[crazyhorse1]

It seems to me that Portis could use another blocker/occasional runner in the backfield. I don't trust our OL to open necessary holes for so small a back as Portis and would like to send a back ahead of him to pick off any missed tacklers first.
My question to you all: Would this tend to slow Portis up or create new opportunites for reading breaks and rapid cuts?

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

I think we need to give this year's OL a chance before we start recruiting additional players (not on the OL) to block for Portis. POrtis has one year under this system, and he will be much improved (patient, knowledgeable) in it come September. Should the OL struggle again this year (for reasons other than injury) we can talk about getting an FB...

...or a better RB.

[talon9]

Portis is a GREAT open field back but he does not consistentley show the power necessary for short yardage. They need a power runner (ie. Riggins, Riggs, Davis) to get those tough yards near the goal line.

[1niksder]

I think the O-line will be better this year, but Portis may be getting a FB weather he wants or "needs" one.

Gibbs has said he would be retooling the scheme, then he brought in Bill Mustgrave (westcoast Off. uses a FB) and the dead give away was when Gibbs drafted 2

[redskincity]

[Chris Luva Luva]

Well we drafted a short yardage back didn't we? He should help out a lot and should be fun to watch when Portis is taking a breather.

[welch]

[crazyhorse1]

Thanks for the football and history lessons, but perhaps much of the problem is that I have not expressed myself well.
What I am wondering is whether or not the Skins should use a full back, as well as an H Back, not just on short yardage plays, but on typical plays. I simply don't believe we have a strong enough blocking OL to keep sending Portis into the line from the present formation. I'm actually for trading the guy if we can't figure out how to use him or acquire the personnel needed for his type of running game pretty much pronto. Otherwise, we'll waste his career and our chances.

[welch]

[Chris Luva Luva]

Just to revisit this thread, what do you guys think of it now?

We have Broughton and White who have been drafted and are bulky guys.

I envision a few scenarios if one or both of them are drafted.

1. Backups to Portis and Betts.
2. Learning the H-back position. This would allow us to use Cooley at the TE position in certain plays. I think this would definately add more confusion to the defense.
3. Short yardage.
4. A traditional fullback to Portis
5. Dual RB formation with Cooley and Royal at TE.

I think these two kids bring us that short yardage power we need on crucial 3rd down and redzone conversions. If the o-line is blocking well enough then Portis will be able to get in but if he tries once and can't punch it in, twice at the most...lets bring in the heavy hitters to push that line.

[damimac1]

I like the fact Portis will have a lead back...I think this part of our offense is the least of our concerns.

[Art_Monk]

[MarcusBeNimble]

I think its way to early to consider using an H back and fullback because our o line has a lot of prove. There are potential pro bowlers in at least 3 out of 5 positions along the line and I did indeed see some large holes being opened up for CP in the few moments that Gibbs acutally showed something of what he might have up his sleeve this year.

[Cooley47]

ummmmm no. Portis's system throughout college and especially in Denver was not running behind anyone. It was running alone and finding holes.

He is not taught to run behind people and that is why he is still somewhat struggling in our system. The last thing he needs is another lead blocker

[Chris Luva Luva]