As Clinton Portis rocks, the Washington Redskins roll.
The formula seems simple — give Portis the ball. The Redskins are 21-5 when the runner gains at least 100 yards. Under coach Jim Zorn, the Redskins are 7-1 when Portis gains at least 80 yards but 1-8 when not.
The Redskins have often been a run-first team over the past generation so why not keep handing Portis the rock when the St. Louis Rams visit FedEx Field on Sunday if it means winning?
“I’m for that. I’m hip, hip hooray on that,” coach Jim Zorn said.
Actually, Zorn says that with a smile. An old quarterback isn’t entrusting his future and the team’s fortunes to just a running game given the NFL is a passing league nowadays. He even disagreed the Redskins can’t win without Portis despite the numbers. But look for Portis to get more carries against the lackluster Rams (0-1) that sport one of the worst defenses leaguewide. It’s time to fine tune an offense that has been sputtering all summer.
“It was just a little off here or there with a line blocking scheme or [opponents] have a great defense,” Zorn said. “We’re close. We’re close.”
Ironically, Portis has become the team elder on his status. After gaining at least 1,200 yards in four of the last five seasons, including a team-record 1,516 in 2005, Portis could surpass Hall of Famer John Riggins’ Redskins career mark with another big season. He’s not replicating Riggins’ infamous “give me the ball” demand of coach Joe Gibbs that led to the team’s first Super Bowl championship, though. Portis is staying “medium” as Zorn often preaches.
“We have a lot of talent,” Portis said. “I can’t be selfish and say ‘Give me the ball, give me the ball, give me the ball.’ The coach knows I want the ball.”
Yet, the Redskins figure on giving Portis the ball less by using backup Ladell Betts on third downs. Portis diffused a controversy by saying it was his idea for Betts to get more carries, but Portis is the one who stands in the winner’s circle, not Betts.
The Redskins need to keep it simple over the next five games when playing three of the NFL’s worst teams — run behind Portis. Give him 25-plus carries per game. Use him at the goalline. Rev up this offense.
Portis has the most 100-yard games ever by a Redskins runner. It’s time to remember that.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or e-mail [email protected].
