Clinton Portis: 5 Reasons Why the Denver Broncos Should Bring Him Back

As noted by another Bleacher Report article, the Washington Redskins have decided to part ways with Pro-Bowl running back Clinton Portis. Portis was—until the injury bug bit him in the 2009 season—well on his way to at least an outside shot at a Hall of Fame induction in my opinion.

He was THAT good, and has averaged a little over 1,200 yards rushing even with his injury years factored in. With all of the uncertainty the Broncos have at the running back position—the injury-plagued Knowshon Moreno, the inconsistent Lance Ball and the unproven LenDale White—should the Broncos bring him back to Denver?

Many people, including myself, would for the most part vote "Yes." With that, here are five reasons why he should come back to the Mile High City.   

1. Denver No Longer Produces 1,000-Yard Rushers like Candy

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DENVER - OCTOBER 09: Al Wilson #56 of the Denver Broncos recovers a fumble by Clinton Portis #26 of the Washington Redskins as teammates Ian Gold #52 and Gerard Warren #61 give support during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on October 9, 2005

Back in the good ol' Shanahan days, the Broncos could produce a 1,000-yard rusher in their sleep.

Shanahan was able to produce a 1,000-yard rusher in five different seasons with four different players in Clinton Portis (twice!), Reuben Droughns, Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell. Now that the Broncos are not in the Shanahan days, they badly need another good rushing attack.

At age 29, Portis can still help provide that spark.  

2. Denver Needs a Better Rushing Attack To Take Pressure Off the QB

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DENVER - OCTOBER 24: Quarterbacks Kyle Orton #8 and Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos look on from the bench during their 59-14 loss to the Oakland Raiders at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 24, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/

The big debate in the Mile High City nowadays is who will be quarterbacking the Denver Broncos in 2011-12 and beyond.

The fact of the matter is even the most experienced, Hall-of-Fame-caliber QB has difficulty without a viable rushing attack that produces at least one 1,000 yard rusher. We must remember that even the legendary John Elway did not win his Super Bowls until an effective running back was added to the mix. 

3. Portis Would Be Another Weapon for Denver

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 3: Tight end Shannon Sharpe #84 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a touchdown by running back Clinton Portis against the New England Patriots in the first quarter November 3, 2003 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Phot

Along the same lines as the last slide, Portis would be another added weapon—especially if the QB is Tebow. From every side of the ball, a team can never have too many weapons or playmakers at their disposal.

Plus, Champ Bailey and Clinton Portis on the same team? How cool is that?! 

4. Portis and Moreno Could Become a Fantastic Combination

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 12: Runningback Knowshon Moreno #27 of the Denver Broncos runs with the football during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defe

If this potential tandem is used correctly, the team could have two potential 1,000-yard rushers—provided they both stay healthy. If the Broncos want to improve their running game, there is almost no other proven way to do so without signing Portis. 

5. Portis Gives the Running Game Instant Credibility

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 03: Clinton Portis #26 of the Washington Redskins against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 3, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 17-12. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Imag

By having a 10,000-yard rusher in Portis, Denver's opponents will know that they will have to plan well for this other option. Portis will make some teams think a lot harder about game plans against the Broncos. 

Conclusion

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LANDOVER, MD - 2006: Clinton Portis of the Washington Redskins poses for his 2006 NFL headshot at photo day in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Getty Images)

Although there would be a lot of question marks about this move—such as whether the Broncos would want to pay a hefty price tag in order to once again utilize his talents—you cannot argue against his track record when he can stay healthy.

And at only age 29, Portis still has many good years ahead of him.