Writers of Pro Football Prospectus 2008

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23 Nov 2009

Betts Has Torn ACL, MCL

Ladell Betts will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL and MCL.

That makes, yes, Rock Cartwright the new starter.

Posted by: Bill Barnwell on 23 Nov 2009

7 comments, Last at 23 Nov 2009, 2:24pm by C

Comments

1
by The Ninjalectual :: Mon, 11/23/2009 - 11:37am

They should have given Rock a chance years ago.

"Just look at that pumpkin."
-John Madden, looking at the moon.

2
by Joe T. :: Mon, 11/23/2009 - 11:38am

Give Rock the Rock!

3
by C (not verified) :: Mon, 11/23/2009 - 11:46am

Portis looked slower all year. Betts filled in for a 100 yard game vs Atlanta. Cartwright had some burst and had over 100 total yards vs Dallas... These were with the "new" offensive line too. Granted these were just two games, but both Betts & Cartwright looked better than Portis.

I don't know if it's too many miles on Portis or what, but he looks nowhere like the speedy guy he was in Denver, and not like the guy who was putting up 1,000 yard campaigns in Washington.

I know he's a premier blocker, and can catch, but he hasn't been a threat at all to take the ball the distance this year. Is he just hurt, or is his career window shutting down?

Portis is recovering from a Concussion and might be cleared to play next week, otherwise Rock should get the carries.

5
by Joe T. :: Mon, 11/23/2009 - 12:49pm

I think he's about used up. He's been an every down back in a power-scheme for over 5 years + 2 years in Denver's offense.

6
by dmb :: Mon, 11/23/2009 - 2:00pm

Portis has been dealing with minor injuries all season (I think his ankle has been the biggest issue this year), but the same could be said about him for the past few seasons, too. He has looked a bit less effective to me this year, but really, I don't think he's been "the speedy guy" from Denver ever since he first added about 20 lbs. several seasons ago. He's since dropped a bit of that weight, but he's never had quite the same open-field burners since.

7
by C (not verified) :: Mon, 11/23/2009 - 2:24pm

DMB I'd agree. Once he came to Washington he gained weight and was a different ( slower) but still very effective back. He changed.

The thing is the Redskins are on the hook for 8 million bucks for Portis next year and there are grumblings in Washington that he's done, or at least he's had his best days.

The Redskins have invested 6 draft picks in offensive lineman since 2001, I believe it was 2 guys in the 3rd round, the rest later picks. Ladell Betts is also the last back they drafted and that was Spurrier 2003 ish...

I guess that's what happens when you spend draft picks bringing in Brunell, B. Lloyd, Campbell and others.

4
by jklps :: Mon, 11/23/2009 - 12:40pm

Some people think Portis was out of shape to start the season. Portis hasn't taken many practice reps with any version of the offensive line.

The Redskins are better off moving on without Portis anyways - he is only getting older...lost in the information that LT definitely isn't what he used to be, is that Portis played worse than LT this year in terms of DYAR before Portis got hurt.

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