When new Redskins head coach Jim Zorn isn't getting his Maroon and Black on, he's no doubt reveling in his good fortune. In addition to getting promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach for doing, well, absolutely nothing, he'll also have the pleasure of working with one of the NFL's toughest running backs, Clinton Portis.
"To watch Clinton Portis and the strain for the extra yard, it can fire you right up. That is what a running back is made for in this game. Being smart. I think he has excellent vision and he seems to be disciplined moving in the hole. He is probably the idea of an every-down back. We did not do that in Seattle. We did not have that every-down back in Seattle. We had to piece and put and kind of makeshift situations with plays. Clinton Portis is the kind of guy that you can have in and pass protect, can have in and run the ball. We can be more elusive in what we want to do with him."Hmm. When Zorn says Portis is the "kind of guy you can have in and pass protect" do you think he had, oh, I don't know, Shaun Alexander in mind as a running back you have to take out on third downs? I'm guessing yes.
-- Zorn, speaking during a Redskins.com interview
And if Zorn likes Portis the blocker, he'll love Portis the runner. Unlike Alexander, who's been tackled by a stiff win on more than one occasion, Portis is seemingly always falling forward, can take a hit, and also has great hands coming out of the backfield.
This doesn't guarantee Zorn anything more than having a great running back, but it's one less thing he'll have to worry about. And if his predecessors under Dan Snyder are any guide, there will plenty for Zorn to concern himself with.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Shaun Alexander=HOF
Clinton Portis=never was
Not hard for me to choose. In '05 Alexander was like 28 of 28 on 3rd and 4th and 1's. He isn't what he once was, but Zorn is an idiot. Who would take Portis over Alexander the Great in his prime. Good luck in D.C. Zorn you'll need it because you had Holmgren to make you look like a good coach here in Seattle. GO HAWKS!
Posted at 1:45AM on Feb 12th 2008 by Buvi Duvi
2. . Shaun Alexander=HOF
Clinton Portis=never was
Dont know about the comparison between Portis and Alexander but to call Portis a never was makes you sound kinda like an IDIOT.
Posted at 9:54AM on Feb 12th 2008 by louie
3. I agree with Buvi. Portis is a never was. Once he retires no one will remember him except Denver and Washington. Alexander is a top 10 RB of all time. You sound like an idiot louie.
Posted at 9:52PM on Feb 12th 2008 by eagles8707
4. I am with Buvi and eagles. I dont watch either team, but I would never think of Portis as an elite back. Who the hell is Jim Zorn?
Posted at 9:54PM on Feb 12th 2008 by eagles8707
5. You can't compare one of the best RB's with Portis. Portis isn't a never was, just because he isnt an impact player dosent mean he is a never was. He is a starting RB, yes even if the Redskins aren't a great team he still starts. Point is you cant choose Portis over Alexander, unless you are an idiot. So i guess i agree with Duvi and 8707, but why did you agree with yourself 8707?
Posted at 10:12PM on Feb 12th 2008 by The Miami Dolphin
6. eagles8707
You just sound like the typical eagles fan/Redskins hater. Why cant you give credit when credits due. I think Westbrook is a great back, even if he does player for the thug eagles looooooooooosers. And you dont need to put Zorn down until you see what hes made of. Seems like a pretty good prospect to me.
Posted at 12:59PM on Feb 13th 2008 by louie