WP:Portis says he expects to return to Redskins and to be healthy

[authentic]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/mike-shanahan/portis-says-he-expects-to-retu.html#comments


Clinton Portis spoke to Rick Maese after finishing an ESPN2 interview today in South Florida. Dan Steinberg will have the details of the ESPN comments after he finishes chatting and Rick will have a post for you on his interview later.

Quickly, here are Maese's Twitter headlines from his one-on-one: Portis definitely expects to be back with the Redskins and to be fully healthy, although he has not yet been cleared medically after suffering a concussion. He says he feels good and is excited about the Redskins' coaching changes. He said nice things about Jim Zorn and Stump Mitchell but loves Mike Shanahan and Bobby Turner.

['Skins_&_'Stons]

If he is TRULY healthy and ready to work then I am all for this.

[SoCalSkins]

2000 yards in 2010.

[DaMuller7]

Let's hope he's fully ready to practice and not look like an out of shape lump...

[NoleSkin21]

NO! NO! NO! I have seen enough of his act. I couldn't be more over him!

[bulldog]

So, Portis has changed his mind from when he left Denver and said that Shanahan had failed to 'treat him like a man' and re-negotiate his contract (?) :)

Poor Clinton. He goes on TV or the radio and says the 'right' thing politically but then assumes that his own words from past months or years that go in contrast to his current rhetoric will be ignored by the media and fans as 'irrelevant'.

[MWCREDSKINS]

Move on please. I want this guy off the team and start over at the RB position. He's a cancer and I think his best days are behind him. But if Clinton does return , he better practice and stop criticizing teammates and coaches. I want guys like London Fletcher and you notice how Fletch has rubbed off on Orakpo, I'm not sure Portis is one of those guys

[McD5]

2000 yards in 2010.

Let's hope not.

2,000 from Chris Johnson meant nothing for their team.

I believe Shanahan is smart enough to know this is a passing league now.

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

IF we go un-capped, it'd be to our detriment to not cut, or at the very least severely restructure, the burden of his contract whilst we have the free chance IMHO.

Clinton, though always hard working on the field and invaluable to us during his time here; has never been an upper echelon back in this league and he's FAR from that now.

Hail.

[D-Day]

If he comes back I hope they cut and resign him......

I don't care about Portis, it is the 12 mil per year cap hit he costs for the next 3 or 4 years (should the cap come back in 2011).

[SkinsHokieFan]

28 year old RB with problems in the locker room?

Get rid of him

[MTechnik]

Yes, if he is ready to come back, he should be ready to renegotiate his contract to minimize the damage to the team in later years, and he should also participate in the off-season programs in stead of going to Miami as he does every year.

Then I'd gladly have him back.

[B.Rob]

Let's hope not.

2,000 from Chris Johnson meant nothing for their team.

I believe Shanahan is smart enough to know this is a passing league now.

Seems to me that 2,000 yards means 2,000 yards. If you take away those yards and turn them into 1,500 yards in the air, do they become more meaningful?

[bulldog]

the contract dollars would mitigate toward a separation in 2010.

but Portis shouldn't really care that much as he is set to get $6.4M regardless.

only the $800K roster bonus is up for grabs if he is released before March 1.

[NoleSkin21]

Portis = Gilbert Arenas. A freakin clown who doesn't take anything seriously except his contract. Trade him to the Raiders for McFadden.

[Cooooley47]

So, Portis has changed his mind from when he left Denver and said that Shanahan had failed to 'treat him like a man' and re-negotiate his contract (?) :)



From everything I've read, Shanahan basically just told him that if he wanted to be the highest paid RB, it wasnt going to be in Denver so Shanahan gave him the option to stay or be traded. He chose to be traded. Who wouldnt??

I dont see how that is not treating him like a man...

[HitStickTaylor21]

Aside from him coming back or not, he's seriously STILL not medically cleared from that concussion?

[McD5]

Aside from him coming back or not, he's seriously STILL not medically cleared from that concussion?

He has been too lazy to go to a doctor.

[Koolblue13]

Let's hope not.

2,000 from Chris Johnson meant nothing for their team.

I believe Shanahan is smart enough to know this is a passing league now.

That would explain the Jets beating the Chargers and making it to the Championship game, right?

[authentic]

Aside from him coming back or not, he's seriously STILL not medically cleared from that concussion?

This^^.... and what about those bone spurs?

[NoleSkin21]

This^^.... and what about those bone spurs?

I'm more concerned about his lazy bone problem.

[McD5]

That would explain the Jets beating the Chargers and making it to the Championship game, right?

Jets defense, holding the Chargers to almost no points, would explain that.

Chris Johnson?

Jones-Drew?

Frank Gore?

Who cares? No team that is still suck in the 80s, and who runs their offense through one running back does anything.

[skins_4_life]

NO! NO! NO! I have seen enough of his act. I couldn't be more over him!


LMAO Here are the things I want to see out of portis:
1. I want to see a healthy, clean bill of health portis.
2. I want to see him at the weight he was at denver before he lost a step
3. I want to see him participate in all offseason workouts and activities.
4. I want to see the hunger he had to win.

When portis first got here he wanted the big payday but he also wanted the football. He was lightning fast at the weight he was until gibbs turned him into a power back and made him gain weight. Now when he was in denver shanny handled portis with no problem and I dont think he will have a problem this time around. Everyone says that, well he got rid of portis before why not now. well shanny believes that running backs come a dime a dozen so why not pick up draft picks and a shut down corner. So it would not shock me if portis is back and better than every.

[ConnSKINS26]

LMAO Here are the things I want to see out of portis:
1. I want to see a healthy, clean bill of health portis.
2. I want to see him at the weight he was at denver before he lost a step
3. I want to see him participate in all offseason workouts and activities.
4. I want to see the hunger he had to win.

When portis first got here he wanted the big payday but he also wanted the football. He was lightning fast at the weight he was until gibbs turned him into a power back and made him gain weight. Now when he was in denver shanny handled portis with no problem and I dont think he will have a problem this time around. Everyone says that, well he got rid of portis before why not now. well shanny believes that running backs come a dime a dozen so why not pick up draft picks and a shut down corner. So it would not shock me if portis is back and better than every.

Uhh if Shanny thinks running backs are a dime a dozen, why would he want to keep Portis? That makes no sense. Get one who is younger, with no drama, and some speed. Oh, and pay them cheap. You just killed your own argument.

[scruffylookin]

The intriguing line is that he "loves" Shanahan and Turner.

I wonder if he's just buttering them up or has he actually been given some indications that he is in fact in their plans for the upcoming season.

Anyway, I'll support the coaches with whatever decision they make but I would prefer to see Clinton back and hopefully in vintage form with an actual NFL worthy offensive line blocking for him.

[jbowman]

2,000 rushing yards in the NFC East means a lot more than it does in other divisions.

[skins_4_life]

Uhh if Shanny thinks running backs are a dime a dozen, why would he want to keep Portis? That makes no sense. Get one who is younger, with no drama, and some speed. Oh, and pay them cheap. You just killed your own argument.


Because you can reconstruct his contract (which we are kings at) and use a proven back that knows the system without using a draft pick on a young unproven one.

[Diesel Hog]

Uhh if Shanny thinks running backs are a dime a dozen, why would he want to keep Portis? That makes no sense. Get one who is younger, with no drama, and some speed. Oh, and pay them cheap. You just killed your own argument.

So you're saying we should draft CJ Spiller? :D

[REDSKINZ-RIDEORDIE]

Like Ive said a million times on here, I dont care if he takes everything seriously and works out like a beast or becomes a great locker person. HE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE AN EXTREMELY LOW ACCELERATION, AND CONTINUE TO GET WALKED DOWN BY D/L MEN. If there is no cap, let his azz go. The only way he should stay on our squad is if he agrees to severely restructure his contract along with agreeing to be fine with being a #2 RB. I can not take seeing seeing this dude as our #1 back. Everyone says how easy it is to replace a RB. So why the hell dont we just go out and get another RB. CP and Betts need to be done as Redskins. Offense needs all the playmakers it can get.... Draft one of these RBs coming out this year.

[texasthunder]

Geez- I just want to see some movement by the FO concerning the players.
What are they going to do with Portis?
What are they going to do with Campbell
What are they going to do with Rogers ?
Etc-

Yes, I am getting impatient.

All the coaches have been hired, lets get something done about the players.

Ok, maybe its early.
How about just letting us know what kind of offensive or defensive schemes are going to be implemented.

I guess I am just tired of reading about speculation. I would like to see some facts.
:rant:

[Zhouse]

Aside from him coming back or not, he's seriously STILL not medically cleared from that concussion?

That's exactly what I' thinking. Westbrook came back from 2 concussions.

[TheLongshot]

Geez- I just want to see some movement by the FO concerning the players.
What are they going to do with Portis?
What are they going to do with Campbell
What are they going to do with Rogers ?
Etc-

Yes, I am getting impatient.

All the coaches have been hired, lets get something done about the players.

Ok, maybe its early.
How about just letting us know what kind of offensive or defensive schemes are going to be implemented.

I guess I am just tired of reading about speculation. I would like to see some facts.
:rant:

Well, if there is no CBA agreement, it is pretty easy to predict what is going to happen to all of these players. Portis will stay, and unless they pick someone who will immediately displace Portis, he will play. Campbell and Rogers will be tendered, and while it is possible that they could be traded, I don't think it is likely.

As for the rest, you aren't going to hear anything until after the Superbowl. Hell, I don't think the coaching staff has met with most of the players yet, considering that most of them are on their postseason break.

[TheLongshot]

That's exactly what I' thinking. Westbrook came back from 2 concussions.

Sounds to me like Westbrook shouldn't have been cleared and that Portis not being cleared yet is a good thing. There are some real questions to how Philly handled Westbrook, particularly since it looks like that Philly is going to get rid of Westbrook in the offseason.

[kappaluvacee]

Portis = Gilbert Arenas. A freakin clown who doesn't take anything seriously except his contract. Trade him to the Raiders for McFadden.

You can't be serious with that comparison. Also Gil was the man before the guns came out so why all the clown references now? Gil was embraced as "different" or "quirky" prior to this season. Immature is what he really was/is. Abe knew he had a situation with guns in his past when he signed him and made him the face of the org. It's not fair to Gil that he now be villified for being the person that he's been all along.

CP is not immature. He's an athlete that says what he feels without thinking about the consequences or implications on the team. CP is selfish not immature.

[Laxpunk2006]

Uhh if Shanny thinks running backs are a dime a dozen, why would he want to keep Portis? That makes no sense. Get one who is younger, with no drama, and some speed. Oh, and pay them cheap. You just killed your own argument.

Even if he thinks that he may still decide it is in the team's best interest to keep Portis this year. Whether we keep him or not he's getting roughly $6mill this year. That's pretty good motivation for Snyder to want him back. No one wants to pay that much for nothing. Even if he's running the scout team Snyder will be getting better returns. Shanahan also may have thought that because his "system" made runningbacks better. We don't currently have his guys, so we don't know if our players can run it effectively. We don't yet has an established and effective line like they did in Denver. We don't know how he feels about Campbell but we don't have a handpicked QB.

It's very possible that even if Shanahan believes RB's are a dime a dozen he'll keep Portis. It gives us someone to take the beating off of our QB whether it's Jason or someone else and it saves us a draft pick this year. With limited picks and infinite holes we need to save as many as possible. I'm sure Shanahan would have loved to keep Portis in Denver he just felt he got better value out of an elite CB and a pick in the same round he found Clinton in.

I personally expect Clinton to be back in 2010 just because of our other holes. If we're attempting to retool an entire offensive line and possibly switch to a 3-4 we just don't have picks to use on RB's and there won't be any starter quality FA's unless someone gets cut.

[gorebd82]

Sounds to me like Westbrook shouldn't have been cleared and that Portis not being cleared yet is a good thing. There are some real questions to how Philly handled Westbrook, particularly since it looks like that Philly is going to get rid of Westbrook in the offseason.

That concussion medial clearance will be a long gone thought by September. I'm excited because Clinton's legs and body only took 8.5 games of beatings. His body should come back as healthy as its been in years.

Clinton is an old 28, but he'll still be 28. Having from November to recover rather than January like normal seasons will be of great benefit to CP. With him happy about the coaching situation, I see CP being very motivated to recapture his previous success.

IMO, he'll have a great bounce back season due to improved health, improved training, and trust in a system and coaching staff that should get the most out of his ability.

[[[ghost]]]

Portis = Gilbert Arenas. A freakin clown who doesn't take anything seriously except his contract. Trade him to the Raiders for McFadden.

I didn't realize Portis pulled guns on his teammates.

But way to make up some ridiculous analogy just because it helps you get your anger out.

[Portis N Pals]

I hope all these guys who are hating on Portis will come back and eat crow when he gives 110% this season, which is what he has ALWAYS done, under a competent coach that he respects (Shanny, Gibbs)

[scruffylookin]

I hope all these guys who are hating on Portis will come back and eat crow when he gives 110% this season, which is what he has ALWAYS done, under a competent coach that he respects (Shanny, Gibbs)

I love CP as a player and am one of his biggest backers against the near slander that some agenda boyz spew against him, but you're not doing him any favors by saying that he only gives "110 percent" if he respects or is coached by a "competent" coach. A player should be giving that all the time. Especially professional players who are paid to give that kind of effort.

[Portis N Pals]

I disagree. Its easy to say that, you should always give 110%, but if you got a new boss tomorrow that was a complete idiot, had absolutely NO merit for being your boss, and you saw he was making your company worse, would you give the same effort? MORE than what was expected? The honest answer is NO. And that's what Clinton did, he gave his body until it broke. He did everything that was asked of him by Gibbs, whether he liked it or not, and never caused any problems, until Mr. QB Coach became our head coach, and had no clue how to run a team.

[Catatonic]

LMAO Here are the things I want to see out of portis:
1. I want to see a healthy, clean bill of health portis.
2. I want to see him at the weight he was at denver before he lost a step
3. I want to see him participate in all offseason workouts and activities.
4. I want to see the hunger he had to win.

5. I want to see his lazy, me me me ass on the first Amtrack outta DC.

[Spartacus87]

I disagree. Its easy to say that, you should always give 110%, but if you got a new boss tomorrow that was a complete idiot, had absolutely NO merit for being your boss, and you saw he was making your company worse, would you give the same effort? MORE than what was expected? The honest answer is NO. And that's what Clinton did, he gave his body until it broke. He did everything that was asked of him by Gibbs, whether he liked it or not, and never caused any problems, until Mr. QB Coach became our head coach, and had no clue how to run a team. And yet he was getting paid as one of the top players in the league at his position, was playing best friends with Dan Snyder to protect his status, and was skipping out on practices to get massages.

And then, after the season was over and he had spent most of it on IR, he went on the radio and said Campbell wasn't any kind of leader for the team.

I appreciate what Portis did in 2005 and especially the Sean Taylor playoff run in 2007, but his act has gotten really stale, and his body is worn out.

Time to move on.

[Crazy Levi]

double post

[Crazy Levi]

I don't get all the hate for CP. He's been one of the Redskins best players (and one of the Redskins ONLY good players) for years, and he's played well for us and he's played hard for us. This year was an utter abortion for all concerned so I don't think it's fair to suddenly label him Jeff George because of a few tiffs in the media. That kind of stuff happens on terrible teams, and this year, the Skins were a terrible team.

He's only 28 and he might have another good season or two in the tank...and in case you haven't noticed the Redskins have enough issues without having to worry about bringing in a new RB as well. They would do well to give him a shot this year as they work on plugging up the 20 or 30 dozen other holes in this team.

If he's committed to getting with the Shannahan program I don't see why anyone wouldn't want him back...unless you think the Ganther era should be embraced or we'd be better off drafting an RB than a lineman.

[skins_4_life]

5. I want to see his lazy, me me me ass on the first Amtrack outta DC.



TO FUNNY!!!:drooley:

[Destino]

Sounds to me like Westbrook shouldn't have been cleared and that Portis not being cleared yet is a good thing. There are some real questions to how Philly handled Westbrook, particularly since it looks like that Philly is going to get rid of Westbrook in the offseason.

Actually it sounds like Portis hasn't sought to be cleared by a doctor.


As for Portis I don't care if he expects to be healthy and he's excited. I want to know if he's going to practice and if he's going to shut his big mouth.

[Mooka]

He's lucky there's no cap. Releasing him would save money.


It will be interesting to see what kind of shape he's in come training camp.

[skns4life]

So, Portis has changed his mind from when he left Denver and said that Shanahan had failed to 'treat him like a man' and re-negotiate his contract (?) :)

Poor Clinton. He goes on TV or the radio and says the 'right' thing politically but then assumes that his own words from past months or years that go in contrast to his current rhetoric will be ignored by the media and fans as 'irrelevant'.

bulldog,

CP actually said the exact opposite of what you're saying. He said Shanahan was honest with him and said he'd like to have him back but that he wouldn't be able to pay him what other teams would be willing to pay him. I don't see where people are getting this notion that Mike and CP didn't get along.

[authentic]

Here's a transcript of the interview....

http://www.fredericksburg.com/blogs/view?blogger_id=40&p=1265130116


Q: If you could sum up last season in one word, what would it be?

"Rough."

Q: Why was it so rough last year?

"It was just a tough year. Besides us being hit by the injury bug, all the questions about what was going on inside the organization and the firing of the coaches and the GM and the chatter between players. I think bringing Coach Shanahan in is really a great opportunity for us. I think he will get us going in the right direction and get the most out of the guys that's playing for him."

Q: What's going on with you and QB Jason Campbell? Help us understand what actually went down.

"Man, they took that out of context. The only thing I said was Jason wasn't a vocal leader. They took that and ran with it as if I was saying Jason was a horrible person. I kind of squashed that wish Jason immediately after, once I heard how they tried to spin the story. I did it on live radio, and the next day they printed all my comments in the paper, so it wasn't like I was throwing Jason under the bus. Anybody who knows Jason Campbell knows that he's not the type of guy who's going to yell, be sad or be mad. That's just his demeanor. What I was telling was the truth.

I wasn't throwing Jason under the bus. It was, like, all the comments that came out after me saying Jason wasn't a vocal person. I think everybody on our team knows that Jason isn't the type of guy that's going to yell and be down and out. His demeanor don't change, and that's all I was basically saying. I guess all the backlash that came from it, Jason's comments, which we squashed it afterwards. Me and Jason, we talked probably an hour or so after the situation. I cleared it up with him that I really wasn't throwing him under the bus. I just spoke and said I didn't think he was the vocal person that would go out and rah-rah yell. That's just not Jason, and everybody know that."

[Actually, Portis's barbs dug deeper than that. You'll recall that on ESPN980 after the season, he spoke about Campbell as a captain: "You can't throw somebody who that's not their character," Portis said that day. "I think Jason, you can't place so much on somebody who's not ready for that situation. I think Jason had enough trouble in getting the plays in and worrying about this compared to controlling the huddle and making sure, 'oh we do this and we do that.'"]

Q: What's your feelings about Mike Shanahan taking over in D.C. now?

"I think it's great, man. Even for myself, just to really get the opportunity in his game plan. Just knowing his game plan and knowing the exposure, knowing teams just can't focus on the run. You focus to stop to the run, then we got play-action. If you try to stop the play-action, the running lanes is going to be there. It's really hit or miss. Being that I was in this system before and had such great success, I'm looking forward to it because I know what I'm capable of doing. I can't wait to get back on the field next year to prove to people that I'm far from washed up or done. I'll walk away from this game when I'm ready. The game's not gonna pass me by, and all this, ‘I can't do it anymore.' I'm eager to go out and prove to people that they're wrong about me.

I think everybody is so caught up in thinking me and Coach Zorn couldn't get along and thinking I was selfish and then all of a sudden I'm Mr. Snyder's best friend and I can do whatever I want to do. That's the not the case. I think a lot of that is blown out of proportion. I speak to Mr. Snyder. He's the owner of the team. That's what you're supposed to do, I would think. I'm not afraid to go and speak to my boss. It is pretty much just a lot of finger pointing, which I think Coach Shanahan is going to get rid of that. He's going to have the dedication of the players. You won't have to worry about who doing their job and who not. I think with Coach Shanahan, if you're doing your job you'll be fine. If you're not, you won't be there.

Q: When are you going to go back to having fun again? Dressing up for your press conferences like you did. When are we going to see Dolemite Jenkins and Sheriff Gonna Getcha again?

"Man, I started taking so much heat for everything I was doing. I just tried to fall out of the public eye. As far as the characters, it became 'a cry for help' or 'a search for identity' and everything else. I just tried to fall under the radar, man, and mind my business and go to work. I think that was the wrong approach because I started thinking of work as being work instead of going over there to enjoy myself and having fun like I was. And really, I would love to do that.

Q: But don't you just want to have fun again, man? Don't you just want to be yourself and just keep it real?

"Definitely. That's all I ever wanted to do was have fun. But somehow, some way, whenever I'm having fun, it's really taken the wrong way by others. With the media that's in D.C. and your teammates taking shots and throwing, I got so tired of all the BS, man, that I just fell back. I think with Coach Shanahan coming in, that will give us the opportunity to have fun. It's always fun when you're winning, and we haven't really be winning. We start winning, I think we can have fun again."

[Catatonic]

God, what an ass.

[HailinginSeattle]

What was assholish about that? Maybe I missed something.

[evmiii]

I know there is much hate for Clinton Portis around these parts, but when in shape and motivated he can still be a force. He was/is one of the best blocking running backs in the league. He can be a one cut guy (was in denver) and be productive in our new offense. I don't think he will ever be "explosive", but can productive.

This all depends solely on C.P. If he puts in the work and the effort, I'll be happy to have him back. This is of course only with a renogotiated contract to minimize cap impact in future years.

[Xero21]

Great. Can we expect him to be in good shape?

[Catatonic]

What was assholish about that? Maybe I missed something.

Read it again. Everything he was asked about in the interview, according to CP, was "taken out of context," "blown out of proportion," or some other "reason" he wasn't really at fault. He solidifies the perception that Clinton is all about Clinton.

[MasterSplinter]

];7270519']I didn't realize Portis pulled guns on his teammates.

To be fair Gil didn't pull guns on his team mates either. He completely and inappropriately laid out guns in a team mate's locker as a joke and then his team mate pulled a gun on him.

I know its a moot point to this discussion and I don't mean to call you out or anything, I just hate how the media has turned this into a Gil pulled guns on his team mate story when it didn't happen that way.

[theredskinsfan]

Great Interview CP. Sounds like your ready to work hard for Coach Shanahan. I like what you said bro. Hail to the Redskins!

[kappaluvacee]

My only question regarding the tar and feather mob regarding CP is: What will you say IF he is shown the door and reshes from 1,500 yards for a team like NEw englan on his way to a Super Bowl?

I'm not saying that's going to happen, I'm just asking the question. CP has juice in the tank. People are saying they are tire dof his act, personally I'm tired of the whole organization's act. This team isn't good enough to singl any one person as the reason for the team's woes. Tahte xtends to Vinny, Snyder, CP, Zorn, JC and whoever you want to blame.

Every team has players like CP. You just don't live in that market or follow that team. Some teams are just better at keeping their business in-house than others. Winning cures all ills. CP is the exact same person that he was when he was running for 1300 + yards in Gibbs' system. The difference is he's been injured and the media is throwing the 30-wall references around. That's the funniest thing I hear year after year, How much is left on the tire and they panzi out the charts showing lack of production. What they don't tell you is 30 is usually the time when players look to sign their 3rd contract. Teams don't typically want to give players at high impact positions like RB's a third contract because it's the greatest gamble against their health therefore most teams draft a new RB and start working them into the system the year prior the that RB's 2nd contract expiration, thus touches fall and so does productivity.

[kappaluvacee]

Read it again. Everything he was asked about in the interview, according to CP, was "taken out of context," "blown out of proportion," or some other "reason" he wasn't really at fault. He solidifies the perception that Clinton is all about Clinton.

Have we forgotten how much Riggo was about Riggo? Sure we have the beautiful stories about the 5 O'Clok CLub etc, but Riggo was very much about Riggo and we love him till this day. My point: I don't care if CP is selfish as long as he's productive. If he opens his mouth about another player, he better cut the mustard himself. If another player is screwing up to the point that he needs to be called out - so what, they are millionaires.

I personally respect CP more than the sissy players that say stuff to the Jason Reids , Jason Lacons and all the beat writers because they are hiding behind somebody to make their statements. If you're a man then you should have no problem saying what you feel about CP or anybody else with your name and face attached to it. That's what CP does when he talks to the media. It has Clinton's name and face attached to it. I forgot, CP can say it because he's buddies with his Boss.

The day the roster has a more talented runner than CP on it - It was nice knowing you CP, until that day - Let's go CP! In the NFL you relace talent w/ equal or better talent. Didn't we learn that that when we let Ryan Clark walk, Antonio Pierce, when we brought in arch delux, when we showed Casserly the door for Cerrato.......

[ExoDus84]

Honestly, I got tired of seeing him trip over his own feet every time he got the ball. Damn man could not stay upright. If that's his running style now, say goodbye to him. I was surprised how explosive mason was after clinton went down. Our 3rd and 4th stringers looked more nimble and explosive than Portis. I think his time in DC is just about done.

[icbmayday]

Hope he wont be such a bad team player this go around

[Spartacus87]

Honestly, I got tired of seeing him trip over his own feet every time he got the ball. Damn man could not stay upright. If that's his running style now, say goodbye to him. I was surprised how explosive mason was after clinton went down. Our 3rd and 4th stringers looked more nimble and explosive than Portis. I think his time in DC is just about done. This is the main point here.

Some people are getting too caught up in this debate over whether Portis is a bad teammate or not.

The fact is he hasn't looked explosive in awhile and has had trouble staying in shape and dealing with injuries. The guy has a massive amount of wear and tear on him over his career.

It's really asking a lot of him to come into camp with this new found sense of determination (that he hasn't displayed in recent history) to get ready to carry the ball 300 times for 1,300-1,400 yards again.

[Chanhillbilly]

message to clinton:

expect in one hand and crap in the other and see which gets filled first.

[MarkMissoula]

Man there is alot of Delusional CP apologist on this forum! We are in a Rebuilding mode! That means no broken down 30 year old running backs need apply. Especially ones that don't practice and are not team players. Hit the road Clinton!

[Hogskin1]

Honestly, I got tired of seeing him trip over his own feet every time he got the ball. Damn man could not stay upright. If that's his running style now, say goodbye to him. I was surprised how explosive mason was after clinton went down. Our 3rd and 4th stringers looked more nimble and explosive than Portis. I think his time in DC is just about done.

You guys are amazing. Sure wish there were more real fans on this site.

First I will say, Jurgy and Riggo were my all-time favorite two Redskins. Spent a ton of happy hours at the games cheering them on. So I am NOT BEING NEGATIVE about John Riggins, but just want to try to get this within 10,000 miles of reality. Riggins lifetime rushing average was 3.9 yards per carry. In 1983, behind one of the all-time greatest run-blocking lines in the NFL, he ran for 3.6 YPC. In fact, the highest he EVER averaged under Gibbs and with the Hogs was 3.8. In 2009, behind one of the WORST run-blocking lines ever, CP had 4.0 YPC. Couldn't stay upright? I guess he is 14 feet tall, and fell forward every single play for a 12-foot gain. (Or maybe JC picked him up and threw him over the congealed line.)

And the ONLY Redskin that did better than the banged-up Portis was Jason Campbell at 5.1 YPC. Not even the "nimble" and "explosive" Mason could do better. Some of the lunacy on this site is just amazing. Portis is one of the very best blocking backs in the NFL. How could you watch the last half of 2009 and not see the RB's failing to pick up blitzers time after time after time, and completely whiffing in the rare cases they did make the right decision. But, I guess that doesn't mean crap.

As far as the stuff CP has said, I agree 100%. That has to completely stop, and I think it will under Shanahan. He is a strong coach, and will not tolerate that crap. As far as not practicing, again I go back to Riggins, who went through a couple entire seasons without practicing at all during the week after the first 3-4 weeks of the season. And he often skipped training camp and even preseason a couple times. But he always showed up big on gameday. I expect CP to do the same again, once this joke of an OL is rebuilt.

[kappaluvacee]

Man there is alot of Delusional CP apologist on this forum! We are in a Rebuilding mode! That means no broken down 30 year old running backs need apply. Especially ones that don't practice and are not team players. Hit the road Clinton!

I'm trying to figure out what part of "the future is now" indicates rebuilding. The Redskins don't rebuild, they retool. Check your Redskins history and tell me an era when the team was in rebuilding mode. It hasn't happened in my lifetime 1976-current!

The current NFL rebuilding is just a phrase teams use when they know the team they are fielding isn't going to be competetive. It's a pacifier for the fan base. That'll never happen here.

[Sweet Sassy Molassy]

I agree with CP on the fact that his comments about Jason were taken out of context and immediately blown way out of proportion. He never said Jason wasn't a good leader, he never said Jason wasn't the right leader for the team. He said that Jason wasn't the "rah rah" in your face type player, and it was unfair to try to force him into that position when that wasn't his nature. Personally I don't think it was Clinton throwing him under the bus, he was just stating a fact that's been mentioned before.

The media immediately turned it into a negative and Jason Reid presented it to Jason as Clinton throwing him under the bus and I truly believe Jason overreacted. Possibly because Clinton has rubbed some people the wrong way in the locker room, which I could see, and Jason just saw it as an excuse to call CP out.

If I'm not mistaken everyone's favorite Redskin, Chris Cooley, said something similar in an interview months prior and I don't remember anyone making a peep about it. And if someone did say something about it, it was brushed off as being taken out of context.

Having said that, Clinton has definitely over-abused his "star status", and needs to really step up his practice habits. However as stated by John Thompson and Doc Walker if a coach lets you get away with not practicing and working out, you're not going do it. So part of that was the fault of Zorn too, but that doesn't absolve Clinton if he's not going to practice he damn sure better make sure his on top of his game on Sunday and this past season he definitely wasn't. I'm sure if CP's performing at a high level all will be forgiven, as has been said in this thread, Winning Cures All.

[PhiAlpha]

Clinton Portis (concussion) has still not been medically cleared for football activities.

Portis said he expects to be fully healthy and back with the Redskins, but neither is a sure thing at this point. It's now been three months since he sustained the concussion. A potential cap casualty this offseason, $6.43M of Portis' 2010 base salary is guaranteed.
Source: Washington Post from Roto World

[CooleyKnight]

It would be nice to have the CP of the early 08 season.

[cphil006]

Clinton needs to be doing P90X for the next 3 months...

[MarkMissoula]

I'm trying to figure out what part of "the future is now" indicates rebuilding. The Redskins don't rebuild, they retool. Check your Redskins history and tell me an era when the team was in rebuilding mode. It hasn't happened in my lifetime 1976-current!

The current NFL rebuilding is just a phrase teams use when they know the team they are fielding isn't going to be competetive. It's a pacifier for the fan base. That'll never happen here.

And how has that "Retool" worked for the last dozen years? This is full Rebuild mode.

[Squidley]

Its all about CP...i for one hope he's gone...the team needs fresh legs with a team first attitude

[michiskin]

Let's hope not.

2,000 from Chris Johnson meant nothing for their team.

I believe Shanahan is smart enough to know this is a passing league now.

It got the Titans from 0-5 to wildcard contention. To say it meant 'nothing' is grossly inaccurate. How bad would their record have been without CJ?

If you have a guy getting 2,000 yards, it means you're running the ball pretty damn effectively. And then the defense is keying on him, so it opens up the passing game.

I'll take a 2,000 yard back any year.

[kappaluvacee]

And how has that "Retool" worked for the last dozen years? This is full Rebuild mode.

I'm not saying retooling has been succesful recently, but the 'Skins will never admit a rebuild. Listen to the Shanyy and Bruce Allen pressers. They talk about the team being talented and getting the players to play to a standard. That's not rebuild talk. rebuild talk usallu starts with the catch phrase "We've got a lot of young guys that have to learn how to play and win as a team."

If you use history as your guide, you'ld have to admit that you've never heard the 'Skins in "Full Rebuild Mode." This is probably the closest I've seen in my lefetime with the forntoffice and coaching staff being installed at the same time. Tampa Bay of last year represents full rebuild mode. Coaching staff + Front Office + Mass Exodus of Vertan Players (with no back-up in sight).

If you count the walking infirmory that is Samuels and Randy Thomas as the Mass Exodus of Veteran players than I guess you could feel comfortablte saying this is a "Full Mode Rebuilding" process. I think they are probably medical liabilities, thus capable replacements will be found. The Skins will be aggressive in FA to fill that O-line and they will help tthemselves with their high draft marks. To me, that's closer to retooling than rebuilding. If you see Randle-El, Landry, Samuels, Thomas, Rabach (not resigned), Heyer, Portis, Campbell all sent packing....That's rebuilding to me IMHO!

[S.T.real,lights,out]

He's a clown. People who think he's going to have 2000 yards are nuts!!! He's done! Time to move on!

[cphil006]

It got the Titans from 0-5 to wildcard contention. To say it meant 'nothing' is grossly inaccurate. How bad would their record have been without CJ?

If you have a guy getting 2,000 yards, it means you're running the ball pretty damn effectively. And then the defense is keying on him, so it opens up the passing game.

I'll take a 2,000 yard back any year.

How many passing yards will it get you? It may improve a bad passing game that would otherwise be horrible if you didn't have 2000 yards on the ground from one player.

One thing matters: Winning.

Not pro bowls, not indiviual accolades or records... it's ONLY winning.

Until this team/community understands that, we'll continue to be good only on paper.

[dockeryfan]

I find it hard to imagine Clinton on this team if there is no CBA. He isn't medically ready, and he isn't half the player he was. Bruce Allen will cut him for sure.

Also, I don't think there can be a cutting and re-signing here because of the 30% rule. Unless they work in a huge amount of LTBE that he can't achieve. It's just hard to imaging Clinton wanting to take such a huge paycut.

An example of LTBE to comply with the 30% rule was Michale Vick this year. He had a 2.26M LTBE incentive in 2009, but it was placed specifically to comply with the 30% rule. It was an incentive that he could not reach. Without it, the Eagles would not have been able to sign him.

[michiskin]

How many passing yards will it get you? It may improve a bad passing game that would otherwise be horrible if you didn't have 2000 yards on the ground from one player.

One thing matters: Winning.

Not pro bowls, not indiviual accolades or records... it's ONLY winning.

Until this team/community understands that, we'll continue to be good only on paper.

Thanks for the update. Now allow me to give you one in return.

Six backs have rushed for 2,000 yards in an NFL season. Three made the playoffs (Eric Dickerson (1984), Barry Sanders (1997), and Jamaal Lewis (2003) and one made the playoffs and won the Super Bowl (Terrell Davis (1998).

The two that ran for 2,000+ and didn't make the playoffs were Chris Johnson in 2009 (team went from 0-5 to finish 8-8 due greatly to CJ's exploits) and O.J. Simpson (the 1973 Buffalo Bills went 9-5 but failed to make the playoffs back when not as many teams qualified).

So you tell me, is there a correlation between 2,000 yard backs and winning seasons? Because, as you stated yourself, that's the ONLY thing that matters.

[LaxBuddy21]

I really cannot believe the hate people have for CP. The man has been a work horse for this team. Yes he needs to start practicing. Yes he needs to stop whining as much. But he busts his butt for this team every time he steps on the field. Its just been a little rougher going recently because of the pieces around him. CP still has fuel in the tank and a healthy hungry CP could do some damage. I would like to see us get a fast back to compliment him though and spell him throughout the season.