The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

GOOD IDEA
The Washington Redskins' plan to spread the field more often on running plays: Clinton Portis ran for 1,315 yards last season, but the Redskins (and Portis) know he could have generated more big plays from a scheme that was better suited to his skills. During the previous two years with the Denver Broncos, he established himself as a game-breaking force largely because he usually took the handoff and popped through a hole with little or no hesitation. In 2004, Joe Gibbs and his offensive coaches mostly worked from tight formations that forced Portis to patiently wait for his blockers to create openings. He wound up averaging 3.8 yards per carry, a significant drop from the 5.5 he averaged in each year with Denver. As Portis told reporters in Washington, "You're used to doing one thing, and you turn around and turn into a grinder -- 3 yards a carry." Portis is anything but a "grinder." The Redskins' new approach should result in wider defensive gaps that Portis can exploit with his darting style. It also will include more outside running plays to take better advantage of his speed.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/8586453

I hope so. Portis definately was a round peg being forced through a square hole. I must admit that he got through that square hole pretty darn well. I dont think the schemes were altogether bad, they just didn't fit him. If we had an Ahamad Green, or a Jamal Lewis I think the YPG would have went up a bit.

Im excited to see Portis have this offense built around him. He's a great player and definately earned his money and respect last year.

Our real offense will not be known until the first few games into the regular season. There will be changes for sure. I am still intrigued by Musgrave'saddition and its impact on plays, strategy and our QBs.

While this is nice to read, nobody really knows how Joe Gibbs will surprise us all.

Redskin in Canada wrote:While this is nice to read, nobody really knows how Joe Gibbs will surprise us all.

Portis gave it away....

Four wideouts all run fly routes and Ramsey drops back and hands the ball off to CP on the Draw.

1niksder wrote:

Redskin in Canada wrote:While this is nice to read, nobody really knows how Joe Gibbs will surprise us all.

Portis gave it away....

Four wideouts all run fly routes and Ramsey drops back and hands the ball off to CP on the Draw.

That will only work for so long.But then when the D creeps up, that's when you go to the air my friend! With the new blocking scheme opening up wider holes, how many yards do you guys think Portis will gain?

Chris Luva Luva wrote:Portis definately was a round peg being forced through a square hole.

Well, I think it's more of a round peg that could have gone through a larger square peg, but didn't know how or refused to learn how. Yes, I'm not entirely convinced that all the blame lies with the blocking scheme. Terry Allen, Ernest Byner, Jamie Morris and Timmy Smith were all smallish, scat backs like Portis who had no problem with the blocking scheme. For example, on the counter trey, I never once saw Portis fake adequately to his left before starting to run once, the way all of our productive backs used to do. I'm just tired of Portis not owning up to his own deficiencies.

Tahoe Skin wrote:

Chris Luva Luva wrote:Portis definately was a round peg being forced through a square hole.

Well, I think it's more of a round peg that could have gone through a larger square peg, but didn't know how or refused to learn how. Yes, I'm not entirely convinced that all the blame lies with the blocking scheme. Terry Allen, Ernest Byner, Jamie Morris and Timmy Smith were all smallish, scat backs like Portis who had no problem with the blocking scheme. For example, on the counter trey, I never once saw Portis fake adequately to his left before starting to run once, the way all of our productive backs used to do. I'm just tired of Portis not owning up to his own deficiencies.

I understand what you're saying completely. I wasn't excusing Portis from his problems because he had a few. What I was trying to convey with that quote was the he's more of a slasher instead of a bruiser. I believe it was Joe who stated that Portis's #'s were similiar to what Riggins had when he was here. Portis didn't neccessarily fail in the system, he succeeded and he's capable of so much more.

I kinda like the idea of Portis having more than one hole to possibly hit at any given time. That'll keep the defenders guessing and play recognition will go down if I have any clue, lol.

Terry Allen played for Norv Turner. He never played in a Gibbs/Bugel scheme.

I don't understand why this keeps popping up as some kind of revelation or "new news." The Skins started spreading the field and changing blocking schemes to adapt to Portis as early as the Lions game last year. I remember vividly watching the replays on television and listening to the analyst describe how the blocking schemes had been changed. They continued to do it for the most of the rest of the season. Maybe they'll do it more often this year, but they've been doing it since the middle of last season.

Tahoe Skin wrote:...I'm not entirely convinced that all the blame lies with the blocking scheme.

Even Joe has indicated that it was not just the blocking schemes! there have been more than a few changes in the NFL and there were a few unexpected injuries to compound our problems. Joe has "adjusted" both the scheme and the personnell and how well this will work out will be talked about forever.

Tahoe Skin wrote:... I'm just tired of Portis not owning up to his own deficiencies.

I think that CP has been very "diplomatic" in how he was used and what could be improved on for the team this year. I have a feeling that he has even laid out some mis-leading statements about how he will be used. I think he's looking forward to being a part of this offense and this team this year.



By the way welcome to the best site for Redskins news and views.

I am willing to bet that if Portis starts any single game running to well, Coach will bench him so he will be fresh for the upcoming game.

If this does happen he will barely see 1500 yards.

i'm sure he'd be happy to trade a 1500 yard season for a ring.

I am willing to bet that if Portis starts any single game running to well, Coach will bench him so he will be fresh for the upcoming game.

Dude, have you ever watched a Gibbs coached team? Regardless the changes he may make in the offense to get points on the board, his ultimate goal will be to get a lead, and then shove the ball down the other team's throat. That means the running game. If Portis is picking up 5 yards a pop, he will be allowed to do that forever. Portis will have as many carries as he can stand.

You won't see Gibbs sitting players out until the playoffs are guaranteed.

Gibbs coached teams threw alot and toward the end ran the ball. I dont know......

I just think that if Portis is doing well, Betts will get some burn.

AS well as Betts ran last year, he will definetly be on the field more this coming season.

I hope so, I love watching Betts

Betts show some great stuff last year. Nice to know he's able to come in for Portis and not miss a beat.