Looking back:Clinton Portis was never right; despite his 34-yard carry vs. the New York Giants on the first play from scrimmage this season and his 78-yard run later in the season, he lacked explosiveness. In the past he seemed to get an extra yard or two on most runs; that was not the case this season. He seemed to get what was there and that was about all. Portis missed the final eight games with a concussion, but was still the subject of controversy as teammates, without naming him, ripped into his work habits. One anonymously called him his “worst teammate ever”. Portis showed up out of shape and clearly needs a new offseason approach — and less coddling from upper management. Ladell Betts looked the best of any back; he did a nice job pressing the hole on the cutbacks, a skill that could come in handy this season (if he returns). Quinton Ganther was a nice story, but lacks any sort of speed. He proved to be a tough runner, however. Rock Cartwright was about the same.
Still need to see: Explosiveness. The Redskins need to find a back capable of more 20-plus runs. Could also stand to see a more serious Portis; we get that he plays hard during games. He’s paid to do just that; but what separates a back in his late 20s from others is the approach to the offseason.
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Grade: D. Portis gets an F; he couldn’t help the injury, but coming into the season not in the best shape and then not producing at a time when the line was healthier leads to him flunking. The rest get a C; it’s hard to judge their stats because of the line, but they were just ordinary.
Where they’re headed: Either Portis adjusts his offseason workout habits or he’ll be gone. Unless, of course, the Redskins don’t want to take a massive cap hit. Which means if the CBA is extended and there’s a salary cap in 2011, then Portis might have to stick around. If it’s not extended, then he’s a candidate to be cut. Enough hard feelings exist in the locker room toward him that he’d better have a 180-degree change in attitude. There’s a reason everyone – from Mike Shanahan to teammates to assistant coaches — all say the same thing about him. The draft has a couple decent running backs, Clemson’s C.J. Spiller among them, but with their other needs that would be a tough sell. The Jets’ Leon Washington might be available via free agency and could double as a returner. Same with San Diego’s Darren Sproles. Neither player would serve as a full-time back, but both would add some change-of-pace explosiveness and help in returns. Neither player might be targeted, or could stick with their current teams, but both have what Washington lacks. Mike Sellers might have played his last game here; word is Mike Shanahan prefers smaller pass-receiving fullbacks.
