WP RI: Clinton Portis, in shape and motivated, will enter camp determined

[SMOSS89]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/clinton-portis/clinton-portis-in-shape-and-mo.html



Don't be surprised if Clinton Portis is among the top candidates for this season's NFL comeback player of the year award.


Although Portis has said little about his personal goals for 2010, the eight-year veteran is determined to show he's still an elite back capable of rushing for a 1,500-yard season, people familiar with his thinking said recently. Eager to prove his critics wrong, Portis has done everything Coach Mike Shanahan has asked of him, team sources said, and is expected to hold off fellow Pro Bowl backs Larry Johnson and Willie Parker for the starting job. Portis has surprised many in the organization with his positive outlook and hard work throughout the offseason program.


As many Insider readers are aware, I've been critical of Portis because of his lackadaisical approach toward practice, among other things. But he was energized by the firing of former coach Jim Zorn and the hiring of Shanahan, whom Portis played under during his first two (and best) seasons in the league, and will approach training camp and the preseason with enthusiasm, he has told several players.


In fact, after Shanahan in March publicly challenged Portis to improve his conditioning (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/clinton-portis/shanahan-expects-portis-to-be.html), Portis trimmed down to about 217 pounds after playing at more than 230 pounds last season, sources said. Portis's strong showing apparently has made a favorable impression on Shanahan.
To be sure, Johnson and Parker will have opportunities to unseat Portis when camp opens July 29 at Redskins Park. Portis, however, is in top shape and highly motivated.


He's also guaranteed $6.4 million of his $7.2 million base salary, so management presumably would prefer for Portis to be highly productive after a concussion cut short his ineffective 2009 season.
I'm scheduled to be part of today's panel on Comcast SportsNet's Washington Post Live with Ivan Carter. I'm sure we'll talk about the Redskins. We always do. Later.

[ConnSKINS26]

So his official weight is around 217 right now, as far as we know/this article's writer knows? I had thought I saw something saying he was around 210...

[addicted]

Hell ya and if you aint down with that then go against me in my Portis Signature bet. My man will get more then 1200 yards this season for sure. He's back!!!!!!!!

[illone]

Hope he can drop another 5-10 lbs and get down around 210 which was his playing weight in Denver.

With an improved Oline I think Portis is poised for a huge year.

[GreenRiggins]

Try to stay healthy CP and the rest will fall into place son.

[Truant]

He's going to be a beast, but we need the doubters to keep it up! I'm sure that they will, but a slimmed Portis (players typically lose 5-10 lbs going through training camp) with the Shanahans is a combination that works.

Can't wait for the season to start!!

[flexxskins]

It is so refreshing that Portis has opted to say little about his personal goals for 2010. I don't think that I'm alone when I say that I would much rather him just show us on the field when it counts how determine he is.

On another note, I had no idea that Portis weighed over 230lbs. People claim that he has lost a step; well gaining 20lbs can help a man to lose a step or two.:silly:

I actually thought that Portis was playing at around 217-220lbs last season. Sheesh.

[dcdiscokid]

It is so refreshing that Portis has opted to say little about his personal goals for 2010. I don't think that I'm alone when I say that I would much rather him just show us on the field when it counts how determine he is.

I couldn't agree more!

[Blue Collar Skins]

Hell ya and if you aint down with that then go against me in my Portis Signature bet. My man will get more then 1200 yards this season for sure. He's back!!!!!!!! I did, and I so hope you do win, but proof is in the pudding.

And I do want to say, I am so happy I have not heard anything from Portis. It is a departure from what he used to be like, and it is welcome.

[pram11]

The weight range I heard Shanny say he wanted was "210 to 212 to 214." If he's at 217 now, he'll easily be close to 210 or below after camp. All I know is the pictures I've seen, he looks pretty close to his body type in Denver. I said in another thread that I don't think he'll be the Denver version of Clinton Portis who was a homerun hitting, 5.5 yards/carry stud, but I do see him being the type of beast he was in 2005. I don't think Johnson is going to be a garbage player, so Portis is probably going to have to give up some carries. Still, at about 18 totes a game and 4.5 yards per clip, that would put him in line with a 1,300 yard season and probably double digit TDs if he plays a full season. I do think he has a 1,500-yard season in him, but that depends on how much Shanny wants to ride him. And if he's the full-time 3rd-down back, he could challenge his career high in receptions, which if I'm not mistaken, is 38.

[Chachie]

Hell ya and if you aint down with that then go against me in my Portis Signature bet. My man will get more then 1200 yards this season for sure. He's back!!!!!!!!


Is 1200 yards considered to be all that great anymore? Honestly asking, not being a downer.

[Lavarleap56]

CP will be going over the 1,200 yard mark this year and back to the pro bowl.

[ConnSKINS26]

CP will be going over the 1,200 yard mark this year and back to the pro bowl.

Hey man, haven't heard from you in a while! So does CP think he'll be splitting carries with other RB's, or will he do well enough/be healthy enough to carry the load again?

[Lavarleap56]

He is defiantly healthy enough and in the best shape hes been in since he left denver. There will be a RB rotation but as long as he takes care of business he will see a majority of the work.

[flexxskins]

CP will be going over the 1,200 yard mark this year and back to the pro bowl.:ols:It's funny that you just post this quote. I was just going to post a quote saying how I wish people would stop making predictions on what CP is or isn't going to do in 2010.

You are the one person I really don't mind reading predictions from.:)

[ConnSKINS26]

He is defiantly healthy enough and in the best shape hes been in since he left denver. There will be a RB rotation but as long as he takes care of business he will see a majority of the work.

Great to know, thanks man! I know you've been talking about the fact that he'd be this weight and be a beast all offseason, so I'm excited to see him in action!

[Leonard Washington]

Hope he can drop another 5-10 lbs and get down around 210 which was his playing weight in Denver.

With an improved Oline I think Portis is poised for a huge year.

Also remember during his playing days in Denver, he was very fragile.

[pram11]

Shanny's history is that when he has a stud, he rides him; when he doesn't, he screws up fantasy owners everywhere because he throws a number of backs out there with no real pattern of predictability. My guess is, he's going to ride Portis, but not into the ground. I see him getting about 18-19 carries a game, with Johnson getting about 10 touches per game. If those two guys are healthy, I think everyone esle is fighting for leftovers.

[scruffylookin]

You know what I notice? A story in which Clinton Portis is praised or is just a positive story limps to two pages and before long will disappear but if the story had been "Clinton Portis 5 pounds overweight" or "Clinton Portis misses a practice for an unspecified reason" this thread would be ten pages long with the usual cast of characters blasting him.

What a shame that one of the All Time Great Redskins is treated like this by some of the "fans".

Good Luck CP. Here's to a big 2010!

[honejc]

doesnt matter how much weight he loses hes still lost his speed. he was great in his prime and deserves all the accolades, but now hes bust just like all our rbs.

[H-O-G]

You know its the offseason when you get your usual thread about how Portis is back to his Denver weight....it happens every year...

[gortiz]

dude is still relatively young ... i would love for 26 to bang four awesome seasons and solidify himself as a Skin we will always look back on and remember positively.

I've been critical of the guy but he's our guy and I hope he tears it up.

at first glance, 230 sounds like alot, but my buddy got a chance to talk to him in Georgetown and he said he was so thick ...so I don't doubt it.

[DieselPwr44]

doesnt matter how much weight he loses hes still lost his speed. he was great in his prime and deserves all the accolades, but now hes bust just like all our rbs.


You know its the offseason when you get your usual thread about how Portis is back to his Denver weight....it happens every year...

When one loses weight, he becomes quicker. How much? Remains to be seen but it only helps Portis at this time.

If you don't think there's a difference in 230 vs 217, your crazy.

As far as being at his Denver weight? He's probably 7-10 lbs away from that.

You guys need to hook up with McD5. Maybe you can find some camp fodder (like Betts) to promote as your new man crush.

[KingGibbs]

As a 'skins fan you have to be thrilled to see CP take his work ethic to a higher level. I've been frustrated with him the last couple of years, but if a guy is willing to take the offseason seriously because he now understands the importance of it, you have to give him credit.

Forget the critics. I hope he's able to prove to himself, coaches and teammates that he's going to take a up a notch.

I refuse to say anything negative about him right now. He's done everything possible to be the CP we all know he can be.

[Forever21]

This is all good news. Portis is kind of the opposite of AH right now. Very little being said by him but the media is talking a lot. For Portis it's all roses and for AH it's all poop.

Poop is the opposite of roses right?

Either way what really matters is what happens once camp opens and once the season starts. Both men wil be judged by that and not by the offseason and what the media chose to write about them.

[cphil006]

At least sitting out with the concussion helped his other nicks, bruises, and injuries heal.

I hope he was doing P90X and got into shape...

[Cooley4President]

"Although Portis has said little about his personal goals for 2010, the eight-year veteran is determined to show he's still an elite back capable of rushing for a 1,500-yard season, people familiar with his thinking said recently."

I'm pretty sure that's the single worst "source" ever.

I can't wait until the games start so we can get some real insight.

[Dukes and Skins]

Nice to hear that article there. I think with the OL improved and now a passing threat with McNabb, Portis could have a huge year of 1,200+ yards. This really could be a big year for the Skins if all the right things fall into place

[Philip Pease]

It is nice to hear some good press on Clinton.

Here is why I think he will excell this season:
His body should be good to go after his shortened season last year.
A new coaching staff that he respects.
A new offensive line that he hopes can block.
A hard working and competitive RB (LJ) that will motivate him to give 110%.
Pride and his love for football.

[LEED3D]

Good for Portis! I know a lot of us (myself included) have been pretty critical of Clinton recently since he seemed to fall off the map and lose his passion and drive for the game. It seems that he has found a renewed energy and hunger to return to his old form. The fact that we have a more than competent coaching staff, proven QB, and upgraded O-line is probably a key factor in his motivation to get in shape.

Portis has been such a blast to watch every season (except for last) and has carried this team on his back on numerous occasions. I'm really rooting for him this year and hope he can have a stellar season.

YOU'RE STILL THE MAN PORTIS, SHOW US THAT YOU HAVEN'T LOST IT YET BUDDY!

[TD_washingtonredskins]

I hope he has a great year. It would do wonders for our offense if we could rely on him most of the time and use LJ for less than 10 carries per game.

[clskinsfan]

Hope he can drop another 5-10 lbs and get down around 210 which was his playing weight in Denver.

With an improved Oline I think Portis is poised for a huge year.


I think it's impressive he's down to 217. He has a hell of alot more muscle on his body then he did in Denver. It would be great to see that burst back from Portis.

[pjfootballer]

doesnt matter how much weight he loses hes still lost his speed. he was great in his prime and deserves all the accolades, but now hes bust just like all our rbs.

I think it was either last year or the year before that he went toe to toe with Landry in a race that was considered a tie. And you don't have to have sprinters speed, just breakaway speed. If he goes from 230 to 210, it will be a world of difference. Take the KC game last year. 210lb CP breaks that all the way.

[pjfootballer]

Also remember during his playing days in Denver, he was very fragile.

He only missed a couple of games in 2 seasons and still put up 1500 in both. I'll take it.

[pjfootballer]

Is 1200 yards considered to be all that great anymore? Honestly asking, not being a downer.


:ols:It's funny that you just post this quote. I was just going to post a quote saying how I wish people would stop making predictions on what CP is or isn't going to do in 2010.

You are the one person I really don't mind reading predictions from.:)

I think Addicted is in a bet if CP goes over 1200 yards, he wins the sig bet. I don't think he means it like CP will have had a brilliant year.

[SWFLSkins]

I think Addicted is in a bet if CP goes over 1200 yards, he wins the sig bet. I don't think he means it like CP will have had a brilliant year.


I was chicken to go for the bet, but I think CP will get it if healthy. I hope the concussion issue is done.

[theTruthTeller]

Don't get me wrong - it's great that CP is making an effort to show up to camp in shape. But I'm not ready to canonize him for doing what he should do every year.

[flexxskins]

I think Addicted is in a bet if CP goes over 1200 yards, he wins the sig bet. I don't think he means it like CP will have had a brilliant year.Ah ok. But to tell you the truth, I never even saw Addicted's quote. That's funny.

Anyway, here's to hoping that CP tears the league up this season!!:cheers:

[Dukes and Skins]

Don't get me wrong - it's great that CP is making an effort to show up to camp in shape. But I'm not ready to canonize him for doing what he should do every year.

Agreed but we have to look at it that if he can be at this weight again and he's back in the Offense that produced some of his best years, then we could be seeing a revitalized CP who could truly go off for a big year

It all depends on though the carries and how they'll be distributed he could actually have a great ypc average but not get that over 1300 yards or such based on time given to Parker and Johnson

[JOETHEFAN]

Hell ya and if you aint down with that then go against me in my Portis Signature bet. My man will get more then 1200 yards this season for sure. He's back!!!!!!!!


dude that's 75 yars a game.....he needs to average at least 95 a game in order for our passing game to work.

[Jeff in D.C.]

Really glad to hear that CP is in shape and he's taking the Shanny regime seriously. With a good QB and a solid OL this year, he could definitely have a bounce back season.

[Rypien1191]

Yawn. We've heard this EVERY offseason from Clinton. Lets see it on the field.

[illone]

Will be nice to see what CP can do with a REAL threat at the QB position.

:thumbsup:

[Voice_of_Reason]

Will be nice to see what CP can do with a REAL threat at the QB position.

:thumbsup:

I was wondering when this comment would come up.

Though, I'll add to it:

It will be nice to see what CP can do with:
1. A system he's been in before, and has proven over the years to be very productive for running backs
2. Better talent on the OL
3. Better coaching
4. Better QB

The only thing that's really a question right now is the WR corps. If McNabb has nowhere to go with the ball...

But they don't need the "Fun Bunch" to be successful. Just good solid play from everybody.

I think CP and LJ are both going to have a lot of success. However, I think that the total yards for CP is going to be down, because I think that they will rotate backs more often to keep both fresh. I don't personally see WP in the mix for a normal amount of carries.

I could see a situation where CP would get betwee 17-20 carries a game, and LJ would get between 10-13 carries a game. That would probably reduce the yardage from both, but boost it for the team, and hopefully keep both healthy.

[DieselPwr44]

Yawn. We've heard this EVERY offseason from Clinton. Lets see it on the field.

Clinton didn't say anything in this article.

Now THATS different. :)


Now back to your normal negative programming. :)

[MartinC]

dude that's 75 yars a game.....he needs to average at least 95 a game in order for our passing game to work.

So unless Portis goes over 1500 yards we will not have an effective passing game? Really?

Sure being able to run effectively will help our passing game immensely - but that does not mean we need Portis carrying the load single handed for our run game to be effective. If Portis averages 75 yards a game and say Johnson averages 35 yards would you be happy? I would.

[illone]

I agree, VOR. I could see 15-20 for CP, easily, but I could actually see a split carry type situation. if the Skins don't run the ball 35-40 times per game I'll be shocked.

McNabb is going to be having some fun.

[skinfan2k]

Portis knows this is the coach that brought greatness to his career he knows it. Shanny knew that Denver couldn't pay him for his services back then and traded him elsewhere for the cash. Portis knows Shanny knows how to use him correctly. I will not be surprised if he leads the NFL in rushing this year

[ciresolstice]

I'd love nothing more than to see CP tear it up this season and be back to form. Despite his defecating at the mouth was tiresome at times, I've always been a CP fan. Here's to a great season from him and the rest of the team. Hail!

[stoney26]

Wow. I wonder how many pages this thread would be if it said portis was 10 pounds over weight. This board is filled with drama queens.

[smurfs86]

Nice. With this and news that McNabb and the receivers are gearing up for "hell week", I can't help but think this might be one of the most conditioned/prepared teams we've had on the field in years, something that's been sadly lacking in D.C. HTTR! :logo:

[Califan007]

dude that's 75 yars a game.....he needs to average at least 95 a game in order for our passing game to work.

"At LEAST" 95 a game? lol :rotflmao:...Only two runningbacks last year averaged 95 yards per game or more.

[JustAfan47]

In CP I trust!.... I have never gave nor said anything negative towards this guy!.. I know what he has done for this organisation and also what he still can do!.

Hail!.

[Redskins4ever]

Portis should be able to have a very big year. I wouldn't think anything less. He has solid offensive lineman, better than he had two years ago when he went to the probowl.