Rushing issues

[Skins n' Bones]

So there are numerous threads about benching Campbell and starting Collins, even though Jason has actually played pretty well so far.

But the running game has seriously struggled. I realize that it is at least partially on the O-line and play-calling, but it is pretty obvious that Portis isn't quite the same right now, be it the bone spurs or just getting to that point that RB's do. Betts and Rock aren't getting any younger either, so in the same spirit as teams changing the QB to provide a spark, why not see what the "kids" Mason and Alridge can do in a larger role?

Now don't get me wrong, I've loved Portis since he came here, but 0 rushing yards in the first half yesterday was pathetic. Do I think they are the same caliber back as CP? No way, but maybe some fresh legs and motivation to prove themselves in the NFL could help provide that spark to help get things heading in the right direction.

[alwaysaskin]

I seriously think that we have an awesome RB draft class coming out next year, you'll have:
1. Jahvid Best
2. CJ Spiller
3. Jonathan Dwyer
4. Joe McKnight

Anyone of those players would provide a spark. personally I'd like to get Jahvid Best

[polywog999]

Several things need to happen. CP needs to ride the pine till he is well.
Play calling is poor and needs work. We need to pass more on 1st down.
We are not a power running team and we need to adjust!
We need to call more draws and screens.
We need to lay the wood!
That's the tip of the iceberg only!

[Jacoby6644]

Well the limited rushing yards in the first half I think had to do more with the play calling and lack of runs. They only called/ran 15 runs all game. 14 for CP, 1 for Betts, 1 QB scramble (broken play).

Granted, DET stuffed a couple of runs, but you need to hand the ball off a little more than that. Goes back to what people have said about predictability in the play calling.

Having said that, there are some issues.
The line is just not filled with road graders like we are used to.
CP has probably lost a step, but as someone pointed out in another thread, he came out hitting the holes hard in the third quarter.
I think the other thing is that he needed to play more in the preseason. One thing that I noticed yesterday is when he was making some of his cuts, he seemed to cut the wrong way. There is no way of knowing for sure but on a couple of the runs, it looked like he guessed more so than saw where there was a running lane. Couple time he went left when there was a good cut to the right that would have sprung him for a few yards. I just think a little more game time in the preseason would have helped.

[polywog999]

I just think a little more game time in the preseason would have helped.
Yes! We did not run well in preseason, big Jake. We need to stick with the run a little more.

[FrFan]

There is absolutely no fire in this team. I looked at Portis a few times during the game and he looked delusional. My guess is that the players might not have much confidence in the coaching staff.