Portis Could See Workload Drop

It was less than a week ago when Mr. Florio suggested that Clinton Portis was becoming a major problem for coach Jim Zorn. Reaction to the post depended on who read it. Long-time observers of Portis’ complicated relationship with Zorn and the franchise were not surprised. Portis heard about it, though, and denied there was any issue. It will be interesting to see if Portis stays on “good terms at the present moment” if his workload begins to decrease. The Washington Post expects backup running back Ladell Betts to get more carries this season and potentially be “much more involved” offensively in an effort to preserve Portis. After struggling with injuries last year, Betts has impressed offensive coordinator Sherman Smith this offseason. “The guy that’s been standing out to me is Ladell Betts,” Smith said. “To me, he’s stepped his game up. He’s preparing like he’s a starter. He’s taken a leadership role . . . he’s jumped out to me.” A larger role for Betts makes football sense. After a huge workload early last season, Portis sputtered to the finish line. The former Sheriff Gonna Getcha averaged 2.87 yards per carry in his last five games and topped 80 rushing yards once after Week Eight. It was the second straight year he declined in effectiveness down the stretch. It remains to be seen if Portis agrees that less work is a good idea for the long run. After all, his lack of usage was precisely the issue that caused Portis to call Zorn a “genius” last December.