Redskins.com: Portis Aims to Make His Mark

oafusp · Post by **oafusp** » Tue May 04, 2004 10:20 am

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=1346

Portis Aims to Make His Mark
By Jason Snapkoski
Redskins.com
May 4, 2004

Many great athletes have been a part of the Redskins' backfield over the years. Larry Brown was the first Washington rusher to break the 1,000-yard barrier, carrying for 1,125 yards in 1970. Also in the 1,000-yard club for the Redskins: Mike Thomas, John Riggins, George Rogers, Earnest Byner, Reggie Brooks, Terry Allen and Stephen Davis.
Recently acquired Clinton Portis certainly wants to add his name to the list. Portis, who just completed his second mini-camp with the team, has the power and elusiveness to accomplish as much.

As has been well documented, Portis, acquired in a deal that sent cornerback Champ Bailey and a second round draft pick to the Denver Broncos on March 3, has eclipsed the 1,500-yard mark in both of his first two seasons in the NFL.

Last season, Portis ran for 1,591 yards and 14 touchdowns, good for fifth in the NFL. In his rookie campaign, the former University of Miami Hurricane posted 1,508 yards and 15 touchdowns for Denver.

Portis knows the expectations will be there after signing a lucrative eight-year deal with the Redskins. "When you put that kind of pressure on yourself you tend to try to 'over do' things," Portis said. "You get out of your comfort zone and try to prove things to people.

"If I can relax and go out and play like I know how to play, the fans will accept and appreciate that. I just need to relax and do what is expected of me."

Running backs coach Earnest Byner, who rushed for 1,219 yards in 1990 and 1,048 yards in the 1991 Super Bowl season, knows he has someone special to work with in the 22-year old Portis.

When asked about his working relationship with his new position coach, Portis said: "He's open to ideas and he lets you go out and play. He understands--because he's been in that same position."

Byner takes a nearly self-deprecating approach toward the Redskins' new featured back. He jestingly put it this way: "I became a better running backs coach with the acquisition of Clinton."

Byner added: "We're very happy to have him. I'm looking forward to working with him and trying to become a good tandem."

As can be imagined, having the chance to work with Hall of Fame head coach Joe Gibbs has Portis excited as well.

Said Portis: "He's used to winning and he can change the organization back to its winning ways. It's exciting when you see coach drawing up a play. You just start thinking, 'How is the defense going to stop us?'"

"I don't think you have to worry about Clinton--he's already done it," said Gibbs. "He's already produced, and he has a good attitude toward things. I think football is important to him."

Portis's talent and outlook have him primed for another strong season. As he approaches his first season in the NFC East, the 5-11, 205-pound Gainesville, Fla., native is working hard to join his position coach on the list of outstanding backs in Redskins history.

oafusp · Post by **oafusp** » Tue May 04, 2004 10:22 am

Still has not hit me that this guy is on our team. Maybe when we see the first pre-season game. When he was a Bronco he was my favorite RB in the league...so this was great for me.

Hopefully this dude picks a damn number so his fans can go get his jersey.

Redskins1974 · Post by **Redskins1974** » Tue May 04, 2004 10:43 am

It really hasn't hit me either. I can't wait to see him in our colors, slashing through the D.

RedskinsRule56 · Post by **RedskinsRule56** » Tue May 04, 2004 11:38 am

It has not hit me either! I have been watching Portis play for Denver the last 2 years and he is just insanely good! I cant wait to watch him go crazy for the burgundy and gold!

riggofan · Post by **riggofan** » Tue May 04, 2004 11:48 am

I know exactly what you guys are saying! Man, I can't WAIT to see this guy play for the first time with the redskins. I think Denver really messed up.

TDDance234 · Post by **TDDance234** » Tue May 04, 2004 12:24 pm

I'm one of those on the fence with the trade of Bailey, but I think we're going to be in great hands with Portis. Critics pointed out an attitude problem, but in every interview I've seen nothing but a 'swagger' that this Redskins team has lacked in the last few years. I don't know how defenses are going to be able to defend us this year. With Coles and Gardner on the outside and DMac and Thrash working the insides and Cool

ey in the medium range. That's not even thinking about what Portis, Trung, and Rock are going to do major damage out in the flats. This team has potential to be scary-good offensively. Not exactly the Rams, but just as scary- as we have different pieces of the puzzle. I love it. I think all those years of being dogged on for being a Skins' fan are over!

Jake · Post by **Jake** » Tue May 04, 2004 12:52 pm

oafusp wrote:Still has not hit me that this guy is on our team. Maybe when we see the first pre-season game. When he was a Bronco he was my favorite RB in the league...so this was great for me.

Hopefully this dude picks a damn number so his fans can go get his jersey.

Honestly, nothing that has happened this offseason has hit me, either. I guess it's either because I'm trying to become an adult :roll:

or that I'm just too used to this happening every year and we fall flat on our faces, so I'm just numb to it.

Chris Luva Luva · Post by **Chris Luva Luva** » Tue May 04, 2004 1:44 pm

^ Jake you and I are in the saaammmeee boat! Here, let me hand you a paddle.

redskinz4ever · Post by **redskinz4ever** » Tue May 04, 2004 2:37 pm

it hit me right up side the head!!!!!just a little something different to say.this has finally been a great offseason for the skins and the skins future.REDSKINZ4EVER!!!!

Jake · Post by **Jake** » Tue May 04, 2004 3:14 pm

redskinz4ever wrote:it hit me right up side the head!!!!!just a little something different to say.this has finally been a great offseason for the skins and the skins future.REDSKINZ4EVER!!!!

Finally? What about the last 5 years? (Besides 2002 when the only exception to a quality signing was Jessie Armstead)

NC43Hog · Post by **NC43Hog** » Tue May 04, 2004 3:28 pm

I don't care who we signed over the years, we all wouldn't be this excited if it wasn't for Gibbs. He has elevated HOPE to a whole new level for me. I hope it all works out, I know it will.

Now about Portis, I just want him to leave his mark (cleat marks) on opposing teams chests as he runs over them. :lol:

Texas Hog · Post by **Texas Hog** » Tue May 04, 2004 4:48 pm

NC43Hog wrote:I don't care who we signed over the years, we all wouldn't be this excited if it wasn't for Gibbs. He has elevated HOPE to a whole new level for me. I hope it all works out, I know it will.

Now about Portis, I just want him to leave his mark (cleat marks) on opposing teams chests as he runs over them.

well said...and you beat me to the point. Gibbs is the reason. Would we be as excited about any acquisition (including Portis) if Spurrier was still around...I absolutely think NOT!

Life is sweet in football land, and I can't wait to see CP rack up a $1.50 and 3 scores on the pukes!

ChillWill · Post by **ChillWill** » Tue May 04, 2004 4:51 pm

I'm still not convinced that we've done enough on the defensive line to stop the run first and foremost and secondly apply pressure on the quarterback without reverting to blitzes.

I hope that June 1st will provide an opportunity to grab a big proven DT.

SkiNoVA · Post by **SkiNoVA** » Tue May 04, 2004 5:09 pm

yeah, we say alot about the offense, although i think the defense is good enough to be ranked highest in the late top 10, its just when was the last time you saw a really good offensive team with a mediocre defense goto, and WIN the superbowl.. its been awhile

Texas Hog · Post by **Texas Hog** » Tue May 04, 2004 5:21 pm

agreed.....the defense must be the focus...and it starts with stuffing the run.

I can put my trust in our secondary without a huge pass rush, but don't want to see a d that can't stuff the run ever again....that's been going on for way too long with the exception of Lewis' season and with Gardner upfront.

redskincity · Post by **redskincity** » Tue May 04, 2004 7:03 pm

............All I know is.....Any team.....I mean any team will not,, be able to put eight in the box with Coles and and Gardner opposite each other

. It will be a treat to watch if the enemy trys anything :thump:

.

jDub · Post by **jDub** » Tue May 04, 2004 10:09 pm

i think you meant gardner/coles/dmac/portis/cooley. last year teams had no problem putting eight in the box with basically the same recievers and trung/betts/cartwright as our "featured" back.

yeah...just reading the posts on this thread really made me realize that, wow!, we just might have a scary offense. as for our defense...yes, we could definitely use another lineman. we don't necessarily need a pass rusher. just please, please, please, stop the run!

Texas Hog · Post by **Texas Hog** » Wed May 05, 2004 8:37 am

agreed....we must please, please, please stop the run...get a run stopping, hole-plugging big man in the middle and have Noble back him up if healthy.

skinsfaninroanoke · Post by **skinsfaninroanoke** » Wed May 05, 2004 8:55 pm

A big run stuffer is an obvious need - but what concerns me is hearing Gregg talk about speed... I like fast defenses - but come on Gregg - you have had big interior linemen before, you know they protect the backers...

Remember the Denver defense that was supposed to be so great at one point - they were all small and daggone fast, but if someone got a ground game going on 'em they would wear out by the middle of the 3rd quarter - that is what I don't want to see...

Now if Joe gets the ground attack and ball control game back to par like we used to have it, I can see smaller, faster defenses being good - but only if they don't have to be on the field as much due to our offense wearing the clock down a lot...

njskinsfan · Post by **njskinsfan** » Wed May 05, 2004 9:36 pm

I would give my left one to see Portis do to the Cowgirls what Jamal did to the Browns in both games last year.

Whatcha gonna do when Portismania runs all over you brother.

DeathByLinebacker#56 · Wed May 05, 2004 9:55 pm

He will be a machine this year. Can you say 1500 + yds. We have not seen this guys full potential yet either. That is scary. :twisted: