Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts Would Be the Most Dominant Two-Back System in NFL

For four years, Clinton Portis has been the most recognizable Redskin, both on and off the field. His workhorse mentality on Sundays, along with his charismatic and goofy personality Monday through Saturday, has made him a big-time DC fan favorite.  

But entering his seventh season, there is no question that Portis could use some help in the backfield. 

Few running backs in the NFL are willing to take on blitzing linebackers head on or square up against a strong safety coming off of a blitz the way Portis has done his entire career. His fearlessness and willingness to do the dirty work has been a huge factor for recent success in Washington. 

But for every selfless block, his body pays the price. It is no coincidence that his injuries have gone up while his yards per carry have gone down in each of the past three seasons (4.3, 4.1, and 3.9). 

For Portis to continue to be the valuable asset that he is on offense, it will be important for first year Head Coach Jim Zorn to find a delicate balance between his number of carries and those of a very capable Ladell Betts. 

Betts has proven to be a solid running back and an excellent No. 2 option. He is as opposite of Portis on the spectrum as one can be when it comes to personality and flamboyance. But make no mistake about it; on the field, he is just as hard to bring down as any back in the league once he gets in open space.  

During the 2006 season, in which Portis missed eight games due to injury, Betts shouldered the load by amassing over 1,100 yards with an eyebrow-raising 4.7-yards per carry. To put that in perspective, LaDainian Tomlinson averaged 4.7-yards per carry last season. Betts has also provided a good pass-catching option out of the backfield. 

However, coming off of a career year in 2006, last season served as a disappointment for the seventh-year back. He saw his yards per carry drop to 3.8, as he carried the ball 93 times. 

Though it is unlikely that he will surpass the century mark for carries this season, barring a Portis injury, it is not the sheer number of carries that has had a negative influence on Betts’ numbers; it’s the timing. 

Betts carried the ball sporadically last season, never getting the chance to gain the momentum and rhythm that running backs so desperately covet. Being a bigger back, it is important for Betts to touch the ball consistently, so that he can wear down the defense.

Betts carried the ball five times or less in eight games last season. Three carries isn’t enough to let anyone showcase their abilities or impact a football game.

This is where Jim Zorn comes into play.

Given the fact that many teams around the league are adapting a two-back system, it’s high time the Redskins take advantage of their potential backfield dual-threat. Betts should be used with Portis as a one-two punch more often than as a guy giving “Choo-Choo” a breather.

Two instant benefits come to mind, starting with the fact that Portis would be healthier later in the season. Why is that important? It’s a lot harder to throw the ball when December's cold air and winds come into play.

Being able to play the clock-management game in low scoring, winter slugfests make Portis’ health that much more important.

Secondly, having another threat or another wrinkle in the offense with Betts in the game will keep defenses that much on edge. It’s no easy task preparing for a top-tier running back.

Think about how much more difficult it will be to prepare for Portis and another starting-caliber back on the same squad. The best way to beat anyone at anything is to keep them guessing.

The possibilities and potential is all well and good, but it all comes down to giving Ladell Betts the ball. If Betts can get six to 10 carries a game, especially in the second and third quarters, don’t be surprised if suddenly you see gaping holes in the defense for Portis to exploit in the fourth. 

Keeping Portis fresh and healthy is of extreme importance to the Redskins’ chances of not only being a playoff team, but a contender. 

Ladell Betts could provide Jim Zorn with another powerful weapon on offense, if he so chooses to use him.