Clinton Portis: a question mark

Christopher Yurko, staff writer
March 2, 2010
Filed under Editorials

Since 2004, the Washington Redskins have relied on premier running back Clinton Portis, who they acquired that year in a trade with the Denver Broncos, to carry the team to the Promised Land. Portis, who was placed on injured reserve early this season after suffering a severe concussion during the week eight matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, has made more than his share of public statements about the condition of the Washington Redskins.

Two months ago, he said on a radio interview with ESPN 180 that he believed current Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell is not an effective leader on the field. He discussed how the quarterback doesn’t display emotion or vocally motivate the team.

After some sparks flew about the incident, Campbell’s response was one of fact and not opinion, by simply stating that he had started the entire year, endured over forty sacks and still managed to come to practice and participate everyday.

Portis has rushed for a combined total of 9,696 yards with a yards-per-carry average at a healthy 4.5 yards. However, in his later years Portis’ number of carries has increased dramatically and therefore the number of hits to his body has increased dramatically as well. Portis is an eight season pro but is still 28 which presents a glimmer of hope as most running backs stats begin to drop off dramatically at age 30.

Portis posted his two best seasons statistically in yardage and number of touchdowns his first two seasons, which he spent with Denver. Since then Portis has not reached another 1,500 yard season, or rushed for over eleven touchdowns in any given season. He ran for over 1,500 yards both seasons in Denver, as well as posting scoring fifteen touchdowns his rookie season, and fourteen the following season.

More recently however, Portis held an exclusive interview with Lindsay Czarniak of NBC4 in which he discussed what he hoped to be his future with the Redskins, his ‘misunderstanding’ with Jason Campbell and how he plans to show the ‘haters’ that he is still effective and can be a top running back in this league.

Sitting down in front of Lindsay, with a massive diamond glistening in his ear, Portis was asked about his lack of practice in a regular work week and leading up to a game. Czarniak asked him if he thought that he could’ve worked harder, and Portis replied with, “well, I guess in some ways I could’ve probably worked a little harder”, whilst his diamond still shone in his ear.

Don’t get me wrong, I have been a Clinton Portis fan ever since he came to DC and it is undeniable that he has played very effectively in his time here. However, approaching the end of a running backs average life span, enduring brutal hits between the tackles for years and dwindling statistics have many Washington fans thinking that its time for a switch at running back.

Another thing that many people overlook about Clinton Portis is that he can no longer make, ‘the cut’.  Portis was trained in a one cut style of offense and has always been a one cut style running back, but with age and injury decaying him, he can no longer make that vital cut.

There’s no doubt that everybody in Washington hopes that Clinton Portis is successful again here and can help us move towards our ultimate goal, which is winning the super bowl. However if he doesn’t start to show up for practice,  prepare and be involved in the game plan each week, then how can we truly expect the best from Clinton Portis.

With the Redskins undergoing massive changes, both on a team level and as an organization, it may perhaps be time to change the war horse who we put behind the line to carry the ball.

If anyone is the man to help completely reshape this team, and perhaps Portis himself, it is newly hired coach Mike Shannahan, who Clinton served his two first years in the NFL with while playing for the Broncos.