Portis puts on 12 pounds of muscle for upcoming season

[chow184]

http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050626/GATORS20/206260331/1119/sports

SHBURN, Va. - As Clinton Portis left here in January after his first season in burgundy and gold, his Washington Redskins coaches hinted at tweaking the playbook for 2005.

In the weeks after he nodded, then shrugged off the whispers, the Redskins' staff overhauled the offense, every move with one goal in mind.

"They asked me what I felt about some things," Portis said during the team's June minicamp. "But when I got back, we had a changed offense."

The Redskins, their coaches pledge and their star tailback seems certain, will be different in 2005, and everyone involved points to Portis as the new offense's fulcrum. To highlight his speed and cutback skills, management signed smaller, faster wide receivers, and the coaching staff designed wider formations that should give Portis more room to run.

Almost anything would rank as progress over 2004, when Washington ranked 30th in yardage and 31st in points among the NFL's 32 offenses. Portis, acquired in the March 2004 trade that sent cornerback Champ Bailey to the Broncos, posted the poorest season of his three as a professional. He averaged 3.8 yards a carry, 1.7 fewer than the average for his first two seasons, and scored five rushing touchdowns, compared to a combined 29 in his first two years.

Despite the ballyhooed trade engineered by coach Joe Gibbs, Portis, who weighed around 200 pounds all season, looked out of place and misused in a Gibbs system designed for a bigger power runner.

"Sometimes you have to adjust," said Joe Bugel, the Redskins' assistant head coach for offense. "We're used to a 235-pound, 240-pound back. So we opened it up, tried to create running lanes for him. He's quick as a cat."

To help, Washington signed free agents David Patten and Kevin Dyson, who have Super Bowl experience. On March 9, sandwiched between the two signings, the Redskins traded wide receiver Laveranues Coles to the Jets for Santana Moss, one of the NFL's fastest players, who also excels in the return game.

Even with the loss off Coles and the absence of receiver Rod Gardner, who has demanded a trade and has not participated in the off-season activities, Gibbs said the team had upgraded the position by adding speed. The Redskins will throw more, and earlier in the game, Bugel said, forcing defenses to pay more attention to receivers on the outside and open space for Portis. Portis could also help as a pass blocker, a role in which he thrived at the University of Miami.

"We're not a clustered offense anymore," Portis said of the changes. "Last year, the receivers, everybody was inside the numbers. This year, everybody is spread out. So it's different."

So is Portis, as Gibbs repeated throughout the full-squad minicamp last weekend. After avoiding Redskins Park for much of the 2004 off-season, Portis reported early in the spring and worked out on site. Mentored by the strength and conditioning coach John Dunn, whose nickname is Mother, Portis said he added 20 pounds of muscle in his chest and shoulders. Rosters released by the team indicated a 10-pound gain, placing him at 212 pounds this month.

Fellow Redskins said Portis' presence at voluntary spring sessions motivated them. An additional boost came during minicamp, when they said they realized he had not lost any of his quickness.

"With Clinton, he told Mother Dunn and the guys, 'Tell me what I need to do,' " Gibbs said. " 'I want to be part of this. I want to be a leader.' Any time that happens, it carries over to everybody else."

The leadership continued on the field, especially, when Washington surprised the league by picking Auburn quarterback Jason Campbell with the 17th pick overall. Campbell, who led Auburn to an undefeated 2004 season and won his final 15 games at Auburn, grew up in Laurel, Miss., a town of 18,000 that Portis also called home until middle school.

"He's been the guy who's been helping me out," Campbell said. "We come from a similar background, so he's always talking to me, showing me things, making sure I get better."

Portis, too, needs to get better, at least statistically. After being named the NFL offensive rookie of the year in 2002 and reaching the Pro Bowl in 2003, he eclipsed the 100-yard mark five times in his debut season with the Redskins. He went seven games, from Oct. 3 to Dec. 5, without a touchdown, and his 3.8 yards a carry for the season ranked last among the NFL's top 20 rushers.

Now Portis is set on improving on those numbers. The result, they all hope, will be playoff games in January.

"When Coach Gibbs came back, for a running back, he decided to pick me," he said. "We have a lot of talent around me, like last year. Now we're going to expose it."

[Leonard Washington]

i hope this doesn't slow him down

[skinzfan4life]

I agree i hope it doesnt slow him down, but if he cant pick up somemore yards in short yardage situations it might be ok.

[DB44]

That exactly what I wanted him to do. He had to get bigger to play in the NFC East.

Outstanding Clinton!:cheers:

[Walking Deadman]

I like how Portis is becoming a team leader.....this is another good sign, hopefully.

[Funkyalligator]

Doesn't sound like it....also they also fail to point out that he had over 1300 yards and only played 14 full games...

[ntotoro]

Originally posted by Funkyalligator
Doesn't sound like it....also they also fail to point out that he had over 1300 yards and only played 14 full games...

Technically, 12 full games. He was basically benched against Pittsburgh and in one of the Philly games.

[stainbck]

not sure how you got 12.... the article says portis thinks he added 20 while the roster reports a gain of 10...

[PleaseBlitz]

I think we are going to hear that a lot of Skins have beefed up in the weight room considering the attendance of just about everyone at the off-season training program.

One more thing the media will never give Gibbs credit for.

[Destino]

Originally posted by DB44
That exactly what I wanted him to do. He had to get bigger to play in the NFC East.

Outstanding Clinton!:cheers:

really?

Julius Jones: 5-9 205
Tiki Barber: 5-10 200
Brian Westbrook: 5-10 205

Clinton is now the largest starting RB in the NFC East at 5-11 212

[SlinginSammy HOF '63]

One of the biggest myths in life: muscle slowing you down.

Compare sprinters to distance runners. which of the two are packing more muscle? Squats build muscle and also enhance speed.

[stupidsuck]

this will definitely be beneficial to everyone, I'm excited about this now :)

[SkinsForLife260]

didnt some one already have a article where it said he gained weight and that he is still as fast?

Anyone remember?

[SlinginSammy HOF '63]

I'd say he gained more like 10 pounds. 20 pounds or "pure muscle" in 5 months is virtually impossible unless it's chemically enhanced.

Believe me folks, I've been in the gym since Portis was in diapers. However I'm glad he did it. I made the comment after last season that he'd benefit greatly by putting on 5-10 more pounds

[FARAPS]

im glad to hear he gained muscle but my first instinct after reading it was to wonder if it would affect his quickness at all but im sure they know what theyre doing

[SlinginSammy HOF '63]

Originally posted by FARAPS
im glad to hear he gained muscle but my first instinct after reading it was to wonder if it would affect his quickness at all but im sure they know what theyre doing

Oh yeah he'll come in bigger, faster and stronger than he's ever been!:cheers:

[d0ublestr0ker0ll]

Let me just say, that this gave me chills down my spine.

He will not only be one of the quickest RB's in the game, he will be quick with a purpose. I see Portis spinning off more tackles this year, and actually bulling-over some weak tackles that would take his 205 frame down to the turf.

Upper body strength is what he needed. His legs are already prime beef, gaining 10 pounds up there is just what the doctor ordered.

[DonMagicJuan]

Originally posted by Destino


really?

Julius Jones: 5-9 205
Tiki Barber: 5-10 200
Brian Westbrook: 5-10 205

Clinton is now the largest starting RB in the NFC East at 5-11 212

great point....i think they will make him a tad bit slower but he will still be fast!

[redskin-one]

talk about your core-redskins. god i wish the season would start already.

[Cool Hand Loki]

Originally posted by chow184
http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050626/GATORS20/206260331/1119/sports



Fellow Redskins said Portis' presence at voluntary spring sessions motivated them. An additional boost came during minicamp, when they said they realized he had not lost any of his quickness.



His speed will be fine, and hopefully his shoulders and sternum will be better protected. It's unlikely he added more than 10 pounds, and if it's good weight (muscle is more dense than fat), it should only help him carry the ball effectively.

[TK]

Originally posted by SkinsForLife260
didnt some one already have a article where it said he gained weight and that he is still as fast?

Anyone remember?
Andyman did.
:)

[VaBeachSkinzFan]

Hey I found this on NFL.com
http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/8602164

Last season Redskins running back Clinton Portis took a pounding. This offseason Portis engaged in a different type of pounding. He put on 10 pounds, going from 202 to 212. In the Redskins' more spread out offense, he could have occasion to use it. The plan is to get Portis outside more and take advantage of his speed more, which the Redskins did not do enough of last season. Then again, the Redskins didn't do much of anything on offense last season, ranking 31st in points scored. But offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave has been entrusted with the task of making the offense faster, quicker and more explosive. Portis -- a heavier Portis -- will be its centerpiece. And he does not plan on weighing down the Redskins.

:lift:

[Fifty Gut]

Originally posted by SlinginSammy HOF '63
One of the biggest myths in life: muscle slowing you down.

Compare sprinters to distance runners. which of the two are packing more muscle? Squats build muscle and also enhance speed.

yup, that's why sprints are better than moderate cardio when it comes to losing fat

happy to see Portis put on a few pounds to continue playing the workhorse role

[CHUBAKAH]

Go on with your bad self!

[Skins11]

This is exactly what I hoped he'd do this offseason. Good stuff. I'm glad he's above 210.


Originally posted by Gfunk703


yup, that's why sprints are better than moderate cardio when it comes to losing fat


Is this true?

[kevhow]

Originally posted by stainbck
not sure how you got 12.... the article says portis thinks he added 20 while the roster reports a gain of 10...

You take the average of 20 and 10, while factoring in Clinton's propensity to exaggerate and you get 12.... simple

[Cool Hand Loki]

Originally posted by Skins11
This is exactly what I hoped he'd do this offseason. Good stuff. I'm glad he's above 210.



Is this true?

Yes, sprints are more effective than moderate cardio for reducing fat.

[jimster]

Originally posted by Skins11


Is this true?

yep. - do a search on high intensity training (HIT).

you burn fat for several hours after.

[barefoot]

Originally posted by Destino


really?

Julius Jones: 5-9 205
Tiki Barber: 5-10 200
Brian Westbrook: 5-10 205

Clinton is now the largest starting RB in the NFC East at 5-11 212

I think he's refering to the NFC East's traditional reputation, you know, "line'em up and smack the crap outta the guy across from ya!"
:2cents:

[jrockster21]

Originally posted by SlinginSammy HOF '63
One of the biggest myths in life: muscle slowing you down.

Compare sprinters to distance runners. which of the two are packing more muscle? Squats build muscle and also enhance speed.

Muscles do slow you down, but only if you gain a crapload of muscle (its simple physics). 10 lbs ain't gonna do it, but 20-30 lbs (a la David Boston) definitely will. The other problem is the knees with the added weight. Can they support it? That was also Boston's problem.

Its also a question of where the muscle is. For instance Boston focused a lot on his upper body, and thus became top-heavy. But if you focus too much on your legs, then you will slow down as well. There is a necessary balance between form and function.

I think Portis will be fine, and will be a dominant force this season.

[Chachie]

I don't see last season as any kind of litmus test for Clinton Portis. New team, new scheme, patchwork o-line, no passing game, etc.
This is now an offense built for him, with a 2nd year coach (what? In DC?!?), a more confident QB, WRs that want to play, and an o-line at full strength.


:fingersx:

[barefoot]

Originally posted by SkinsForLife260
didnt some one already have a article where it said he gained weight and that he is still as fast?

Anyone remember?

I remeber a few days ago our bud, Nunyo, said that Portis IS NOT going to gain more weight. Just another in a long list:doh:

[TC4]

Hopefully a good bit of that muscle will be in his legs to give him a bit more burst

[Clinton Portis]

Its great he gained muscle!

Now he'll have a much easier time taking hits and running through tackles.

I don't think Clinton did horrible statsitically, but he does have room to improve. And I hope he goes back to his ways in Denver. Hopefully our new offense works out.

[scruffylookin]

Didn't Dumbyo scoff at the suggestion that Clinton put on some weight during his chat last week?

Yet again Dumbyo is right on top of things. I'm so glad the Washington Post has this guy as the Skins beat reporter.:rolleyes:

[PCRoughrider]

God, I hope this isn't true. You're not a fullback, Clinton.

[jrockster21]

Originally posted by PCRoughrider
God, I hope this isn't true. You're not a fullback, Clinton.

You think going from 202 to 212 makes somebody a fullback?!? Get a grip, man!

Bettis - 5'11, 255
Lewis - 5'11, 245
Tomlinson - 5'10, 221
Alexander - 5'11, 225
McAllister - 6'1, 232
McGahee - 6'0, 228
Henry - 5'9, 215
D Davis - 5'9, 221
R Johnson - 5'10, 220
Benson - 5'10, 222

Clinton Portis - 5'11, 212-220

[Idaho fan]

I don't think gaining 10 +/- lbs will slow him down all that much. Weighing 212 certainly won't make him a "Fullback". I think that the extra muscle will help him break a few more tackles and hopefully stay healthy! I like our depth at RB but can you imagine loosing CP for more than just a couple of games? Stay healthy Portis!

Healthy O-line + new blocking schemes = Portis with 1600 yards minimum.:logo:

[truskinsfan18]

I dont know what to think about it, we will see in training camp if hes gotten an slower

[Park City Skins]

Long as the legs gain strength proportionately with the rest of the body he should be okay. That and the vast array of exercises I'm sure he does to maintain the speed. Cool.

[hands11]

Originally posted by Chachie
I don't see last season as any kind of litmus test for Clinton Portis. New team, new scheme, patchwork o-line, no passing game, etc.
This is now an offense built for him, with a 2nd year coach (what? In DC?!?), a more confident QB, WRs that want to play, and an o-line at full strength.


:fingersx:
Oh yeah. This year is going to be totally different.

We finally have a legitimate reason to get excited.

Some years we had the players but we had a coach like Norv who was a first time head coach. I never liked him as a head coach.

Then we would lost players and replace them when aging stars.

Now we have excellent coaching across the board.
Young strong fast gifted talent.
And O line that has stability and talent.
A top RB
A solid kick D

You dont have to have A+ proven talent at every possition to be great. Actually, I like having a few no name hungry players on my team.

Gibbs did what he needed to do since last year. He will be out to prove himself. I like that he is hungry after last year. No way he will let himself get played like that again. He has to much pride.

Honestly, I see us as a saw the Wiz before the season started. Actually, we have even a better chance because our staff is better then the Wiz staff was.

This team can go far this year. The only thing keeping me from saying all the way is we arent settled at QB yet. It can happen, but usually you get close, gain experience and then get to the dance. This year will be fun. We still have to settle the QB thing out. If Ramsey breaks out this year and can lead going into next, then we can go all the way.

Stability at QB is the biggest issue over the next couple years. Should be intersting to see this play out. I know we all hate Brunell but may. Just maybe. A good part of him sucking was the offense Gibbs had him running. Maybe a younger Brunell could have over come it but an older Brunell couldnt.

Hes probably better then what we saw. How much better ? Who knows. I guess we will see some in preseason. That should tell us a lot. Any QB is going to play better with this new system. Brunell included.

Wouldnt it be nuts if he pulled a Doug Williams on us. Ramsey palys the who season and gets hurt at the end. Brunell steps in and lights it up. Man would we all be eating crow.

[hands11]

Originally posted by barefoot


I remeber a few days ago our bud, Nunyo, said that Portis IS NOT going to gain more weight. Just another in a long list:doh:

Yeah. I read that and thought the same thing.

It was obvious about mid way through last season that it would be better if he added 10 pounds. Maybe every back doesnt need that but if your playing for Gibbs and you want to be an every down back, you better be able to muscle a few yards in a pill.

It should make him more durable also.

[hands11]

Originally posted by truskinsfan18
I dont know what to think about it, we will see in training camp if hes gotten an slower

They have an excellent weight coach. Im sure he put the weight on in the right places.

I would be very surprised if slowed down at all.

Come on. This is Portis. He knows his speed. He must love his speed. He isnt going to do anything that would slow himself down.

He has been running and testing his speed. If he slowed down, he would probably stop working out.

Im not worried at all. Not even a little bit.

[jbooma]

Originally posted by goskins
I like how Portis is becoming a team leader.....this is another good sign, hopefully.

I agree Portis is doing and saying all the right things this season. I bet he feels he let the team down last year and himself and he is expecting to have a big season !!!!!!!!!!!!

Just wish some of this would rub off the other "U" players though