Where, exactly, did our rushing offense go?

[joebagadonuts]

I just think he [Portis] lacks field vision, which is something that can't be taught.

I hope he changed your mind after that wild run he had on Thursday on that screen pass. He was all over the place. Only a runner with good field vision could have taken that as far as he did.

He was in the open field on that play, which makes a huge difference. I still think he misses a lot of opportunities behind the line to cut back into holes that are not the primary place where the play was designed to go. If he can get into space, he cam make people miss. His very first run with the Skins was a perfect example of a play where he did show good field vision, and he took the ball to the house. Now it seems as if he just runs into the designated hole, whether there is anything there or not.

I think part of that (running to the hole) is dictated by the coaches. They want the back to run to the hole (or where the hole is supposed to be) rather than just run wherever they want. But I agree that Portis is a million times better once you get him past the line of scrimmage. In fact, I think a brilliant man recently wrote of this.....

[Chris Luva Luva]

I think part of that (running to the hole) is dictated by the coaches. They want the back to run to the hole (or where the hole is supposed to be) rather than just run wherever they want. But I agree that Portis is a million times better once you get him past the line of scrimmage. In fact, I think a brilliant man recently wrote of this.....

That AND our line isn't making the clearest of running lanes for him.

Oh! And Clinton isn't 20 feet above the playing field looking from the top down to see all these easy holes that he's missing.

Any fool can show you how to get to the center of a maze when he's 20 feet above the hedges.

[PulpExposure]

I just think he [Portis] lacks field vision, which is something that can't be taught.

I hope he changed your mind after that wild run he had on Thursday on that screen pass. He was all over the place. Only a runner with good field vision could have taken that as far as he did.

I would hope his tenure with the Redskins had convinced people of that, I can't think of very many backs who can see a play develop as well as Portis does

His vision is suddenly horrible ever since he left Denver, where he was praised as having phenomenal vision.

OR...it could be as JBD says, the coaches tell him to run to the play.

No...it's def time for LASIK.

[Fios]

I just think he [Portis] lacks field vision, which is something that can't be taught.

I hope he changed your mind after that wild run he had on Thursday on that screen pass. He was all over the place. Only a runner with good field vision could have taken that as far as he did.

I would hope his tenure with the Redskins had convinced people of that, I can't think of very many backs who can see a play develop as well as Portis does

His vision is suddenly horrible ever since he left Denver, where he was praised as having phenomenal vision.

OR...it could be as JBD says, the coaches tell him to run to the play.

No...it's def time for LASIK.

This is actually one of those things for which Portis does not get enough credit, the guy transformed himself from a slashing, outside-the-tackles back to a legit, up-the-middle power runner and exceptional blocker.

[Deadskins]

Back in my original post, which is excerpted above, I mentioned his other great qualities, including his blocking. The quoted portion above was only referring to those instances where he arrives at the designated hole, and there is clearly nothing there. He will often continue on into the arms of the defender, or into the back of his own blocker, when he might be able to sidestep those obstacles and find more running room to one side or the other. I was not saying he shouldn't run the coaches designed play, just that he should take what is given him when it is available.

[vwoodzpusha]

the line is banged up and they keep running to the banged up side...get behind samuels and kendall and might get more than 1 or 2 yards

[BeeGee]

I think in the Redskins situation, you have to set up the run with the pass. Maybe even mixing in a change of pace (Betts) wouldn't hurt either. Delay draws, screens, etc. They have to use the Giants agressiveness against them this week and keep 'em guessing. If the Skins are too predictable and let the Giants stop the run early, they'll just pin their ears back on passing downs and it'll be another long day for the tackles. Skins have to hit first and take some chances. Nothing to lose now... this is a playoff game.

[spudstr04]

I don't think that Portis has been fully healthy at any point of the year. Whenever Betts has got significant amount of touches, he strives. He scored last week and I really think he should get more touches.

[crazyhorse1]

I just think he [Portis] lacks field vision, which is something that can't be taught.

I hope he changed your mind after that wild run he had on Thursday on that screen pass. He was all over the place. Only a runner with good field vision could have taken that as far as he did.

That was a great run. I could hardly believe he took off like he did. We haven't seen that from him in some time. I am mystified.

[die cowboys die]

I just think he [Portis] lacks field vision, which is something that can't be taught.

I hope he changed your mind after that wild run he had on Thursday on that screen pass. He was all over the place. Only a runner with good field vision could have taken that as far as he did.

That was a great run. I could hardly believe he took off like he did. We haven't seen that from him in some time. I am mystified.

the problem with portis this year is simply that he has rarely had any "burst", plain and simple. no, the o-line is not opening up a lot of holes. but it's not like he hasn't had any opportunities. but how many times has he broken that one tackle he needed to get through that seam? how many times has he tried to get to the wide open corner, only to be beaten there by a linebacker- or even dragged down from behind?

it feels like i could count the number of tackles he's broken/evaded on one hand. the burst, the acceleration, the explosion into and through a tackler, appear to be gone most of the time. when you look at any of the young RBs with "fresh legs" around the league, it's impossible not to see the difference.


that wild screen pass was the best play he's had all year, and it displayed remarkable open field vision and patience. seeing as that mike sellers caught up with him from way behind to make a block, we know portis was more concerned with setting up his blocks than trying to out-sprint everyone (huge props to chris samuels leading the way alllllll the way downfield!).

the fact that portis seems to flourish so well in the open field adds yet more weight to the already ridiculously strong argument that we should spread the dang field out more and give him some open space to work with!

[PulpExposure]

I'm sorry, but everytime I read the title for the thread, a little voice in my head says:

"It's Hiiiiding!"

[chiefhog44]

After he got hurt last year, he came back and looked like he had lost a step. I think it may be tied to his weight. I haven't checked, but it looks like he's 10 pounds heavier now than he was at the end of 2005. Anybody know?