(Photo by: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Since 1996, the Washington Redskins have been blessed with a bevy of talented running backs. Terry Allen, Stephen Davis, and Clinton Portis have all set various franchise records. Each raised the bar for the Redskins’ single season rushing record.

Portis is the current RB for the Redskins. He already holds franchise records for most rushing yards in a single season and most 100-yard games in a season. He ranks second on the franchise all-time rushing list and rushing attempts list.

There is no question Portis is second only to John Riggins amongst the backs the Redskins have had in their franchise history. However, coming into the 2009 season, Portis has plenty to accomplish.

Despite the productive years Portis has given the team, he has yet to advance past the divisional round in post-season play. To top it off, he has struggled to stay healthy and is in danger of burning out in the next few seasons.

Portis will turn 28 in September, so according to the usual running back shelf life, he has about a year or two of solid production left. However, Portis is a feature back like none other, and his massive amount of carries prove it.

Here’s a list of Portis’ carries per season:

2004: 343

2005: 352

2006: 127 (missed time due to an injury)

2007: 325

2008: 342

That’s a total of 1,490 carries over five seasons for an average of 298 per season. Throw in his 162 catches over the past five seasons and Portis essentially makes up half of the offensive production over that time.

What’s impressive is that Portis is still good enough to produce, even though he is the only consistent offensive weapon the ‘Skins have.

He routinely faces eight defenders in the box, but that doesn’t stop him from racking up plenty of 100-yard performances.

How long can Portis’ impressive seasons continue with all the wear and tear he undergoes every season?

That will be a key question entering this 2009 season for the Redskins. Success depends on Portis playing up to par.

If the Redskins can muster some semblance of a downfield passing game, Portis, if healthy, will see less men in the box and more big gains.

No one expects the Redskins to become the ‘99 Rams. And they don’t have to be with a healthy Portis and a solid passing game.

They proved it during the first few weeks last season. Portis is capable of taking over when Jason Campbell commands even a little respect.

This year the offense appears to be past the growing stages. Players have expressed more confidence and the comfort level in the west coast offense has definitely gone up a notch.

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