Clinton Portis

[SkinzCanes]

I think that one of the main reasons for our turnaround this season has been Portis. He has grown so much in just one season and has really turned into a team leader. He plays the game with as much heart, passion, and intensity as any player that I have ever seen. Looking back that Champ-CP trade really came out in our favor. Nothing against Champ but he never had this type of impact when he was a Skin.

Defiantly Old School

By Thomas Boswell

Monday, January 2, 2006; Page E01

PHILADELPHIA

As Joe Gibbs walked past the Redskins' bench last week at FedEx Field, running back Clinton Portis started screaming at his Hall of Fame coach. "It's 'gut' and 'power.' Do you want to win?" yelled Portis, demanding the up-the-middle, punch-in-the-nose plays he loves to run.

"Yeah, I want to win the game" said the surprised Gibbs, not accustomed to being asked by his players if he prefers to win.

"Then it's 'gut' and 'power,' " repeated the 5-foot-10, 212-pound Portis, who doesn't look like nature intended that he be used as a human battering ram.

"Okay, I got it," said Gibbs, who did as he was told.

For the last five weeks, the Redskins have been using guts and power, returning to the kind of intimidating, old-school football that defined the first Gibbs era. At the center of that transformation has been Portis, who may not look like massive John Riggins, but has pounded opponents to pulp in five straight victories that have put the Redskins back in the playoffs.

On Sunday, Gibbs chuckled at that memory of Portis demanding more of the bludgeoning runs that often defined Gibbs's teams between 1981 and 1992. Here at Lincoln Financial Field, Gibbs watched in admiration as Portis once again "powered" and "gutted" his way to 112 yards and two scores against the Eagles, including the game-deciding, 22-yard, fourth-quarter scoring run that put the Redskins ahead 24-20 and ignited an eventual 31-20 win. In the process of playing hero, Portis broke the all-time Redskins rushing record with 1,516 yards for the season, including 573 yards in 131 carries in those last five vital games.

Portis's final scoring run, on a play that began horribly but finished in the end zone, was emblematic of a Redskins game that might easily have been lost to a determined Philadelphia team that enjoyed its opportunity to play spoiler. Asked how the played was designed, Portis grinned and said: "I think that play was designed for a two-yard loss. But I was fortunate. With the spin move, [the cornerback] disappeared, and all I saw was daylight. When I got close to the goal line, I had to dive, because otherwise I was going out of bounds."

As he has done so many times this season, Portis combined raw speed, spinning agility and an acrobatic gift that allows him to gain an extra yard or two with reckless last-second leaps or twists. Above all, however, Portis brought two qualities to the Redskins that they desperately need -- passion and toughness.

"What's best about Clinton is his heart. He's a competitor from the word go," Gibbs said. "I don't know of another running back that plays the way he does when he doesn't have the ball under his arm. He's very physical. He'll pass protect and he'll try to hunt people down to get blocks for his buddies. He's very, very aggressive."

"With all the punishment that I take in a game -- they get you dirty at the bottom of the pile -- I try to return the favor," Portis said. "When I don't have the ball, I've got my chance to do the same to them."

It's amazing the hits that Clinton and [wide receiver] Santana Moss lay on people," linebacker Marcus Washington said. "They aren't big guys, but they just lay people out. You see a lot of backs and receivers, when it's not their play, they'll give a [weak] effort. Clinton and Santana are going to put a Riddell [helmet] on somebody."

The Redskins defense under Gregg Williams has been a physically intimidating unit for two years. Now, since a team meeting after the Oakland defeat, the Washington offense has decided to run the ball far more often than it passes. That determination has, ironically, opened up chances for Moss to get open deep, as he did for a 54-yard gain against the Eagles. With 83 yards on four catches, Moss also set a Washington record, amassing more yards than any Redskins receiver in history. However, in fairness, it should be noted that Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell set the previous mark in just 14 games, not the current 16. Moss has speed and elusiveness that is comparable to Mitchell, but not quite the same strength in breaking multiple tackles. Even Mitchell, however, didn't have the uncanny gift for judging the flight of long bombs that defines Moss.

As the Redskins left the locker room, someone said to Portis, "See you next week" in the playoffs in Tampa. Moss, walking two steps behind Portis, heard the comment and said, "Thanks to you."

Many Redskins share in the resurrection of this season. The Washington defense, so often frustrated in its attempts to generate turnovers, came up with four fumble recoveries and two interceptions against the self-destructive Eagles. But it is still Portis, and the inspiration he provides his huge offensive linemen, that has changed the Redskins' identity for the better.

"There are lots of great athletes in this league, but you don't see a lot of passion from many of them," tackle Jon Jansen said. "Passion is what makes Clinton so special. He is a very confident person. Last year, everybody said he was a 'system back' in Denver. That probably motivated him even more."

Now, with his third 1,500-yard season in four years in the NFL, Portis may start to get his due as a back who improves and adapts. In Denver, he frequently ran outside, liked "stretch" plays and was thought to be the statistical product of a great line. In Washington, however, Portis has adapted and grown. In particular, Portis decided to learn from assistant coach Earnest Byner, rather than resist him.

"Once I let myself be coached and stopped feeling like I knew everything, I got better," Portis said. "I let E.B. be a coach."

Now, as well as being outspoken and colorful, Portis is also a team leader. "When linemen see a back who plays that hard, they say, 'If that guy is that tough, I'll block for him,' " Gibbs said. "The first thing we saw when we studied his films in Denver is that he likes to bust back inside on runs. Even with the crease plays [designed to go back outside], he'd slam back inside."

On a day when quarterback Mark Brunell was clearly feeling the effects of a knee injury he suffered last week against the Giants and completed just 9 of 25 passes, the Redskins' playoff hopes were placed squarely on Portis's back. That back was almost wrenched out of socket on one questionable neck-high, hogtie tackle by the Eagles that sent Portis to the bench in pain. "They put the rules in for a reason. Are they going to call them?" Portis said. "If people keep twisting me up . . . I'm going to get up and start kicking people."

Not really. But in that flash of anger and pride, you see the true Portis -- tough and passionate.

Five weeks ago, the Redskins needed a rallying point, a spark that could start a fire. It turned out to be Portis, who has ripped off rushing totals of 136, 105, 112, 108 and now 112 yards. Actually, his best game of the season -- 144 yards on 23 carries -- came against Tampa Bay in a 36-35 loss. Now, the Redskins and Portis will get a rematch of that loss.

Leading them will be the player who, in time, may be regarded as the finest running back in Redskins history. More work still needs to be done for such a distinction. Others have led Washington teams to world titles and Super Bowls. Since 1969, the Redskins have had Riggins, Larry Brown, Stephen Davis, Terry Allen, Earnest Byner and George Rogers, all of whom ran for more than 1,200 yards in a season. In an earlier time, there were Andy Farkas and Cliff Battles.

In just two seasons, Portis has now taken his place with them, whether carrying the ball, catching it, passing it or, perhaps as important, unleashing blocks or showing his passion. At halftime of this Eagles game, with the Redskins trailing by a touchdown, many words were said. Some came from Portis.

"We told each other that we were going to be cleaning out our lockers tomorrow if we didn't play better," Portis said. "I wasn't ready to clean out mine."

[Punu]

He'll pass protect and he'll try to hunt people down to get blocks for his buddies. He's very, very aggressive."

I love this about him... I saw him make a crucial block and man handle a huge guy in the red zone yesterday... AFTER HE GOT HURT! Shows he can hold his own!

[BossHog]

I think a lot of people are surprised at how much of a football player this guy really is. Sure he's got skills, but how many knew what a warrior he was?

If the o-line were the Hogs again, Clinton would certainly deserve the honorary ground hog status that Riggo was granted.

Lincoln Kennedy and Rod Woodson thought it'd be funny to slag Portis for his press conference antics... and all the while... the joke has been on them and the media. Laugh at Clinton... dont take him completely seriously... please... CP is counting on it.

Then... while you're thinking that Mr. Dressup must have some issues... he'll smash the ball down your throat on Sunday.

His second touchdown run incorporated every skill that a RB coud have.... initially he went up the gut and was stuffed... so he started to skirt to the outside where he took on a block and kept it to the inside while he kept his legs moving and shed the block... then he turned on the jets to gain the corner and tightroped the sideline to get into the end zone.

Strength, finesse and speed all in one run. It may sound ordinary, but it's rare that a RB can legitmately be all of the three, let alone all on the same play.

Troy Aikman seems to be about the only commentator that notices all of the things CP does... kudos to Aikman for being about the only player in a broadcast booth that legitimately should be a broadcaster.

You never know who's gonna show up on Thursday at a press conference, but you always know who's going to show up on Sunday.

[1niksder]

Isn't Portis the back the Talking heads said...

1.Clinton Portis is not a good fit in Joe Gibbs offense.

2.Portis is a back that the Denver system created and would never be a 1500 back outside of Mile High.

3.Clinton isn't big enough to carry the load in Washington.

How could they have been so wrong

[DEHog]

I think a lot of people are surprised at how much of a football player this guy really is. Sure he's got skills, but how many knew what a warrior he was?

If the o-line were the Hogs again, Clinton would certainly deserve the honorary ground hog status that Riggo was granted.

Lincoln Kennedy and Rod Woodson thought it'd be funny to slag Portis for his press conference antics... and all the while... the joke has been on them and the media. Laugh at Clinton... dont take him completely seriously... please... CP is counting on it.

Then... while you're thinking that Mr. Dressup must have some issues... he'll smash the ball down your throat on Sunday.

His second touchdown run incorporated every skill that a RB coud have.... initially he went up the gut and was stuffed... so he started to skirt to the outside where he took on a block and kept it to the inside while he kept his legs moving and shed the block... then he turned on the jets to gain the corner and tightroped the sideline to get into the end zone.

Strength, finesse and speed all in one run. It may sound ordinary, but it's rare that a RB can legitmately be all of the three, let alone all on the same play.

Troy Aikman seems to be about the only commentator that notices all of the things CP does... kudos to Aikman for being about the only player in a broadcast booth that legitimately should be a broadcaster.

You never know who's gonna show up on Thursday at a press conference, but you always know who's going to show up on Sunday.

Not only did he skirt he spun!! I have admitted this to BH on many occasion...I was one who didn't want CP, I wanted to keep Champ...I had no clue CP was this complete. While I feel there are many backs in the league that would prosper in JG running game, no back in the league is as a complete football player at his position as CP. One thing he showed us this year, that we didn't know was he can catch the football. Spimply put the Skins are home watching the playoffs if it were not for #26

[SkinzCanes]

Not sure how many people noticed this but Portis finished the regular season as the 4th leading rusher in the NFL, ahead of Pro Bowlers Warrick Dunn, Edgerrin James, and Ladanian Tomlinson. It is an absolute joke that Dunn made the Pro Bowl over Portis.

[DEHog]

Not sure how many people noticed this but Portis finished the regular season as the 4th leading rusher in the NFL, ahead of Pro Bowlers Warrick Dunn, Edgerrin James, and Ladanian Tomlinson. It is an absolute joke that Dunn made the Pro Bowl over Portis.

Note to the NFL... Don't come looking for CP to fill in when players start bailing!!

[HitDoctor]

Clinton is the man! Not missing Champ one bit b/c Portis has more character and guts than champ has ever had. In fact, I'm now a Miami Hurricanes fan for the way our LEADERS are performing!

[spenser]

Portis is so hard! I love how he admits that he had to open up and let himself be coached. A LOT of people would never admit to that. He is willing to do whatever it takes to make the Skins' a better team/organization. I'm so glad we got him for champ. Champ is a great player, but he never really seemed to have the heart and diddnt really ever get the fans love like Smoot and now portis and cooley. The Probowl snub for CP is Ridiculous!

[redskingush]

I was skeptical of CP as well, because at the time of the trade the skins d was suspect, losing a db like champ I thought that left us weak on D I don't think i ever doubted CP's ability but the strength of our D without Champ. After 2 full season we have the best of both worlds

[Fios]

This is one of those rare instances in sports where I was right from the start, I said when the trade was made that the Redskins got the better end of the deal and the past five games have reinforced that fact.

[Chris Luva Luva]

I guess I could take a bite of crow. I never said Portis was bad, or wouldn't fit in but that he wasn't the precise fit for the system. Part of me still wants a big back but thats just personal preference. Im definatey impressed and thankful for Portis. I think Ive even said recently that I wouldn't want anyone else but Portis right now.

Just another instance of Gibbs showing that he knows best. I was thinking, what if we could get Larry Johnson...but LJ doesn't do a fifth of what Portis does outside of running the ball. He doesn't block, he doesn't give it his all...Portis is the truth.

[1niksder]

I guess I could take a bite of crow. I never said Portis was bad, or wouldn't fit in but that he wasn't the precise fit for the system. Part of me still wants a big back but thats just personal preference. Im definatey impressed and thankful for Portis. I think Ive even said recently that I wouldn't want anyone else but Portis right now.

Just another instance of Gibbs showing that he knows best. I was thinking, what if we could get Larry Johnson...but LJ doesn't do a fifth of what Portis does outside of running the ball. He doesn't block, he doesn't give it his all...Portis is the truth.

I never questioned the trade because Champ had pretty much made up his mind that he was gone. I thought it was just like Gibbs to get a player that he felt would fit what he wanted to do in exchange for Champ, but I always had a problem with the pick that we threw in. About half way though last year I started to understand what Gibbs saw. I even posted a couple of times that it was only fair that the pick was thrown in. In all honesty Brunell has worked out but as struggled the last few weeks, and that takes away from the production of Moss and ey. Over the past few weeks Portis has put this team on his back and still hit the century mark week in week out. Gibbs saw something when he made this trade and being the fairminded man that he is he threw in the pick(that's mt version and it hasn'r been disputed )
He called Denver to discuss another trade about a year later, I'm not wondering how that will turnout I'm just waiting

[MarcusBeNimble]

Like many of us out there in this hog haven, I was very skeptical of Clinton in the past. The main difference I think has not only been the production of Portis' role in Joe Gibbs' offense, but the emergence of Ladel and Rock Cartright as legit back up RBs.

I like the change in style they add to our run game, but lets not get confused. ITS CLINTONS SHOW.

[mulkey]

I agree with what everyone of you guys are saying. Portis is the real deal. His heart and determination are something that has to be born in you. I also agree that even though we need Portis, Ladell and Rock bring a lil something different to the table. Not to get off the subject but how is Brunell feeling after the game. Is his knee any better/worse.

[Champsturf]

Is it obvious how i felt about the trade? I didn't like it a bit, but EVERY week that Portis has suited up, i am reminded of how wrong I was. I don't care how many yards he gets, because we all know he can run. I am just giddy when I see him lay into Dlinemen or linebackers or whatever, protecting. Portis gives his all and I LOVE it.

Thank you JOE!

[hkHog]

"With all the punishment that I take in a game -- they get you dirty at the bottom of the pile -- I try to return the favor," Portis said. "When I don't have the ball, I've got my chance to do the same to them."

I love that! Portis is without a doubt the best blocking RB in the league. I've never seen him miss a block. He can take on any DE or LB in the league and knock them on their butts and he comes out of nowhere. Remember that block he put on Brooks the last time we played Tampa where Brooks came on the delay blitz up the middle and Portis ran from his position on the left side of the line, hit the hole Brooks was coming through and just FLATTENED him. That is without a doubt one of the best plays I have seen this year.

Troy Aikman seems to be about the only commentator that notices all of the things CP does... kudos to Aikman for being about the only player in a broadcast booth that legitimately should be a broadcaster.

I agree completely, as much as I hate to say it Aikman is the best announcer in the NFL, period. He is the only guy who seems to actually know what's going on and doesn't get caught up in all the hype. He is a real analyst of the game.