Coach Byner doesn't believe that Portis (shoulder) can carry load by himself

[Gryphon]

Commanders running backs coach Ernest Byner doesn't believe that when Clinton Portis (shoulder) returns he can stay 100 percent.

Portis is questionable for the start of the season. "We have to look at the other guys stepping in even more so," Byner said. "And possibly taking some of the pounding off him."

Source: Washington Times

 

[Cowboy from New York]

They don't have a duo like we have but they do have some depth there at RB.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Let the Redstink excuses start.....

ready...
set...



GO!

 

[bh32]

oh please.portis and betts combo is better than any combo of backs you have.

 

[Secondary2None3141]

I actually think Ladell Betts would be a better "Gibbs" back than Portis.

 

[The30YardSlant]

oh please.portis and betts combo is better than any combo of backs you have.

Portis is better than either Barber or Jones, but both Barber and Jones are better tahn Betts

 

[GTaylor]

I feel sorry for Portis if he returns at less than 100%, every defender is going to be gunning for that shoulder.

 

[Bizwah]

Portis is better than either Barber or Jones, but both Barber and Jones are better tahn Betts

I don't know that I agree with this. Betts is a pretty good back. He doesn't have great speed, but neither does Barber. He's an excellent compliment to Portis. I think if they find a good rotation, they'll be ok.

Portis is much better than Jones or Barber.....But Betts is as good, right now, as Jones/Barber.

 

[RiggoForever]

I feel sorry for Portis if he returns at less than 100%, every defender is going to be gunning for that shoulder.

Thing is, if they are looking to hit his shoulder and not hit him square, they are likely to miss him.

 

[Gfunk]

Betts is injury prone like JJ, but to say JJ and MIII are better than him?

that's reaching​

 

[RiggoForever]

I actually think Ladell Betts would be a better "Gibbs" back than Portis.

Betts is a very good north/south runner and is probably more of a threat out of the backfield then Portis.

As for being a better "Gibbs" back, I don't think Betts would hold up well with over 300 carries a season.

 

[burmafrd]

Portis is better then JJ since he has played a full season and gotten over 1000 yds several times. However, JJ is clearly better then Betts and Barber is probably at least as good. ANd with TT and Kincade overall I say we are deeper.

 

[GTaylor]

Thing is, if they are looking to hit his shoulder and not hit him square, they are likely to miss him.

Out in the open that's true, but what about when he's running down a lane, if he's gang-tackled, playing on turf, etc. Not much option there but to take the shot.

 

[TEK2000]

I don't know that I agree with this. Betts is a pretty good back. He doesn't have great speed, but neither does Barber. He's an excellent compliment to Portis. I think if they find a good rotation, they'll be ok.

Portis is much better than Jones or Barber.....But Betts is as good, right now, as Jones/Barber.

Based on what? In his rookie season, Barber averaged about the same yards per carry but had way more Touchdowns and First downs than Betts has EVER had in his career.

 

[Dough Boy]

Betts is injury prone like JJ, but to say JJ and MIII are better than him?

that's reaching​

Clearly, Betts would start for 31 other team.

 

[Big Dakota]

Thing is, if they are looking to hit his shoulder and not hit him square, they are likely to miss him.

Thing is, he'll be gimped all year. Even your coach thinks so. That shoulder won't be the same all year, and maybe even end his year at some point. He's headed for shoulder surgery at some point. Sorry.

 

[Shaun]

Thing is, if they are looking to hit his shoulder and not hit him square, they are likely to miss him.

The shoulder is more likely to be injured bouncing off of turf. I'm sure he'll be okay if he can stay off the ground all year.

 

[Dough Boy]

I don't know that I agree with this. Betts is a pretty good back. He doesn't have great speed, but neither does Barber. He's an excellent compliment to Portis. I think if they find a good rotation, they'll be ok.

Portis is much better than Jones or Barber.....But Betts is as good, right now, as Jones/Barber.

If the Commanders have to start Betts for 15 weeks, is Al Saunders concerned? If Dallas has to start Barber for 15 weeks, how concerned are the Cowboys? Those two concerns are not equal in my mind. JMO

Also, Portis is a much more consistent back than Jones, I don't know that he is a much better back than Jones.

 

[Big Dakota]

Betts is injury prone like JJ, but to say JJ and MIII are better than him?

that's reaching
​

OH GAWD, Betts and his 1270 yard 5 year career(to say nothing of his whopping 5 tds) strikes fear in the hearts of the entire NFL

 

[NIBGoldenchild]

Based on what? In his rookie season, Barber averaged about the same yards per carry but had way more Touchdowns and First downs than Betts has EVER had in his career.

I don't know about first downs, but Barber had the same amount touchdowns as Betts has had in his career. Not way more. Also, in comparing backups it's probably better to think about the quality of each rusher's carries instead of generalizing the numbers. Barber carried the ball more last season than Betts has in any season of his career.