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- -- Ladell Betts Expected to Get More Carries this Season --
Wed Jun 24, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com - The Washington Post reports in 2006, with Redskins RB Clinton Portis struggling with injuries, backup RB Ladell Betts stepped into the starting spot and rushed for 1,154 yards on 245 carries, proving he was both capable and worthy of handling a more demanding role for the Redskins. The season was strong enough to warrant a five-year extension with Washington, but since that breakout season Betts has seen his opportunities shrink. Betts carried the ball just 93 times for 335 yards in 2007 and saw those numbers slip even more last season, as he rushed just 61 times for 206 yards in 13 games while struggling with injuries. Betts has drawn praise from coaches during off-season workouts. Said OC Sherman Smith of players that have stood out: "The guy that's been standing out to me is RB Ladell Betts. To me, he's stepped his game up. He's preparing like he's a starter. He's taken a leadership role, which I'm not saying he wasn't a leader before, but I just think he's a very good player. He's jumped out to me." There may very well be more room for Betts to make an impact this season. At the very least, Betts is expected to get more carries as the team looks to lessen the strain on Portis and keep the workhorse healthy. That was the plan last season before Betts' injuries kept him from factoring in heavily, so don't be surprised if he is much more involved in 2009.
- -- Clinton Portis Watch --
Wed Jun 24, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com - The Washington Post reports amid recent stories that Redskins RB Clinton Portis has had flare ups with Redskins HC Jim Zorn, there are questions about whether that will affect the star back's role. Portis denied any friction, but he publicly criticized Zorn last season and it would not be surprising if this storyline reappeared at some point in 2009-2010. Portis' production dipped in the second half of the 2008 season as he picked up injuries, the Redskins offensive line wore down and defenses focused on stopping the run. He went over 100 yards just once in the final eight weeks of the season, a 143-yard performance against Seattle, and reached 80 yards in the other seven games just once -- in the season finale against San Francisco. And while there are no doubts that Portis is a back that will get you your hard-earned yards, and he remains one of the top pass-blocking running backs in the league, he has not delivered with long runs that can break open games. Still, Portis is a Pro Bowler and will be the feature back for at least this season and probably a few years beyond.
