The Redskins would spread the field, creating running lanes for Clinton Portis. They’d use three, sometimes four receivers to force the defense out wide. And Portis would dash through the middle, cutting through vacated holes.
And it would lead to big numbers, accolades and wins.
“All theories sound good,” Portis said.
Reality often sounds worse. And, in Portis’ case, that’s what has happened.
In seven starts, Portis has gained only 498 yards on 121 carries. At this pace, Portis would finish with career-lows in carries and yards. His previous lows are 273 carries in 2002 with Denver and 1,315 yards in 2004 with Washington.
Here’s another troubling stat for the fifth-year back: 56 of his carries have gone for two yards or less.
Shoulderand ankle injuries have conspired against him.
“If I can make it through this year,” he said, “I’m happy.”
During the five-game winning streak to close 2005, he eclipsed 100 yards each game and scored six touchdowns.
“Late last year, when we were in key situations, there was no secret,” Portis said, “we’d run downhill. Right now it’s an adjustment. We’re spreading the ball, we’re not getting in the groove of the game constantly. I’m used to knowing my number would be called. I’ll go quarters without touching the ball. It gets frustrating but you’ve got to find your way through it.”
Sixty-nine of his carries have come in the first half. And he’s averaging 2.4 yards per carry on 21 fourth-quarter runs.
“Hurting his shoulder has made a difference for him being able to do all the things he wants to do,” Redskins associate head coach/offense Al Saunders said. “It’s hard to get a rhythm for anybody when their availability is inconsistent. We’re hopeful he’ll be healthier than he’s been and be ready to go.”
Portis also knows he carried the ball 695 times in his first two Redskins seasons, third most in the NFL during that stretch.
“Everyone else will say, ‘Oh, well he’s not the same,’ Portis said. “They don’t look at the wear and tear over the last two years or the load I’ve been asked to carry, even when I don’t have the ball. I’ll throw [my body] around as long as I can; when I can’t throw it around no more, you’ll know.
“It’s frustrating, but I’m at peace with myself. I love being part of this organization. You want to win all the time, but … my life off the field is marvelous. There is other stuff to look forward to in life.”
Week 10 Notes
» Running back Clinton Portis said his mother, Rhonnel Hearn, will attend Sunday’s game despite being the target of a lawsuit stemming from her last trip to Philadelphia. In a season-ending victory over the Eagles, Hearn allegedly punched an Eagles fan in the nose and broke it.
Lisa Walters of Washington filed the suit in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia and the trial date is Jan. 22. Walters is seeking $75,000 in damages.
“My mom says she didn’t do it, but you know how people get when they find out who it is and find a connection,” Portis said. “Everybody wants to get without doing the work to get.”
Hearn, who claimed she had beer thrown on her during that game, will attend Sunday, wearing her rhinestone-studded No. 26 jersey.
“Nothing’s gonna change,” Portis said. “If someone has a problem and has something to say, whatever happens, happens.”
» Wide receiver Santana Moss said he was able to do more in practice Thursday and feels optimistic about playing at Philadelphia on Sunday.
Moss said he took more repetitions in seven-on-seven and full-team drills. He said he ran sharper routes and called it a “productive day.”
“I’m feeling better and getting confident,” Moss said. “I hope I can go out and be myself or be up to myself by Sunday.”
Meanwhile, fellow wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (groin) did not practice. Lloyd hurt his groin in practice on Wednesday, but said he would play Sunday. Tight end Christian Fauria (ankle) did not practice and is questionable.
