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

It seems to me that Portis' struggles have to fall back onto the play calling. I think that the reason he isnt getting the yards is because Gibbs runs mostly out of a single-back set leaving no blocking back in the backfield. The O-line is just not playing up to their potential so when Portis trys to run it there is often defensive players already in the backfield with no one left to block them. Really this year other than the games against TB, CHI, and DET there has been no running game. When ever the skins have played a pretty good defense Portis has only been able to get 60-70 yrds. I just dont think that Portis is going to be able to use his talent in washington unless he has a blocking back to allow him to get past the first line of players to use his speed and agility. It doesnt look like Gibbs is going to change.

Well we would all love a power running back like John Riggins who can power through the center, blocks or no blocks! Portis needs counter plays and tosses, that is his style. The O-line often doesn't get there in time for his blocks, and I believe he counld run it down their guts if the O-line could make some holes...this year they haven't really helped him out. All the games we won it was against teams that we controlled the line of scrimmage in, thats what we need to aim for.

Clinton Portis is a zone scheme back. whenever we run a zone based running attack, clinton does well. but then we go back to a John Riggins powerhouse running attack in which clinton gets smoothered. the offense and joe gibbs need to adapt to Clintons zone scheme running style and stop living in the past with a Riggins bulldozer type running attack.

Gibbs runs mostly out of a single-back set leaving no blocking back in the backfield.

The H-back is the extra blocking back.

until we give someone a reason to even consider the passing game portis will just waste away here in washington. We have to be the most predictable offense in the league.

Portis needs to catch the ball and get positive yards. All i've seen is blocks for hands, he's been hanging w/Gardner too much.