn I wouldn't tolerate it.

Sure, because getting in a pissing match with your star running back is the kind of thing that won't cause a distraction to the team.

Seriously, Portis wasn't calling out Zorn's schemes. He was expressing his frustration at the perception in the media that he's under-performing despite being one of the most consistent backs in the league.

[AliBabba]

I think Zorn should seriously consider benching Portis for at least the start of the game. He needs to assert his authority over the team and show he will not be messed with. No one player is bigger than the team. For Portis to publicly call out Zorn's schemes when Zorn has had 1 week to get it established is just inexcuseable, and if I were Zorn I wouldn't tolerate it.
THat's ludicrous what is this China? Iran?

THere's alot there (especially the exanded version) I don't like but you cannot bench the man for having said it. What Zorn should do is call him into the office and sit down and talk through some of this stuff. He also should make CP understand that the next time he's so frustrated don't vent to the media about it because that can become devisive rather than positive (just look at what some lifetime Skins fans are saying about our BEST football player)

The Redskins team has not done Zorn any favors. By that I mean they are not making this rookie campaign easy for him at all. THis is trial by fire and sometimes thats the best/fastest way to develop a coach or a QB. He needs to show his own leadership abilities by dealing with this issue pronto. IMO though, nothing else needs to be made public, certainly no public reprimanding of Portis such as a benching or team statement. This should be dealt with internally as it should have been from the start.

I will maintain though, this is CP being CP.....

[Skins7ny]

I think the interview with Portis has been largely taken out of context. This post in RI does a little to elucidate on the conversation:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2008/09/the_portis_interview_directors.html#more

I read the link, and I don't see where it changes a thing. CP does say he may have missed a home run here or there, but then says that if he misses one, he does not get another opportunity. He then says he is not a leader because he does not work as hard as some of his teammates. He seems to recognize that leadership is earned through hard work Monday through Saturday, not just on Sunday. So I would say to him, if he wants to be a leader, put the work in Monday through Saturday. If he is unwilling to do so, keep cashing your enormous checks and shut the hell up.

[Skins7ny]

Sure, because getting in a pissing match with your star running back is the kind of thing that won't cause a distraction to the team.
Seriously, Portis wasn't calling out Zorn's schemes. He was expressing his frustration at the perception in the media that he's under-performing despite being one of the most consistent backs in the league.
I have no inside knowledge, but I suspect some token discipline would be welcomed by the team. I don't think Clinton should be inactive, and he should still get the bulk of the carries Sunday. But, Clinton has been coddled for too long, and the players have noticed it. A response would send the message that, whatever Gibbs and the FO has done in the past, Zorn is his own man and won't put up with any undermining of his authority. Clinton can swallow his medicine, take it like a man, and the team can then move on. It doesn't have to be a big deal.

Clinton did call out Zorn's schemes:

"I wish I could go to a team for one week with the best offensive line, or the team with the best scheme, and switch places with their back and see how others would do in this system"

"When your role changed, and you're used to hitting home runs, home runs, and they ask you to become a singles hitter, and you want to slap it out of the park, what do you say? 'No, I'm a home run hitter.' Or do you do what they ask you do to for the team?"+
THat's ludicrous what is this China? Iran?
THere's alot there (especially the exanded version) I don't like but you cannot bench the man for having said it. What Zorn should do is call him into the office and sit down and talk through some of this stuff. He also should make CP understand that the next time he's so frustrated don't vent to the media about it because that can become devisive rather than positive (just look at what some lifetime Skins fans are saying about our BEST football player)

The Redskins team has not done Zorn any favors. By that I mean they are not making this rookie campaign easy for him at all. THis is trial by fire and sometimes thats the best/fastest way to develop a coach or a QB. He needs to show his own leadership abilities by dealing with this issue pronto. IMO though, nothing else needs to be made public, certainly no public reprimanding of Portis such as a benching or team statement. This should be dealt with internally as it should have been from the start.

I will maintain though, this is CP being CP.....
With all due respect, a successful football team is more like a dictatorship than a democracy. The players want and need clear lines of authority. Did Don Shula tolerate this kind of crap? Does Bill Belichick? One of the problems we have had since the Danny took over is that the lines of authority have often been unclear. The owner taking Clinton and LaVar on friend dates shows preferential treatment and leads to a feeling of entitlement above his teammates by the player. Eventually it blows up in everybody's faces, as it did with LaVar and is doing with Clinton.

And don't compare the Skins benching a player for a quarter with China or Iran. If I criticize my employer in public, there are going to be consequences for me. That is as American as apple pie.

I agree with you that this should have been handled internally. But now that Clinton has made that impossible, he has challenged Zorn's authority publicly. I think it requires a public response, even if it is a symbolic benching for the first play of the game. Actions have to have consequences. Years of preferential treatment have led to this, and it will not stop until someone in authority stops it. Zorn should do it now, he cannot tolerate this without a public response. His players and the league will be looking at his response.

[bergiemoore]

I read the link, and I don't see where it changes a thing. CP does say he may have missed a home run here or there, but then says that if he misses one, he does not get another opportunity. He then says he is not a leader because he does not work as hard as some of his teammates. He seems to recognize that leadership is earned through hard work Monday through Saturday, not just on Sunday. So I would say to him, if he wants to be a leader, put the work in Monday through Saturday. If he is unwilling to do so, keep cashing your enormous checks and shut the hell up.

So, Portis giving an interview where he expresses his frustration with the lack of continuity during his tenure with the Skins and the perception of him as an under-performer due to circumstances outside of his control has really gotten you angry enough to suggest that he should be benched?

I think you are more upset about this than Zorn, the OLine and anyone else in the Skins locker room.

[AliBabba]

With all due respect, a successful football team is more like a dictatorship than a democracy. The players want and need clear lines of authority. Did Don Shula tolerate this kind of crap? Does Bill Belichick? One of the problems we have had since the Danny took over is that the lines of authority have often been unclear. The owner taking Clinton and LaVar on friend dates shows preferential treatment and leads to a feeling of entitlement above his teammates by the player. Eventually it blows up in everybody's faces, as it did with LaVar and is doing with Clinton.

And don't compare the Skins benching a player for a quarter with China or Iran. If I criticize my employer in public, there are going to be consequences for me. That is as American as apple pie.

With all due respect the NFL is nothing like other companies and Clinton Portis' work situation is nothing like yours.

Also, I don't believe the dictator mentality is effective these days in the NFL. I'm tired of the story but go see Tom Coughlin 2006 v 2007.

I agree with you that this should have been handled internally. But now that Clinton has made that impossible, he has challenged Zorn's authority publicly. I think it requires a public response, even if it is a symbolic benching for the first play of the game. Actions have to have consequences. Years of preferential treatment have led to this, and it will not stop until someone in authority stops it. Zorn should do it now, he cannot tolerate this without a public response. His players and the league will be looking at his response.

I, and I believe many others including Zorn and his teammates, do not view this as a direct attack of Zorn as you say. Even more now that the whole transcript is available as opposed to what was published last night.

I think Zorn should handle this internally rather than dividing the lockerroom his 2nd week on the job.

[Battle Cat]

Honestly if Jim Zorn takes Clinton Portis complaining about 4-5 years of playing in DC of which he has coached 1 game as a challenge to his authority he may need to grow a little thicker skin. Because if there is a game this week like last week Clinton Portis will be the least of his worries. Try NFL Gamedays and NFL Countdowns leading with stories like what is wrong with the Skins. Or he wasn't their first choice or the Skins are ran like the worst organization in the leauge and blew another head coach hiring like they did with Spurrier. Or Chris Berman asking what were they thinking when they hired this guy that was never even an offensive coordinator. He needs to stop that from happening first then deal with Mr. Portis.

[cal_junior]

So, Portis giving an interview where he expresses his frustration with the lack of continuity during his tenure with the Skins and the perception of him as an under-performer due to circumstances outside of his control has really gotten you angry enough to suggest that he should be benched?

This is the crux right here. CP has earned the right to be upset. Nobody on the Redskins plays better week in week out than Portis. When you fight for every extra yard and throw your body around like a maniac every weekend you deserve the right to be angry. If the rest of the team performed the way he does on Sundays the Skins might have a fourth Lombardi Trophy already.

[silverspring]

One of the problems we have had since the Danny took over is that the lines of authority have often been unclear. The owner taking Clinton and LaVar on friend dates shows preferential treatment and leads to a feeling of entitlement above his teammates by the player. Eventually it blows up in everybody's faces, as it did with LaVar and is doing with Clinton.

I'll tell you one thing, i bet snyder is peeved about this especially because he just basically gave clinton a gift in his new contract extension. I am sure it makes snyder even more angry that portis decided to whine to snyder's sworn arch enemy - the washington post.

No matter how anyone spins this, in the end it just demonstrates stupidity on Portis' behalf because i can't see how this article benefits anyone in any manner. Mostly though, it just makes portis look like a whiny brat.

[bergiemoore]

I have no inside knowledge, but I suspect some token discipline would be welcomed by the team. I don't think Clinton should be inactive, and he should still get the bulk of the carries Sunday. But, Clinton has been coddled for too long, and the players have noticed it. A response would send the message that, whatever Gibbs and the FO has done in the past, Zorn is his own man and won't put up with any undermining of his authority. Clinton can swallow his medicine, take it like a man, and the team can then move on. It doesn't have to be a big deal.

Clinton did call out Zorn's schemes:

"I wish I could go to a team for one week with the best offensive line, or the team with the best scheme, and switch places with their back and see how others would do in this system"

"When your role changed, and you're used to hitting home runs, home runs, and they ask you to become a singles hitter, and you want to slap it out of the park, what do you say? 'No, I'm a home run hitter.' Or do you do what they ask you do to for the team?"+


If anything, he's calling out Gibbs' scheme. He's not talking in this interview about just this last week. He was referring to his career with Washington, and the frustration over being called an under-performer because his stats while here don't measure up to what he had in Denver. He hit the nail squarely on the head when he commented about the lack of respect for the Skins passing game, and other teams tendency to stack the box with 8 and 9 players all keyed on him. Westbrook made the same comments a week ago about the lack of a real receiving threat in Philly, and how he was tired of seeing 8 and 9 in the box.

More than anything, Portis is frustrated with the accolades that are dumped on people like Marion Barber who have never performed at Portis' level on a consistent basis.

[Death_Venom]

"I wish I could go to a team for one week with the best offensive line, or the team with the best scheme, and switch places with their back and see how others would do in this system,"


"You know, I'm dodging all the people in the backfield, fighting just to get back to the line of scrimmage, and people [are] looking around like, 'Oh, he just missed it.' I'm dodging people getting the handoff, because nobody's really respecting us as a passing team."


"Even though Clinton Portis would love to have 160 to 170 yards, those 80 yards, sometimes it's the hardest 80 yards you possibly will see somebody get if you watch the game. It's not like it's daylight there."



All of those quotes are slights against his line, his blocking, his scheme and his QB.

You are are reading WAY TOO MUCH into this article.

[Death_Venom]

Bingo, bingo & bingo. People stacked the box all year last year and last week and dared Tarvaris Jackson to beat them. Same with Kyle Orton and Matt Forte. Probably true for Matt Ryan and Michael Turner as well.

I have seen Clinton miss plenty of holes. I also saw Ladell Betts rush for over 1,000 yards in less than half a season with the same OL that Clinton is complaining about.

And if I recall correctly Betts gained those yards against some the weakest teams against the run. Not really a fair comparison-you think?

[csquared]

You are are reading WAY TOO MUCH into this article.

Not really. Nobody is denying the validity of what he said. Its the way he choose to vent publicly is where the problem is.

[Death_Venom]

Not really. Nobody is denying the validity of what he said. Its the way he choose to vent publicly is where the problem is.

So what??? Name ONE other player on THIS TEAM that has busted his hump more than #26??? The Offensive Line has been crap for some time now-and yet Portis still makes plays, gains the yards, and acts as a blocker for the passing game.......

Ok-sure-I will hop on the bandwagon-let's CRUCIFY him for speaking his mind!!!

You bring the wood-I will grab the hammer & nails......

[csquared]

So what??? Name ONE other player on THIS TEAM that has busted his hump more than #26??? The Offensive Line has been crap for some time now-and yet Portis still makes plays, gains the yards, and acts as a blocker for the passing game.......

Ok-sure-I will hop on the bandwagon-let's CRUCIFY him for speaking his mind!!!

You bring the wood-I will grab the hammer & nails......

Again Nobody is denying what he said. But you dont throw your team/teammates under the bus. Im sure you were all over T.O when he threw Mcnabb under the bus. But since he is a Skin we are supposed to kiss his ass i guess. And if i were on that line id be making sure he didnt see any light this week.

[Death_Venom]

Again Nobody is denying what he said. But you dont throw your team/teammates under the bus. Im sure you were all over T.O when he threw Mcnabb under the bus. But since he is a Skin we are supposed to kiss his ass i guess. And if i were on that line id be making sure he didnt see any light this week.

Wow-some people are just inferring way too much into what was said......I did not even comment on that CRAP about TO. I read the article and I thought "how pathetic it even made it into the news"......TO has a big mouth-so what???

Not like that is newsworthy!!!

It would be one thing if this was player was not producing and then complaining but Portis PRODUCES........And has done so pretty consistently for sometime now........

[csquared]

Wow-some people are just inferring way too much into what was said......I did not even comment on that CRAP about TO. I read the article and I thought "how pathetic it even made it into the news"......TO has a big mouth-so what???

Not like that is newsworthy!!!

It would be one thing if this was player was not producing and then complaining but Portis PRODUCES........And has done so pretty consistently for sometime now........

And Portis doesn't? I dont care if he ran for 3000 yards last year you dont throw your teammates under the bus.

[Keino]

You are are reading WAY TOO MUCH into this article.

How so?

Those quotes are slights against his teammates, whether or not you choose to acknowledge them or not. Again, it is not whether or not these things he said are true (They in fact are true) that bothers, me, but rather the appropriateness of making such statements publicly.

[Death_Venom]

And Portis doesn't? I dont care if he ran for 3000 yards last year you dont throw your teammates under the bus.

This is an utter was of time-............You and others will read into something that has TOTALLY been twisted, and miscontrewed and make your own judgements........What said was pretty clear to me and a few others but I guess people are in that mood right now........

[csquared]

This is an utter was of time-............You and others will read into something that has TOTALLY been twisted, and miscontrewed and make your own judgements........What said was pretty clear to me and a few others but I guess people are in that mood right now........

Tell me how it was "twisted" and "misconstrued". What he said was pretty clear. And you with your burgundy color glasses don't want to see it.

[Keino]

This is an utter was of time-............You and others will read into something that has TOTALLY been twisted, and miscontrewed and make your own judgements........What said was pretty clear to me and a few others but I guess people are in that mood right now........

Feel free to show me where I have taken his statements out of context.

You are right, what was said was VERY clear. He has no running lanes and it is everyone's fault but his.

[Death_Venom]

Tell me how it was "twisted" and "misconstrued". What he said was pretty clear. And you with your burgundy color glasses don't want to see it.

Ok. You are right. Like I said before-...........You bring the wood-and I will grab the hammer and the nails.

[csquared]

Ok. You are right. Like I said before-...........You bring the wood-and I will grab the hammer and the nails.

Tell me what wasn't crystal clear. Dont punk out of the debate now. You tell me what was twisted and misconstrued.

[Keino]

Ok. You are right. Like I said before-...........You bring the wood-and I will grab the hammer and the nails.

Or maybe you can try discussing the topic instead before bearing your own cross....

[Death_Venom]

Tell me what wasn't crystal clear. Dont punk out of the debate now. You tell me what was twisted and misconstrued.

Refer to post #18. Then we can go on from there.

Or maybe you can try discussing the topic instead before bearing your own cross....

Care to be a little more transparent here???

[Skins7ny]

So, Portis giving an interview where he expresses his frustration with the lack of continuity during his tenure with the Skins and the perception of him as an under-performer due to circumstances outside of his control has really gotten you angry enough to suggest that he should be benched?

I think you are more upset about this than Zorn, the OLine and anyone else in the Skins locker room.
We have no way of knowing, because the other 52 guys in that locker room appear so far to be smart and disciplined enough not to tell the Washington Post what they think of Clinton's comments.

I know I sound angry about this, but I am just tired of Clinton's act. I think he is at heart a good guy, but he still has maturity issues and doesn't seem to totally get the team concept.

And if I recall correctly Betts gained those yards against some the weakest teams against the run. Not really a fair comparison-you think?
Clinton has had plenty of carries over the last 4 years against mediocre - to - poor run defenses. We were one of only 5 teams last year that did not bust a play over 40 yards. Clinton knows that despite the high yardage totals, he has underproduced in a Redskins uni. That is why he is getting so defensive. He has not been the explosive player that we bargained for. That is a fact. Yes, some blame can go to scheme, some to his OL. But not all of it. Not for 4 years. Clinton has to shoulder some of it.
So what??? Name ONE other player on THIS TEAM that has busted his hump more than #26??? The Offensive Line has been crap for some time now-and yet Portis still makes plays, gains the yards, and acts as a blocker for the passing game.......

Ok-sure-I will hop on the bandwagon-let's CRUCIFY him for speaking his mind!!!

You bring the wood-I will grab the hammer & nails......
Clinton himself named several.

I am getting pretty tired of hearing everyone defend Clinton behavior by saying that he plays hard. News flash, most of the guys on the team play hard. And it is incredible to hear people defend Clinton's work ethic WHEN CLINTON HIMSELF ADMITS THAT HE ONLY BUSTS HIS HUMP ON SUNDAY! To his credit, he is honest about it. But please stop defending his work ethic when he himself admits it is lacking. He knows better than you.

And bringing crucifixion imagery into a football debate is in poor taste.

[Keino]

Care to be a little more transparent here???

I don't see how being transparent is a bad thing in a discussion. There is nothing hidden, my position is quite clear....... What was said was pretty obvious to me and you keep insisting that I am not reading it correctly but you refuse upon being asked twice by me and twice by c-Squared to demonstrate how those comments should be read.

Otherwise retract your statement that I am reading "Way too much" into it.

I read what was stated nothing more nothing less.

[csquared]

Ok so i read the post. So because he said he wished he could trade for 1 week its ok? What if he said 6 weeks? 12 weeks? 2 years? I doesn't matter the length of time. Its the fact that he said he wished he could go to another team so he had running room. Not exactly a vote of confidence for his team is it?

[Death_Venom]

Clinton has had plenty of carries over the last 4 years against mediocre - to - poor run defenses. We were one of only 5 teams last year that did not bust a play over 40 yards. Clinton knows that despite the high yardage totals, he has underproduced in a Redskins uni. .

That can explained by 2 things: Some schemes work well, others do not, our O-line has not exactly been consistent. Underproduced yet he holds at least one franchise record-yeah that is underproducing all right.....


I am getting pretty tired of hearing everyone defend Clinton behavior by saying that he plays hard. News flash, most of the guys on the team play hard. And it is incredible to hear people defend Clinton's work ethic WHEN CLINTON HIMSELF ADMITS THAT HE ONLY BUSTS HIS HUMP ON SUNDAY! To his credit, he is honest about it. But please stop defending his work ethic when he himself admits it is lacking. He knows better than you. .

Sundays count-practices do not. I am not saying that it is not important to practice-but I would not want {whats appears our main weapon thus far} to be injured in some freak accident during practice.

[csquared]

And again T.O got bashed on this board for saying he wished Brett Favre was his QB. This is no different. Throwing teammates under the bus is throwing teammates under the bus. Anyway you slice it.

[Death_Venom]

And again T.O got bashed on this board for saying he wished Brett Favre was his QB. This is no different. Throwing teammates under the bus is throwing teammates under the bus. Anyway you slice it.

Again this getting beyond pointless. You nor I will apparently convince each other of our opinions. So I am going to let things lie. You have read the article (I assume). I am not going to take you by the hand and explain every little detail just so that you can say after it all: "I don't get it"........

[csquared]

Again this getting beyond pointless. You nor I will apparently convince each other of our opinions. So I am going to let things lie. You have read the article (I assume). I am not going to take you by the hand and explain every little detail just so that you can say after it all: "I don't get it"........

We have shown you where the issue is. You haven't done anything but say we " read into something that has TOTALLY been twisted, and miscontrewed and make your own judgements" or we are "reading too much into this" or "You bring the wood-and I will grab the hammer and the nails."
So don't accuse anyone of any of the above if you cant show where we are reading too much into it or we are just in the mood to not like what he said.

[Death_Venom]

We have shown you where the issue is. You haven't done anything but say we " read into something that has TOTALLY been twisted, and miscontrewed and make your own judgements" or we are "reading too much into this" or "You bring the wood-and I will grab the hammer and the nails."
So don't accuse anyone of any of the above if you cant show where we are reading too much into it or we are just in the mood to not like what he said.

Already pointed out one thing.......You dismissed it-so whatever.......

[hail2skins]

You don't say you'd be better off on another team EVER under any circumstance, If I'm Snyder I'm pissed with the dollars I've paid him now he romantacizes of playing on a team with better scheme's and lines.

I missed this part. Where in the article did he say this?

[hail2skins]

What about when Tomlinson traded in his established veteran QB after a Pro Bowl year for essentially a rookie with growing pains? You mean to tell me that teams didn't stuff the box on Tomlinson because Brees was gone and Rivers hadn't played? Did Tomlinson pout after 1 game? Did he complain about it? No, he kept on producing. And kept his mouth shut.
I take it you totally missed my point. I said I didn't think he was throwing his oline under the bus like some others here do. I also said I can see how it can be taken out of context but I didn't see it that way.

[HAWGZHEAD]

Ok so i read the post. So because he said he wished he could trade for 1 week its ok? What if he said 6 weeks? 12 weeks? 2 years? I doesn't matter the length of time. Its the fact that he said he wished he could go to another team so he had running room. Not exactly a vote of confidence for his team is it?I think this is where the problem lies. He isn't saying he wants to see how well he could run behind the best line in football. He is saying he wants to see how well the back from the team with the best line could do here. I am not seeing him say anywhere he doesn't want to be playing here.

[Death_Venom]

I think this is where the problem lies. He isn't saying he wants to see how well he could run behind the best line in football. He is saying he wants to see how well the back from the team with the best line could do here. I am not seeing him say anywhere he doesn't want to be playing here.

Thank you-.........You may move along now....:lolbig:

[hail2skins]

Because he is not the damn head coach!
If you have 53 players calling their teammates out, you don't have a team. You can bet that there are 53 strong opinions in that locker room, and I don't see where Clinton has done enough on or certainly off the field to merit being team spokesman.

You can be sure that there are lots of players among those 5-6 "highest paid" players on offense and defense that Clinton just called out as basically not giving a darn (we know who they are, just look at the NFLPA list) who have been participating in our off-season program the last 4 years, and did not require a $15.7 Million pretty-please from Dan Snyder to stick around here in February, March, April and May.You wanna know who you can blame for Portis being the way he is with the Redskins? Take a guess. I'll accept two names.

[hail2skins]

No he hasn't. He has busted his butt for 65 Sunday, less games he missed due to injury. He has NOT busted his butt along with his teammates during the other days of the year, which is why he has NOT given you, me, our fellow Skins fans, his teammates who he is calling out, the coaches who coddle him and the owner and VP who has lined his pockets his best. Contrast him with Earnest Byner, Art Monk, Terry Metcalf, and any number of great Skins who knew what it took the other 349 days of the year to be the best they could be, and who always gave it to us.

I would rather hear Rock Cartwright, London Fletcher or James Thrash call someone out than Clinton Portis. He would be way down on my list.

I hope this has the effect of rallying the team, but even if it does, I don't think that is what Clinton intended. He was trying to rehabilitate his reputation. Even to the extent he has a point, it was a purely selfish act.I will definitely disagree with you here. The only thing you can prove is his lack of efforts in the preseason. The guys keeps himself in shape and you can see that. He was OTA's too. So the only thing you have is preseason and he let his feelings be known about that. Again, who do you blame for allowing it to happen is the question.

[hail2skins]

Clinton did call out Zorn's schemes:

Wrong. Who's running schemes are they using? Zorn only changed the passing scheme, the running scheme is the same as it was under who?

[hail2skins]

Ok so i read the post. So because he said he wished he could trade for 1 week its ok? What if he said 6 weeks? 12 weeks? 2 years? I doesn't matter the length of time. Its the fact that he said he wished he could go to another team so he had running room. Not exactly a vote of confidence for his team is it?c, what's the 2nd part of that quote? To see that runningback (from the other team) in this system (the system Portis is currently in). That's where I think the problem lies for some here. I understand and agree with your point that it shouldn't be public. It is, so I'm digesting it that way.

[Keino]

Thank you-.........You may move along now....:lolbig:

But that doesn't change the fact that he is critical of his teammates, no matter how he qualified it.

"I'd like to see LT come here with this crap that I have and see if he can put up the monster numbers he puts up"

Now I realize this isn't exactly what he said, but can you see now why I have a problem with his comments?

[Biggie]

You know, I saw that article this morning and was thinking to myself "Can he actually say that?".

To be fair to Clinton, he's never had the chance to put up Shanahanesque numbers here, but the running game is the same as it was under Gibbs and the guys blocking for him are the same guys who've been here since he got here, more or less. He should have more respect for them than to badmouth them to the press. This is the kind of thing you keep in the locker room.

[Death_Venom]

But that doesn't change the fact that he is critical of his teammates, no matter how he qualified it.

"I'd like to see LT come here with this crap that I have and see if he can put up the monster numbers he puts up"

Now I realize this isn't exactly what he said, but can you see now why I have a problem with his comments?

I am sure we all wondered that too....Portis just said it vocally........I would not be surprised in least if some of these answers were coaxed out of him.

[Nomad]

So what??? Name ONE other player on THIS TEAM that has busted his hump more than #26??? The Offensive Line has been crap for some time now-and yet Portis still makes plays, gains the yards, and acts as a blocker for the passing game.......

Ok-sure-I will hop on the bandwagon-let's CRUCIFY him for speaking his mind!!!

You bring the wood-I will grab the hammer & nails......

He's paid nearly 10 million a year to do all that--guaranteed.

He's a vet, and should be saavier at the media game. You don't air your dirty laundry--period.

If you're on the OL, do you want to block harder for him now?

Saying bad things about your teammates in public rarely leads to anythnig good.

[Skins7ny]

I take it you totally missed my point. I said I didn't think he was throwing his oline under the bus like some others here do. I also said I can see how it can be taken out of context but I didn't see it that way.
I don't think I missed your point, which was that all Clinton was saying is that he was curious how LT would do playing with his OL, and that it was hard to run with 9 or 10 guys constantly in the box. My response was that LT did have that circumstance when Philip Rivers took over-defenses put 9 or 10in the box until Rivers showed he could beat them. As I recall, LT did not complain but kept on producing. If your point was, that CPortis was not throwing his OL under the bus, just his inexperienced QB, then you are right, I missed your point. But elsewhere in the article, he criticizes the blocking and lack of holes, although I suppose in his mind he might be attributing that to the 9-10 men in the box, not poor OL play. But that is not clear, IMO.

You wanna know who you can blame for Portis being the way he is with the Redskins? Take a guess. I'll accept two names.
The 2 names would either be Dan Snyder and Joe Gibbs. Or Mr. and Mrs. Portis.
I will definitely disagree with you here. The only thing you can prove is his lack of efforts in the preseason. The guys keeps himself in shape and you can see that. He was OTA's too. So the only thing you have is preseason and he let his feelings be known about that. Again, who do you blame for allowing it to happen is the question. Portis himself has admitted that he does not keep himself in shape. The team let it be known that he had to basically be bribed to work out at Redskins Park with this teammates this off-season. In years past, even his friends like Santana Moss have commented about his lack of practice and off-season committment. We don't know to what extent his lack of conditioning has contributed to his nagging injuries, and his seemingly diminished quickness, suddenness and production.

As far as who I blame, I am not really interested in blaming anybody. But as I have said before, treating some players differently than others leads to them feeling entitlement to be treated better, which leads to players putting themselves aheade of their teammates and their coaches. Which is what I think this is, which is why I am upset by it.
Wrong. Who's running schemes are they using? Zorn only changed the passing scheme, the running scheme is the same as it was under who?
That is a good point. However, Zorn is the head coach, and it is still a criticism of him. He is in charge of the running game. Also, it is well-known that Gibbs and Bugel changed the OL schemes from Gibbs 1.0 to include more zone blocking. This was done solely to play to Clinton's strengths. Zorn's running scheme still has plenty of zone and cut blocking in it.

I have said since day 1 that Clinton was a square peg in a round hole here, and in this article he is finally admitting it.

[hail2skins]

I don't think I missed your point, which was that all Clinton was saying is that he was curious how LT would do playing with his OL, and that it was hard to run with 9 or 10 guys constantly in the box. My response was that LT did have that circumstance when Philip Rivers took over-defenses put 9 or 10in the box until Rivers showed he could beat them. As I recall, LT did not complain but kept on producing. If your point was, that CPortis was not throwing his OL under the bus, just his inexperienced QB, then you are right, I missed your point. But elsewhere in the article, he criticizes the blocking and lack of holes, although I suppose in his mind he might be attributing that to the 9-10 men in the box, not poor OL play. But that is not clear, IMO. I see you still miss my point and I won't go over it again. read the thread again if you must.


The 2 names would either be Dan Snyder and Joe Gibbs. Or Mr. and Mrs. Portis. Bingo, you win nothing.

Portis himself has admitted that he does not keep himself in shape. The team let it be known that he had to basically be bribed to work out at Redskins Park with this teammates this off-season. In years past, even his friends like Santana Moss have commented about his lack of practice and off-season committment. We don't know to what extent his lack of conditioning has contributed to his nagging injuries, and his seemingly diminished quickness, suddenness and production.I must have missed where Portis said he doesn't keep himself in shape in the offseason. Can you point me to it so I can read it for myself. Same with the comments you say others have made in reference to it. I consider one to keep up with things but will admit there are probably some things I can miss. A pointer would be nice.

As far as who I blame, I am not really interested in blaming anybody. But as I have said before, treating some players differently than others leads to them feeling entitlement to be treated better, which leads to players putting themselves aheade of their teammates and their coaches. Which is what I think this is, which is why I am upset by it. Do you find this to be true of yourself? If your boss took you to lunch, would you feel you are better than your co-workers? I myself was one of 3 out of 75 invited to my old boss' 50th birthday party. I didn't feel I was above the other people who weren't invited.

With a lot of teams, veterans are treated differently than the younger players on the team, how is it any different?

That is a good point. However, Zorn is the head coach, and it is still a criticism of him. He is in charge of the running game. Also, it is well-known that Gibbs and Bugel changed the OL schemes from Gibbs 1.0 to include more zone blocking. This was done solely to play to Clinton's strengths. Zorn's running scheme still has plenty of zone and cut blocking in it.No where did I say this wasn't a criticism of Zorn, I said I don't think Clinton threw his oline under the bus.

I have said since day 1 that Clinton was a square peg in a round hole here, and in this article he is finally admitting it.Hence maybe a lack of objectivity in this situation from you specifically.

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

Look at it this way... if we eventually win the Super Bowl, there's plenty of America's Game material even after only one week :)

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Look at it this way... if we eventually win the Super Bowl, there's plenty of America's Game material even after only one week :)

LOL. Very true.

[Smiley]

If we lose ugly on Sunday...this story is going to get some legs. He didn't say anything we haven't said. The blocking was horrible last week.

[joethefan]

i think going to the media isn't going to fix the issue..it just may make it worse.....

[Chief Redskin]

If your boss took you to lunch, would you feel you are better than your co-workers? I myself was one of 3 out of 75 invited to my old boss' 50th birthday party. I didn't feel I was above the other people who weren't invited.

With a lot of teams, veterans are treated differently than the younger players on the team, how is it any different?

Maybe you didn't feel you were above your co-workers, but you can bet some of them felt slighted they were not invited.

Just like I'm sure some of Portis' teammates feel like he receives preferential treatment from the front office and coaching staff.

No questions about it. Clinton Portis gets the star treatment from Daniel Snyder. I.E. high profile events with Snyder and the ridiculous contract restructure.

Personally, I don't take Portis' comments that seriously because I realize he is the type of guy that says whatever is on his mind (I.E. dog fight comments after Vick arrest). However, I can see why some people would be upset with Clinton when considering how much we have invested in him.

[Death_Venom]

Clinton Portis gets the star treatment from Daniel Snyder. I.E. high profile events with Snyder and the ridiculous contract restructure.

It was my understanding that Portis has restructured his contract (several times) in order to create "cap space"..........???

[tmac19]

[

I am getting pretty tired of hearing everyone defend Clinton behavior by saying that he plays hard. News flash, most of the guys on the team play hard. And it is incredible to hear people defend Clinton's work ethic WHEN CLINTON HIMSELF ADMITS THAT HE ONLY BUSTS HIS HUMP ON SUNDAY! To his credit, he is honest about it. But please stop defending his work ethic when he himself admits it is lacking. He knows better than you.


isnt that what counts tho? how a player plays when the lights are on? I'm pretty sure you would rather have a player that plays at a high level on Sun over a pratice all-star

[NamVet4]

Was Clinton right to express his feelings in public to the WP? Maybe yes, maybe no!. Is the psyche of our Beloved Team so fragile that it will be irreparably damaged by what he said? Maybe yes, maybe no!
I do know this... The man walks the walk....And all of you number guru's must validate that! So, he can talk the talk! WE as fans may feel slighted or may not think it is a big deal. Whatever your opinion it is only going to be validated by our Beloved Teams performance on this Sunday and those Sundays to come...
Referring to Portis as a "douche bag" and suggesting that Coach Zorn sit him are extreme emotional comments - Fortunately we have the freedom of expression that allows ALL comments.

[InsomniaKiller]

I haven't read this entire thread because it's pretty lengthy and I don't have the time before I head to work, but I just wanted to throw in my two cents.

I think Clinton is an incredible talent and is, in many ways, underrated by the NFL and sadly even by some of our fans. However, even I was a little bummed out by his comments at first.

After reading the rest of his comments, though, I don't get the feeling that he's calling anybody out on this team. He said, point blank, that this team has more talent than the team in Denver. He would not "undo" the trade that brought him here. He clearly loves his teammates and nobody can doubt that he put everything he's got into every single play. I think he just feels that a lot of people are saying he's not the running back he used to be because people will just look at things like the stats from last Thursday's game and say he had a bad game when we all know that he played hard, ran tough, and often made something out of nothing.

I'm not saying that being so candid with the media was necessarily the best idea, but I think a lot of us are overreacting to his comments. This is where he wants to be, and he gives us everything he's got. That's enough for me and I certainly haven't lost any respect for him.

I just hope he doesn't make a habit out of this type of interview.

[sinskin]

Sorry , but I think you are splitting hairs here. TO was asked a direct question and answered openly and honestly. The media made it a slight against McNabb who was at the time his current QB. Saying he is not getting any lanes to run in is not only inaccurate, but it is a direct comment against the O Line (Entirely). To go on to add that teams don't respect our passing game and if he was in the "Best Scheme" things would be different are Direct slights against his QB, Line and Head Coach/O Coordinator. The Tri-fecta if you will.



I wouldn't be so sure about that. I think they won't say it publicly, because they respect the locker-room, but I can't believe that in reading these comments a few feathers won't be ruffled.



Eccentricity doesn't excuse douchebaggery. Dennis Rodman was Eccentric (and the best at what he did) that didn't excuse his ridiculousness.

I will not give CP a pass on this, because I wouldn't give a similar pass to other Redskins players in the past. I love him on the field, but I have lost respect for him as a man and as a team-mate.

If he learned anything from Gibbs, as he claimed, then the word "ACCOUNTABILITY" would be incorporated into his mantra. He would blame himself first publicly (whether he believed that or not) and protect his teammates and coach.


Thats EXACTLY my take on what he said.... he pretty much hated on the whole offense and coaching scheme!

[Skins7ny]

Was Clinton right to express his feelings in public to the WP? Maybe yes, maybe no!. Is the psyche of our Beloved Team so fragile that it will be irreparably damaged by what he said? Maybe yes, maybe no!
I do know this... The man walks the walk....And all of you number guru's must validate that! So, he can talk the talk! WE as fans may feel slighted or may not think it is a big deal. Whatever your opinion it is only going to be validated by our Beloved Teams performance on this Sunday and those Sundays to come...
Referring to Portis as a "douche bag" and suggesting that Coach Zorn sit him are extreme emotional comments - Fortunately we have the freedom of expression that allows ALL comments.

I certainly never referred to Portis as a d-bag. I have too much respect for him to do that, believe it or not. He has never got into trouble with the law, or done anything truly bad. But unlike the majority on this thread, I don't think that he should get a pass for immature and selfish behavior just because he is really good at picking up the blitz. When he acts immaturely and potentially hurts the team, I am going to call him out on it, whether people agree or not.

This is not a free speech issue. I am a very big advocate of the 1st amendment (and actually have taught it in law school). The First Amendment protects my right of free speech against the government and related entities. It does NOT protect my speech against private entities, who can sue me for defamation or slander, or terminate my employment. There are exceptions such as whistleblower retaliation statutes, but the idea that you or I have free speech from anyting other than federal, state or local governments is a popular misconception.
I see you still miss my point and I won't go over it again. read the thread again if you must.


Bingo, you win nothing.

I must have missed where Portis said he doesn't keep himself in shape in the offseason. Can you point me to it so I can read it for myself. Same with the comments you say others have made in reference to it. I consider one to keep up with things but will admit there are probably some things I can miss. A pointer would be nice.

Do you find this to be true of yourself? If your boss took you to lunch, would you feel you are better than your co-workers? I myself was one of 3 out of 75 invited to my old boss' 50th birthday party. I didn't feel I was above the other people who weren't invited.

With a lot of teams, veterans are treated differently than the younger players on the team, how is it any different?

No where did I say this wasn't a criticism of Zorn, I said I don't think Clinton threw his oline under the bus.

Hence maybe a lack of objectivity in this situation from you specifically.

I have read the thread over, and still must be missing your point. If it is not important enough for you to tell me what I am missing, then it is not important for me to read over again.

You have missed where Clinton said it. Since you won't point me to things I have missed, I will act accordingly. Read the thread over again.

I can tell you I worked at a law firm where some people received preferential treatment. It sent a bad message, and was definitely noticed by the staff. Firm morale went downhill after that. And regardless of how you felt about your boss' party, I guarantee that at least some of your colleagues were hurt that they were not invited.

You raised the possibility that Portis did not mean his comments as a slam on Zorn, because Zorn did not design the running game.

Impugn my objectivity all you want, but what I am saying is true, and that is the bottom line. My motives are I would like to see our star player who just got a $9M signing bonus to produce without undermining his teammates, his coordinators, his head coach and his front office. Is that too much to ask?
The fact that I think (and always have) that he is a round peg in a square hole here does not mean (1) I hold that against him-it is not his fault that he does not fit our scheme. That is the fault of the people who brought him here and (2) that I don't want him to succeed. He my running back, and so long as he is I would like to see him lead the league in rushing yardage, yards per carry and TDs.

[smoak]

Not good for this to be happening after 1 game.

Agreed.

Frankly, I am sick of Portis and if we fall flat on our faces this season, I want to rebuild sans the UM guys.

[NamVet4]

I certainly never referred to Portis as a d-bag. I have too much respect for him to do that, believe it or not.
First of all, the douche comment was not attributed to any one poster..but if you scan you can find the original poster who used the comment. And it wasn't you Skins7ny... My entire post is in response to all posters!


This is not a free speech issue. I am a very big advocate of the 1st amendment (and actually have taught it in law school). The First Amendment protects my right of free speech against the government and related entities. It does NOT protect my speech against private entities, who can sue me for defamation or slander, or terminate my employment. There are exceptions such as whistleblower retaliation statutes, but the idea that you or I have free speech from anyting other than state or local governments is a popular misconception.

My statement was presented as a direct compliment to the members and moderators of this board who are probably, well definitely are, more tolerant than other fan sites. That's why I post here. I am sorry you misconstrued the post.
My post was not meant as a personal slam at you, or any member who posts here.
I allow CP the same freedom of expression I want.

[Meatsnack]

I don't see why this is a big deal. CP should keep his dirty laundry in the hamper. Most of us would agree that it is immature to air this kind of speculative whining about who could or could not have produced under what circumstances.

My belief is that the great ones produce almost no matter what. That is why Walter Payton was great, he produced on some truly horrible Bears teams on which he was the only weapon and running behind a truly questionale O-line. Earl Campbell in Houston, ditto. Emmit Smith, not great: he ran behind the most dominant O-line of his era and when those guys retired or left, his production went to mediocre at best.

So, in a scheme (Gibbs) that is simplistic and relies on near flawless execution, the star back doesn't practice hard or with all his attention and then says the scheme is to blame? Um...no. The star RB is to blame as much as any because if he and the other 10 guys don't all execute their assignments to the letter, the play fails. And Clinton is a weak link in terms of executing plays due to his lack of intensity the other 6 days a week. How many times do we need to see him outrun his blockers or impatiently hit the wrong damned hole before we allow CP to shoulder his share of the blame?

I don't want to make CP out to be a bad guy but this is just like LaVar whining about how his career was sabotaged by everyone else in the organization and he's just an innocent victim. Please. Put on your big-boy pants and take some personal responsibility.

[guess88]

Dear God we need a win tomorrrow.

[Skins7ny]

First of all, the douche comment was not attributed to any one poster..but if you scan you can find the original poster who used the comment. And it wasn't you Skins7ny... My entire post is in response to all posters!

My statement was presented as a direct compliment to the members and moderators of this board who are probably, well definitely are, more tolerant than other fan sites. That's why I post here. I am sorry you misconstrued the post.
My post was not meant as a personal slam at you, or any member who posts here. I allow CP the same freedom of expression I want.
You are right, I apologize for taking it personally.
I don't see why this is a big deal. CP should keep his dirty laundry in the hamper. Most of us would agree that it is immature to air this kind of speculative whining about who could or could not have produced under what circumstances.
My belief is that the great ones produce almost no matter what. That is why Walter Payton was great, he produced on some truly horrible Bears teams on which he was the only weapon and running behind a truly questionale O-line. Earl Campbell in Houston, ditto. Emmit Smith, not great: he ran behind the most dominant O-line of his era and when those guys retired or left, his production went to mediocre at best.

So, in a scheme (Gibbs) that is simplistic and relies on near flawless execution, the star back doesn't practice hard or with all his attention and then says the scheme is to blame? Um...no. The star RB is to blame as much as any because if he and the other 10 guys don't all execute their assignments to the letter, the play fails. And Clinton is a weak link in terms of executing plays due to his lack of intensity the other 6 days a week. How many times do we need to see him outrun his blockers or impatiently hit the wrong damned hole before we allow CP to shoulder his share of the blame?I don't want to make CP out to be a bad guy but this is just like LaVar whining about how his career was sabotaged by everyone else in the organization and he's just an innocent victim. Please. Put on your big-boy pants and take some personal responsibility. Excellent Post.

Dear God we need a win tomorrrow.
This we can all agree on. Go Skins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Patrick]

Clinton - KEEP TALKING!!!!!!!!

[give_portis_the_rock]

A lot I could say, yet I'm speechless at this moment.
Wish Portis had the same problem.

It depends on how you (and the OL) interpret it.
Was he actually throwing his TEAMMATES under the bus, or was he just hoping that he could get better PLAY from them. Remember that running back may be the most dependent position in the game. You need a seam to gain yardage (at least if you want to gain them on a consistent basis).

[Patrick]

It depends on how you (and the OL) interpret it.
Was he actually throwing his TEAMMATES under the bus, or was he just hoping that he could get better PLAY from them. Remember that running back may be the most dependent position in the game. You need a seam to gain yardage (at least if you want to gain them on a consistent basis).

AND I repeat ............ Clinton .... KEEP TALKING!!!!!!