Running Game?????

[roybus14]

Why is everything so dependent upon Clinton Portis being healthy? It's like folks are making excuses now because this team can't execute and "man-up". Are we to believe that we have guys behind Portis that are getting paid good money to be his backup, can't run the ball? The Offensive Line should be creating enough space for any of these guys to get through. The back may change but not the blocking assignments on the play.

Is the real problem with the running backs behind Portis or the Offensive Line not doing their jobs???

[Irn-Bru]

Why is everything so dependent upon Clinton Portis being healthy? It's like folks are making excuses now because this team can't execute and "man-up". Are we to believe that we have guys behind Portis that are getting paid good money to be his backup, can't run the ball? The Offensive Line should be creating enough space for any of these guys to get through. The back may change but not the blocking assignments on the play.

Is the real problem with the running backs behind Portis or the Offensive Line not doing their jobs???

According to Gibbs in a recent press conference, one of the main reasons that the running game hasn't picked up is that the team is not converting 3rd down situations. When you don't have a 1st and 10 often in the game it's going to be hard to establish any kind of rhythm, especially in the running game.

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

Clinton's value goes beyond just running behind the line. He's an awesome pass blocker, and we sure missed him on Sunday night on 3rd down passing situations.

Duckett, for all his girth, cannot hold CP's jock when it comes to blocking/protecting.

[sephtical]

It's obvious there hasnt been any real commitment to running the ball. Madden said it the other day and he was dead on. Even against the Cowboys, when it was obvious we couldnt pass for crap, how many times did we throw on first and second downs? Well of course you can't make a 3rd down when you had and incompletion on first down and a sack on 2nd down. The coaches need to call more runs if they expect the running game to be thier saving grace.

[crazyhorse1]

Why is everything so dependent upon Clinton Portis being healthy? It's like folks are making excuses now because this team can't execute and "man-up". Are we to believe that we have guys behind Portis that are getting paid good money to be his backup, can't run the ball? The Offensive Line should be creating enough space for any of these guys to get through. The back may change but not the blocking assignments on the play.

Is the real problem with the running backs behind Portis or the Offensive Line not doing their jobs???

According to Gibbs in a recent press conference, one of the main reasons that the running game hasn't picked up is that the team is not converting 3rd down situations. When you don't have a 1st and 10 often in the game it's going to be hard to establish any kind of rhythm, especially in the running game.

The real reason I miss long putts is that my wedge shots leave me short.

The real reason we lost the game is that they scored more points than we did and gave up fewer.

Gilligan could have gotten off the island if he'd thought of flying.

If we'd made nine and half yards on the first two plays of each series, we would have converted more third downs.

If Brunell had thrown touchdown passes on those second downs we wouldn't have had to worry about third downs.

The above information should be rushed to Gibbs.

[Hooligan]

If Clinton's not starting this week I think T.J. should get the start. Betts isn't getting it done as a starter and isn't that much better as a blocker. Can't hurt trying to pound the ball repeatedly with a big back... it'll at least give their defense a bloodier nose.

[crazyhorse1]

It's obvious there hasnt been any real commitment to running the ball. Madden said it the other day and he was dead on. Even against the Cowboys, when it was obvious we couldnt pass for crap, how many times did we throw on first and second downs? Well of course you can't make a 3rd down when you had and incompletion on first down and a sack on 2nd down. The coaches need to call more runs if they expect the running game to be thier saving grace.

If you can't pass, you're going to be gang tackled all night at the line of scrimmage when you try to run.

I wish you guys would stop talking about smash mouth football when it comes to our offense. We play smash mouth football on defense. Our offense is too small and old to play smash mouth football. After all the trouble we've had running short yardage plays, it should seem clear to some of you that the only mouths that are going to be smashed when we're on offense are going to be ours.

If Clinton weren't a great player, we wouldn't get zip on the ground. If we get a passer that can force opponents to try to stop the pass, Clinton will, ironically, run wild. We're a team that must successful pass in order to run, especially if we want to keep Portis healthy for a while. Remember Earl Campbell.

[1niksder]

The real reason I miss long putts is that my wedge shots leave me short.

Maybe you should use a putter when putting (your statement about your putting game clears up a lot for me)

The real reason we lost the game is that they scored more points than we did and gave up fewer.

Are you sure it wasn't because we scored less and gave up more

Gilligan could have gotten off the island if he'd thought of flying.

He tried that in 3 different episodes and it never worked.

If we'd made nine and half yards on the first two plays of each series, we would have converted more third downs.

If we made 9 and 1/2 yards on the first 2 plays the refs would cheat us and we'd still be looking at a lot of 3 and 5s

If Brunell had thrown touchdown passes on those second downs we wouldn't have had to worry about third downs.

We weren't starting inside their 10 yard line

The above information should be rushed to Gibbs.

We'll have the Skipper send it right over

[Champsturf]

Clinton's value goes beyond just running behind the line. He's an awesome pass blocker, and we sure missed him on Sunday night on 3rd down passing situations.

Duckett, for all his girth, cannot hold CP's jock when it comes to blocking/protecting.

No pun intended, but HOLY CRAP! WE AGREE on something. SO very true and well said.

[Mursilis]

Clinton's value goes beyond just running behind the line. He's an awesome pass blocker, and we sure missed him on Sunday night on 3rd down passing situations.

Duckett, for all his girth, cannot hold CP's jock when it comes to blocking/protecting.

True. CP just flat-out plays, and it doesn't matter if his number's being called that play or not. If he's on the field, he's giving 100%, and I've always respected him tremendously for that. Heck, look how he hurt his shoulder - chasing down a DB who had picked Brunell. I've never seen CP dog a single play.

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

Clinton's value goes beyond just running behind the line. He's an awesome pass blocker, and we sure missed him on Sunday night on 3rd down passing situations.

Duckett, for all his girth, cannot hold CP's jock when it comes to blocking/protecting.

True. CP just flat-out plays, and it doesn't matter if his number's being called that play or not. If he's on the field, he's giving 100%, and I've always respected him tremendously for that. Heck, look how he hurt his shoulder - chasing down a DB who had picked Brunell. I've never seen CP dog a single play.

He's confirmed to play this weekend. Hopefully he can come back and regain his form.

The shoulder is still a concern, obvviously, but hopefully he can play through the pain (if any). I can't wait to see him lay someone out (and, no, Brunell is not eligible).

[1niksder]

Why is everything so dependent upon Clinton Portis being healthy? It's like folks are making excuses now because this team can't execute and "man-up". Are we to believe that we have guys behind Portis that are getting paid good money to be his backup, can't run the ball? The Offensive Line should be creating enough space for any of these guys to get through. The back may change but not the blocking assignments on the play.

Is the real problem with the running backs behind Portis or the Offensive Line not doing their jobs???

Through 2 games as the starting running back Ladell Betts has 62 yards. In the 15 games where he had more than 5 carries last year, Clinton Portis had more than 62 yards in all but one of them. The Redskins are 5-0 in the last 5 regular season games that Clinton Portis started.

[KazooSkinsFan]

This is not in response to a particular post, but a collection of them.

It's interesting the people who won't let us debate specific issues. Why are you concerned about Brunell, that's the only problem? Why are you concerned about Portis, that's the only problem? Why are you concerned about the pass rush, that's the only problem?

No, they are all problems. Isn't the PURPOSE of this site to discuss MANY issues? How is focusing on one issue for one discussion ignoring the others?

[joebagadonuts]

Duckett, for all his girth, cannot hold CP's jock when it comes to blocking/protecting.

Y'know, I noticed in the Dallas game that Duckett didn't seem to run with the same confidence that I remember when he was with Atlanta. I'm not sure if it's his lack of comfort in the new system or what, but he seems to not be hitting the line of scrimmage with the same speed that I expected.

[1niksder]

This is not in response to a particular post, but a collection of them.

It's interesting the people who won't let us debate specific issues. Why are you concerned about Brunell, that's the only problem? Why are you concerned about Portis, that's the only problem? Why are you concerned about the pass rush, that's the only problem?

No, they are all problems. Isn't the PURPOSE of this site to discuss MANY issues? How is focusing on one issue for one discussion ignoring the others?

Maybe there is anpther problem and it just can't be fixed here. I see threads on each issue you mention hear, theses threads have pros and cons depending on the subject. You might want to try and add to the debate instead of trying to start a new one that has nothing to do with anything

[KazooSkinsFan]

Duckett, for all his girth, cannot hold CP's jock when it comes to blocking/protecting.

Y'know, I noticed in the Dallas game that Duckett didn't seem to run with the same confidence that I remember when he was with Atlanta. I'm not sure if it's his lack of comfort in the new system or what, but he seems to not be hitting the line of scrimmage with the same speed that I expected.

True, but he did come late in spring training and I believe averaged almost 5 yards a carry. Just to keep in mind.

[KazooSkinsFan]

I meant late in pre-season.

[roybus14]

Is the coaching of the offensive line the problem? Since we like to spend money why didn't we go after these two guys?:::


Rick Dennison enters his 12th year on the Denver Broncos' coaching staff in 2006 and his first as offensive coordinator, a position he was named to on Jan. 30, 2006. Dennison, 48, spent the last 11 years working as an assistant for the Broncos, coaching the offensive line from 2001-05, special teams from 1997-00 and serving as an offensive assistant from 1995-96.
He also brings a wealth of experience as a former NFL linebacker who played nine seasons with the Broncos from 1982-90 and appeared in three Super Bowls during that time.
As the Broncos' offensive line coach from 2001-05, Dennison oversaw a unit that annually was regarded as the best in the business. Anchored by five-time Pro Bowl center Tom Nalen, the Broncos' line helped the team rank among the NFL's top-10 in overall yards in each of the last four seasons.
The Broncos rushed for an NFL-best 11,644 yards and produced four individual 1,000-yard rushing seasons from 2001-05 with Dennison as offensive line coach. Denver's offensive line was equally adept at pass blocking under Dennison, surrendering the fifth-lowest sack total (151) in the NFL from 2001- 05 and allowing a franchise-low 15 sacks in 2004. Dennison's line paved the way for the NFL's fifth-ranked offense (360.4 ypg.) in 2005, helping Denver post a 13-3 record and capture the AFC West title en route to advancing to the AFC Championship Game.


Russ Grimm is in his sixth season as the Steelers offensive line coach and serves as Bill Cowher's assistant head coach.
Grimm, 46, joined the Steelers Jan. 10, 2000, as only the second offensive line coach in Bill Cowher's 15 seasons and has made an indelible impact in developing the Steelers' offensive line. Grimm's value to the coaching staff was recognized by Cowher, who promoted Grimm to assistant head coach prior to the 2004 season, the only coach to hold that title in Cowher's 15 years.
In his 25 years in the NFL, Grimm has only been associated with two teams. He spent 19 years as a player and a coach with the Washington Redskins prior to his appointment with the Steelers.
Under his guidance in 2005, the Steelers averaged nearly 140 yards rushing per game during the regular season to rank fifth in the NFL and they also grinded out 181 rushing yards in their Super Bowl XL victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Grimm has molded a formidable and tough offensive front anchored by All-Pro guard Alan Faneca, who earned his fourth Pro Bowl start in 2006 in five appearances, and center Jeff Hartings, who made his second Pro Bowl appearance in 2006 and has developed into one of the best centers in the NFL in just five seasons.
Grimm also has tutored seventh-year offensive tackle Marvel Smith, who has blossomed into a Pro Bowl player, and guard Kendall Simmons, who has entrenched himself as a starter since the second week of his rookie season in 2002. He also has been instrumental in the development of third-year tackle Max Starks and center Chukky Okobi.
A native of Scottdale, Pa., and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Grimm coached the Redskins' offensive line from 1997-2000. He is credited with the development of Washington tackles Jon Jansen and Chris Samuels, who each earned starting spots as rookies on the Redskins' offensive line. Prior to coaching the offensive line, Grimm spent five seasons (1992-96) as Washington's tight ends coach.
Grimm started 11 seasons at guard for the Redskins (1981-91) and helped lead the team to four Super Bowl appearances and three victories. He was voted to four consecutive Pro Bowls (1983-86) and was a first-team selection to the 1980s all-decade team. He was among the 10 finalists for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

[Steve Spurrier III]

The Redskins went after Grimm when Gibbs first came back, but he decided to stay in Pittsburgh.

And I'm pretty sure Gibbs would give up on Brunell before he gave up on Joe Bugel.

I think it's on the players. We all know that each of them is a capable linemen, but they just haven't played that well. Jon Jansen just got worked on T.J. Duckett's first carry. He knows how to run block - he doesn't need Russ Grimm or Rick Dennison to tell him how. They all know how to play. It's just a matter of execution.

[Irn-Bru]

On the plus side, Clinton is looking better and better.