Rugged running back a powerful addition
ASHBURN – Muscle was needed on some runs. Patience and vision was needed on others. And each time Ryan Torain delivered.
Running over a safety en route to the end zone is highlight film material, one that everyone will applaud. It’s hard to miss. Setting up a linebacker with a tiny jab step, then cutting inside for more yardage won’t drop jaws. It will create first downs. Once again, that’s what Torain did.
The Redskins running back didn’t exactly have a Pro Bowl day against Philadelphia. He managed 70 yards on 18 carries — a modest but successful day. But he also displayed what some of his teammates say they’ve seen for a while.
“Ryan was a beast out there,” Redskins linebacker Lorenzo Alexander said. “I’ve been liking him ever since OTAs and praising him. He ran over guys to get that touchdown, drag a couple guys for extra yards. He’s a beast. As long as he can stay healthy, he’ll be a great back.”
Maybe, maybe not. But he showed signs of being someone who can help. He might have no choice if Clinton Portis’ MRI on his groin came back negative.
Regardless, Torain will continue to get playing time. That’s quite a ride for someone who, less than two weeks ago, was on the practice squad. The Redskins thought enough of him in camp that … they cut him.
“It’s out of control,” Torain said, “It’s a rollercoaster.”
That describes his career, too. Torain had one good game with Denver in 2008, rushing for 69 yards on 15 carries before suffering a season-ending injury. He was cut in 2009 and didn’t play last season. Injuries have followed him in college at Arizona State (a fractured toe as a senior) and in the NFL (torn ACL/sprained PCL).
“That’s why I was happy for him, the way he played,” Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. “I’m looking for him to have a good career and, knock on wood, hopefully he can stay healthy.”
Torain has shown glimpses of the ability Shanahan has long liked. First he ran over Eagles safety Quintin Mikell on a 12-yard touchdown run.
“I’ve got to get some more of those,” Torain said of the hit.
Later, he showed subtleties in his style. On a 10-yard run in the fourth quarter, with the Eagles crowding the box, Torain swept to his left. He ran behind left tackle Stephon Heyer and tight end Chris Cooley, who double-teamed end Trent Cole.
Torain drifted far enough behind them that another Philadelphia linebacker, Ernie Sims, got caught behind the double-team. So Torain cut back and Sims could only reach for him with his arms. Torain ran through the tackle attempt for a first down.
“He can fit any scheme,” Shanahan said. “But he’s a downhill runner. You can see the power.”
