DC Pro Sports Report plans to take a look at each position, give analysis, and then give our ‘view’ on what needs done in the off-season.  Second one  up, Running Back.  Here is the first position review, Tight End.

RUNNING BACKS:

Roster:

Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, Mike Sellers

Analysis:

This is another position that really is not in need of critical repair, personnel wise, we’ll explain more later.  RB Clinton Portis is the star here, no question.  Portis had his second season as a Washington Redskin, rushing for 1,487 yards on 342 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per carry.  Portis also carried the ball into the end zone 9 times.  He also finished the season with 28 receptions for 218 yards.

The season was good enough that Portis finished 4th overall in the NFL in rushing and earned a Pro Bowl nod.  Fact is for the redskins, the Redskins win when Portis is on.  Portis ran for over 100 yards in 6 games this season and the Redskins were 5-1 in those games.  It became a well known fact around the league, the Redskins offensive line is pretty good at rushing, but pretty poor at pass protection.  So, to be the Redskins, bring up the safeties, shutdown or slow Portis and force the Redskins to pass.  It worked.

The Redskins finished the season out 2-6 and in those final 8 games, Portis rushed for over 100 yards just once, which was one of the Redskins wins.  The Redskins were 0-4 when Portis rushed for under 70 yards.  That is precisely what happens when you build an offensive line to run the ball, but ignore the pass protection skills of the Lineman.   In short, the summary of the season was, the Redskins really only went as far as the rushing game could take them, and when defenses took the run away, the Redskins, well, LOST.