Back to basics: Twenty to Portis, Washington

By Connor Byrne  |   Tuesday, October 31, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

Washington Redskins
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When it comes to the 2-5 Washington Redskins, most of the talk surrounding the team has regarded its poor quarterback play. During the 'Skins' bye last week, veteran Mark Brunell stepped aside while the young Jason Campbell took all the first-team reps. Some have speculated that Campbell will start this Sunday against archrival Dallas. Others, meanwhile, believe it will still be Brunell.

Regardless of the QB situation this weekend, the goal of Redskins offensive chief Al Saunders should include involving star running back Clinton Portis as much as possible. One of the biggest reasons for Washington's painfully bad start to this season has been thanks to Portis' lack of involvement. In fairness to Saunders, much of that has been attributed to the 25-year-old's lack of full health. As of now, Portis has a high ankle sprain, but he's expected to play against the Cowboys.

Undoubtedly, the Redskins are a better team when Portis picks up at least 20 carries. Don't believe that? Consider their regular-season record, 13-10, when he accumulates at least 20 ground touches. When Portis hasn't received that many in his two-plus-year Washington career, the team has gone a paltry 3-10. While the first record certainly isn't tremendous, at least the 'Skins are winning more often than not in that particular situation.

The only time Portis received at least 20 carries in an individual contest this season was the Jacksonville game on Oct. 1. Washington, at home, pulled the upset that day, and Portis racked up 27 rushes for a total of 112 yards and a TD.

Last season, when the Redskins embarrassed the Cowboys by a combined score of 49-20 in two victories, Portis torched Bill Parcells' team for 164 yards on 40 carries. Included in those numbers is the former Pro Bowler's 23-carry, 112-yard effort in a 35-7, Week 15 win.

Though the notion of simply giving Portis more touches is quite elementary, it may hold the key to a Redskins resurgence. Given the hole they've dug themselves, making the playoffs seems impossible right now, but last year's team, which was 5-6, took games one at a time and bruised the opposition en route to a 10-6 finish. From there, the 'Skins advanced all the way to the NFC Divisional Playoff Round.

In the Redskins' 5-0 run to end 2005, Portis piled up at least 23 carries and 105 yards in each weekly triumph.

All hope seems to be lost in D.C., but baby steps - those of Clinton Portis - could bring the Redskins back from the dead. In today's NFL, nothing is impossible, especially with a world-class running back.

--To enter Thursday's article, send e-mails titled "Mailbag" to cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

Get more on the Washington Redskins at RealFootball365.com.
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