before we get started take a look at these numbers briefly:
ok, take that all in? that's Clinton Portis's tenure in Washington, capped off by his total career. now look at these numbers, property of Champ Bailey:
all these years later, and this trade still perplexes me. I'll start by saying that I have no preference on one way or another. In my opinion, the Skins still have a glaring weakness in the backfield. Granted on a few occasions you can get a game like last week's out of Smoot, Springs, and Rodgers. But when it comes to consistency, I don't think anyone would consider those three to be elite CBs. In the meantime we have Portis. As you can see in the above numbers, with the exception of 2006 the year he got hurt, Portis has never ran anything less than 1200 yards and he again seems headed towards at least 1200 this year. When comparing the two, it raises some unique questions. What is the exchange rate between stopping the pass and running effectively? Has Portis's growth been stifled by the Joe Gibbs power-run system? Could he have gotten even better under Mike Shananan, the CEO of the running back factory? Since Bailey got to Denver the Broncos have missed the playoffs twice, would they have fared better had Portis stayed? These are questions that are extremely tough to answer, but for the sake of time and energy I'll dissect the impact of Clinton Portis on the recent Washington Redskins.
Just a short month ago, when it appeared that the burgundy and gold ship was sinking swiftly, Portis was quite vocal in his distaste for the Skins' style of running. It is one that is purely brutal, relying on punching the opponent in the mouth until their will is broken. Diving right up the middle with shoulder low,head down, and ball intact. It worked for guys like John Riggins and to a lesser extant Stephen Davis, bigger backs with bulkier legs. But Portis is a tiny guy, listed at a light 5'11 , 205 lbs, which I'm sure is still being generous.Prior to arriving in DC, he was acclaimed for his breakneck speed and sharp cut style, which he perfected at the U and in Denver.It makes you wonder how much research Joe Gibbs did on this guy, having thrived with strong powerful backs in the past and then so willingly shipping off an elite CB for the smaller Portis. But If we've learned anything this last month watching the Skins it's that Joe Gibbs was a suck coach second time around.
In recent years, Portis has been criticized for taking plays off and not practicing hard. His detractors want more, and his defenders respond by swearing he's giving all he's got. Those speaking in honor of Clinton insist that the Gibbs style of running has been too violent on him, that he'd give more if only he could. He insists he still has the potential for making the big play like he did in college and as a Bronco, but that he was held back as a result of the old-school methods implored by Mr.Hard Fought Win himself. Both arguments have been sworn by enough to now hold a good amount of weight. Portis is small, but he's also paid millions to run.
He's a polarizing figure yes, for if there's one thing he remains consistent in doing it's making Skins fans elated and pissed off in the same game. He'll break out for an 18 yard dash, and then five minutes later be taking a knee on the sideline while there's a 3rd&2, gasping. Even still, he's managed to pull in the numbers he has, and if people really thought about who the most complete football player on the Washington Redskins is, they'd soon realize it's probably Clinton Portis, flaws and all. His legacy as a Redskin will be as fascinating as his public persona and only time will tell if he completes his tenure here on good terms. He swears he still has more to give, and this new high-octane offense might be the avenue he needs to prove it. He did looked great last week and he's been ballin thus far. Five years and counting, and the verdict is still out on whether or not the Bailey-for-Portis deal made sense. Only time will tell, but it does look like he'll be pulling in at least 1300 this year if he stays healthy. Now if we beat the Broncos to a Super Bowl? That will be the ultimate answer to the debate.
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