Portis and Saunders - friction between them?

[Supreme Wu]

Admittedly from an outsiders perspective, but based on the way these two seem to talk past each other in the media, I would question the functionality of their relationship

Examples of the statements I'm talking about

Saunders: From the start of the season has hyped up Ladell w. words of enthusiasm, no such statements about Portis as far as I know. Publically questioned Portis removing himself from the game on important downs, saying something like 'I don't know of a playmaker who takes himself out on 3rd down.' Recently said the running game is finally consistent 'with Betts in there'.


Portis: Said he didn't see the need for changing the entire offense (Brunell said this too). Had to publically defend removing himself on key downs by saying he trusts Betts to spell him. Recently wondered out loud why the team is running more with Betts in there now.



In addition, I haven't seen any positive words from either man about the other.

I know we have plenty of problems without manufacturing new ones, so I will flat out ask - am I alone in picking up on this tension between the new OC and the starting Rb?

[TD_washingtonredskins]

AS did say that defenses fear CP. He was very complimentary of Portis in that interview.

[Supreme Wu]

AS did say that defenses fear CP. He was very complimentary of Portis in that interview.

Do you think there's any problem between them?

[GibbsFactor]

CP said that both of them need to learn to give and take with each other a bit more last night on Joe da Fan's show.

[Brandon Lloyd Christmas]

ive sensed that tension all season long. if you listen to the john thompson show at 5pm on mondays, portis always sounds confused as to what the hell is going on with the offense.

[jeronimobrat]

These are grown men with agendas! Everyone has them!

But, if the play of Betts this year indeed has triggered a controversy, then I say let this "May the best man win." CPo has to come to grasp that this is not Gibbs' offense anymore.

[Trillskinsfan]

Admittedly from an outsiders perspective, but based on the way these two seem to talk past each other in the media, I would question the functionality of their relationship

Examples of the statements I'm talking about

Saunders: From the start of the season has hyped up Ladell w. words of enthusiasm, no such statements about Portis as far as I know. Publically questioned Portis removing himself from the game on important downs, saying something like 'I don't know of a playmaker who takes himself out on 3rd down.' Recently said the running game is finally consistent 'with Betts in there'.


Portis: Said he didn't see the need for changing the entire offense (Brunell said this too). Had to publically defend removing himself on key downs by saying he trusts Betts to spell him. Recently wondered out loud why the team is running more with Betts in there now.

CP just loves Gibbs :D ,and didnt believe that Gibbs couldn't call the plays thats all


In addition, I haven't seen any positive words from either man about the other.

I know we have plenty of problems without manufacturing new ones, so I will flat out ask - am I alone in picking up on this tension between the new OC and the starting Rb?

[Lombardi's_kid_brother]

ive sensed that tension all season long. if you listen to the john thompson show at 5pm on mondays, portis always sounds confused as to what the hell is going on with the offense.

From the moment he got hurt in the pre-season, he has not seemed happy.

[drowland]

Yeah, I've sensed the tension between them. I remember an interview with Saunders where he was a little ticked because he called a play for CP from the booth and didn't know Portis had pulled himself out for a breather. Apparently he didn't know Portis could take himself out when he wanted. Is it a big deal? Right now I'd say no. Portis bumped heads with Bugel the 1st yr. The interesting thing to watch is how Portis handles sharing carries with Betts next year. Portis is saying the right things now, but that could change once he's back on the field. Portis is one of those backs that feels he gets better the more carries he has.

[Dweezel]

Vermeil and LJ had their spats but you saw where that lead. I don't care if they hate each other personally as long as they do what is needed professionally.

[Pete]

No comment made here by Trillskinsfan

This reply has got me confused. Quoting the entire first post with no comment on it what so ever. Did I miss something here ?

[Supreme Wu]

This reply has got me confused. Quoting the entire first post with no comment on it what so ever. Did I miss something here ?


He shimmied a comment in the middle there

"CP just loves Gibbs :D ,and didnt believe that Gibbs couldn't call the plays thats all"

[ntotoro]

My Wife's friend's former college roommate's dog's former owner's brother talked to a guy who said CP thinks AS is suuuuuch a loserLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!11

[ChampSkinsFanatic]

The offense was fine, I'm with Portis.

[Uno Boss]

Vermeil and LJ had their spats but you saw where that lead. I don't care if they hate each other personally as long as they do what is needed professionally.

Exactly....

i hate how everyone wants this team to be some choir boys now that Gibbs is older and more subtle....


the teams we had that use to win had the likes of...

Gary Clark
Wilbur Marshall
John "the rockstar" Riggins..
Dexter Manley
Jay Schroeder
Brian Mitchell



Just to name a few...these guys were all high emotion people as well and it help the team at some point.....



This is Football not politics.....:doh:

Ill take a TO circus with a Playoff and super bowl appearance over a character filled bumb team anyday....

Give Me Chad Johnsons mouth along with his production over
James Thrash and his Character anyday....:cheers:

[HailSkins81]

It seemed when Portis was in, the running plays they called took too long to develop. There were too many sweeps and stretches. He was always running up the back of an o lineman. Lately, the calls in the running plays seem more to go just inside outiside tackle, just hit the hole and go. That suits Portis and Betts better.

Also, it seems like the pass playcalling most of the season has lacked much aggression. The 10-20 yard passes are pretty rare. Passing on first down has been a rarity, but is pretty successful when it is used. When Portis was in, the D figured it would be a run, and a sweep at that, and they smelled it out. Portis would have had much more success if passes were used more often than on 3rd and 8.

I digress.

It will be good to see a healthy Clinton Portis back. Ladell has done a great job, but Portis has the ability to break it big a little more than Ladell.

[Pete]

He shimmied a comment in the middle there

"CP just loves Gibbs :D ,and didnt believe that Gibbs couldn't call the plays thats all"

You sir are correct, I missed it completely :cheers:

As for the actual topic, the way Porti has spoken in general in contrast to last season, there's something going on behind closed doors IMO. Even going back to his injury in the preseason game, his whole "why was I in the game" schtick. Blaming the coaching staff in a round about way for him getting hurt, and doing it very publically said something has changed between him and the staff.

[TaylorPickSix]

Vermeil and LJ had their spats but you saw where that lead. I don't care if they hate each other personally as long as they do what is needed professionally.
Agreed. Very good point.