Portis Speaks Out

[ICON]

*Quote*
Jul 28 Jason La Canfora, of the Washington Post, reports Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis (knee, shoulder, hand) believes that his injuries from 2006 were the result of a lack of attitude on his part and an intense Redskins practice and cultural regimen that left him drained of his football spirit. Portis added, "I think I was just tired. When I was in Denver, it was different in the offseason. When that last game hit zero-zero, you had a speech the next day and then you were gone until the mandatory camp before the season. Practice was easy, and we were fresh. When I became a Washington Redskin, everything was different. Football became a year-round event. You finish in January, and in March, you're back. The demands were different. . . . It was always football, football, football and I was burnt out."

It sounds like he wants to be a Bronco again :strong:

[baja]

I think Portis makes a good point.

...and good on Mike and Co. for being wise enough to realize this.

[That One Guy]

I miss Portis... I miss Drougns.. I miss Anderson but age is something you can't do anything about... I miss Portis the most though. Too bad he had to have the "I want more money" sydrome that comes with anyone who enjoys success. He coulda been a heck of a back.

[theAPAOps5]

But then we would never have gotten Champ. I think losing Portis and his skill is worth what we gained.

[bmanhas]

I think this further backs up what most players say about Denver, they love playing here. Shanny's style is definitely player friendly.

[ICON]

But then we would never have gotten Champ. I think losing Portis and his skill is worth what we gained.
Plus Portis got us a draft pick Tatum Bell which got us a good trade pro bowl corner and that gave us two pro bowl corners!

Mike Shanahan and them get major kudos. They traded a former first-round draft choice in George Foster— but he was a pretty average player — and a tailback who was essentially a backup (Tatum Bell) to Detroit. And they got a Pro Bowl starting corner.

[Sassy]

Yep...Champ and then Dre' Bly...we got the better deal...and Washington got the "flava clown"!!! Why would you guys want Portis back???

[That One Guy]

True, it worked out for the best in the end, it's just too bad cause Portis was a personality. People will say Sharpe ran his mouth but he cracked me up and I don't recall hearing about Portis when he wore the belt but when I heard about that, it cracked me up as well. One of those personality types that like to have fun. We don't really have that kind of person on the roster, it seems.

[DukeWoody]

If Portis would like to come back for a Travis Henry type deal,then im sure the Broncos would be more than happy to take him back....:thumbsup:

[theAPAOps5]

True, it worked out for the best in the end, it's just too bad cause Portis was a personality. People will say Sharpe ran his mouth but he cracked me up and I don't recall hearing about Portis when he wore the belt but when I heard about that, it cracked me up as well. One of those personality types that like to have fun. We don't really have that kind of person on the roster, it seems.

Sadly we had one but then a stupid ass thug took him away too. I do miss the Portis personality just like I am going to miss DWills.

[Sassy]

If Portis would like to come back for a Travis Henry type deal,then im sure the Broncos would be more than happy to take him back....:thumbsup:

As long as we can watch Henry kick his butt ;D

[DukeWoody]

As long as we can watch Henry kick his butt ;D

Cool,agreed...:thumbsup:

[Garcia Bronco]

At the rate he was going here he would have smashed a few records if he stayed healthy.

[Sassy]

"IF" or he could have gotten stepped on by Lepsis ;D

[epicSocialism4tw]

I am not sure what the love affair with Portis is, but I would be reluctant to accept him back into the fold after both his oddball dress up show and his redneck comments about dog fighting.

The guy's all about Clinton Portis, and there's not all that much to be impressed with about him anyway.

[Cito Pelon]

I miss Portis... I miss Drougns.. I miss Anderson but age is something you can't do anything about... I miss Portis the most though. Too bad he had to have the "I want more money" sydrome that comes with anyone who enjoys success. He coulda been a heck of a back.

Dude was on a roll, then both him and the Broncos organization misplayed their hands, as I said at the time. As for this point in time, the entire Redskin squad seems to be in disarray. This player revolt didn't start with Portis, it started earlier this year where the vets were saying they were burnt out before the season started in 2006. Joe Gibbs' staff is old school guys, they drill hard.

I think the big deal with players these days is they don't like the conditioning drills - the sled drills, the wind sprints, the punishment grass drills. We'll see how the Bronco players like the emphasis put on that this year. If you win, then maybe you like it. If you condition hard and then you still lose, then maybe you don't like it as a player. I've played on a lot of teams, and I can guarantee you have to do windsprints galore to excel. There's just no way to get around it. Guys that dog it on windsprints you mark as cuts, because there's no way they're gonna be there performing at season's end. It's that simple. You keep a guy that has stamina, you cut a guy that figures he can turn it on whenever he feels like it. Come November, December, he won't feel like turning it on.

[DukeWoody]

Sassy i agree,Lepsis,tackleing, and running-backs,need too stay as far away as possible...I think TD will back me on that,all day long...Man, it sucks that freak accident had to happen to TD...We'll never get to see TD's full potential because of it...Allthough,i think we can all agree he was destined for true greatness if he could have played out a full career...
Im just happy he's now in the ring of fame,without question,wear he belongs...I also believe he should get a bid into the HOF,but thats another story...

[Hogan11]

I am not sure what the love affair with Portis is, but I would be reluctant to accept him back into the fold after both his oddball dress up show and his redneck comments about dog fighting.

The guy's all about Clinton Portis, and there's not all that much to be impressed with about him anyway.

No way he ever comes back here.....no way.

I'm glad that circus is gone.....these so called "personality guys" are a dime a dozen and usually end up being a distraction of some sort in the end. The kids and marketing dept's love that stuff, but it rarely gets the team where it needs to go.

He can stay right in Washington and keep playing for a team that deserves his act.

[theAPAOps5]

Sassy i agree,Lepsis,tackleing, and running-backs,need too stay as far away as possible...I think TD will back me on that,all day long...Man, it sucks that freak accident had to happen to TD...We'll never get to see TD's full potential because of it...Allthough,i think we can all agree he was destined for true greatness if he could have played out a full career...
Im just happy he's now in the ring of fame,without question,wear he belongs...I also believe he should get a bid into the HOF,but thats another story...

If it wasn't that hit it was going to be something else. He just had bad knees. They lasted great but then they started to deteriorate.

[Odysseus]

You think Portis misses Denver? Wait until Tatum gets tackled on that crap they call Astroturf in Detroit. He'll be in the cold tub sobbing to himself realizing how good he had it in Denver.

Portis hated the social life in Denver. He wanted quick, easy, fast and to his liking. Apparently he forgot we have a kick butt airport. I'm surprised people are still loving on him especially since he defended Michael Vick.

Portis and Dwill in the club together? Wow. That would have been good times.

[Hogan11]

You think Portis misses Denver? Wait until Tatum gets tackled on that crap they call Astroturf in Detroit. He'll be in the cold tub sobbing to himself realizing how good he had it in Denver.

Portis hated the social life in Denver. He wanted quick, easy, fast and to his liking. Apparently he forgot we have a kick butt airport. I'm surprised people are still loving on him especially since he defended Michael Vick.

Portis and Dwill in the club together? Wow. That would have been good times.

People just have this need for a showman I guess....thank ESPN and the generations raised on their crap.

Thankfully, Shanahan doesn't appear to put up with such players for very long. All business wins championships, just ask the HC of the Pats.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Portis and Dwill in the club together? Wow. That would have been good times.


Darrent wasnt that bad. He was actually pretty well liked by his teammates, and had a bit of humility in him. I think that playing in the secondary with the best DB of his generation kept him in the right mindset. He always talked about what a great opportunity he had learning from the best.

I have no problems with Darrent. He doesnt deserve to be lumped in a category with Clinton Portis.

[Cito Pelon]

But then we would never have gotten Champ. I think losing Portis and his skill is worth what we gained.

I was supremely pissed off when the trad was made. Gotdang, Portis had the best two initial years of any tailback in NFL history in terms of YPC. That's a big gotdang deal. And had 34 TD's in two years, that's also a huge gotdang deal. He was clicking with the OL, that's another big deal. His teammates liked him, that's a big deal. Then, poof! he was gone.

The trade certainly did nothing for the team in the first year, Champ was picked on unmercifully and gave up plenty of TD's. And Shanny looked so stupid, laughably stupid, anointing Quentin Griffin as a TD machine like Portis and hey Tatum Bell as another. One of the stupidest trades I've ever seen. Ah well, I'm getting started on a rant. Shanny pulled himself out of that tailspin with the help of Reuben Droughns and the OL's pride.

Champ has been one heck of a player, but the O has needed two tailbacks to equal Portis' TD's per season. Much like how the idiot Shanny let Shannon Sharpe go and figured "hey, I can pay two guys to match his productivity."

[nickademus]

If it wasn't that hit it was going to be something else. He just had bad knees. They lasted great but then they started to deteriorate.

I couldnt help but yell across the room "thank you captian obvious!!!!!!!!!!!!" whats next are you gonna say that the lightbulb in my room was good untill it burnt out and then it was bad? or that the car ran well untill it broke?

sorry bro I couldnt help it.

[baja]

At the rate he was going here he would have smashed a few records if he stayed healthy.

I'm betting Portis often thinks 'if only' I had listened to Mike he was right.

If he stayed in Denver he would have had likely a longer career and an easier more realistic off season.

[Atlas]

Portis was a good Bronco. He is a warrrior out on the field. His act off the field gets kind of tired though. Best of luck to him, I guess..... don't really care one way or another.

[Wes Mantooth]

Portis was a good Bronco. He is a warrrior out on the field. His act off the field gets kind of tired though. Best of luck to him, I guess..... don't really care one way or another.

Portis always was fast, but that guy would never run up the middle. I always thought he was soft. His stats were inflated because he could break for a home run.

[KipCorrington25]

He's so off my radar screen, what he thinks is irrelevant.

[Cito Pelon]

Portis always was fast, but that guy would never run up the middle. I always thought he was soft. His stats were inflated because he could break for a home run.

You dope. That was meant as a negative? Portis had the best YPC in NFL history for a tailback in his first two years in the NFL. Better YPC than Jim Brown, better than Walter Payton, better than anybody in NFL history. Plus, the kid could punch it in - 31 TD's in 25 starts. Portis was somebody you can build an O around if you're smart.

Shanny decided to build his team around Champ Bailey - paid Champ more than Portis wanted. I think it was stupid, myself, but that's water under the bridge. I like to rant sometimes, and this is a rant I can bust out any time.

[Pat Bowlen]

Clinton is a marvelous runningback and anybody who says they'd rather not have him on our football team is kidding themselves. We chose to go in a different direction with him as a team, and while I don't think anybody will complain with the result, bashing on the guy because he tends to be a bit flamboyant is just silly.

[baja]

Pat - Clinton is a marvelous runningback

Would that be Hillary or Bill

[Pat Bowlen]

Pat - Clinton is a marvelous runningback

Would that be Hillary or Bill
George, actually.

[Odysseus]

Darrent wasnt that bad. He was actually pretty well liked by his teammates, and had a bit of humility in him. I think that playing in the secondary with the best DB of his generation kept him in the right mindset. He always talked about what a great opportunity he had learning from the best.

I have no problems with Darrent. He doesnt deserve to be lumped in a category with Clinton Portis.

I called out Portis as a flavor clown right around the time they signed him but off the field these players are different people. I agree that DWill was a stellar person who actually did stuff for others whereas I couldn't see Portis being sincere no matter how much he donated. Portis is fun to be around and just because you party with a person doesn't mean you are like them.

[Odysseus]

Clinton is a marvelous runningback and anybody who says they'd rather not have him on our football team is kidding themselves. We chose to go in a different direction with him as a team, and while I don't think anybody will complain with the result, bashing on the guy because he tends to be a bit flamboyant is just silly.

People take this stuff too seriously. Fact: Portis is a heck of a running back. Fact: Portis is a flavor clown. You don't have to like or dislike a guy from a business standpoint but fans are not business people. Every year they try to convert a pile of rocks into a ball hawking safety. This place would be pretty dry if all it dealt with was facts. The wild speculations, lies, innuendos and half truths are the only thing that keep the doors open. It's like politics only people don't have to die for it.

[Odysseus]

People just have this need for a showman I guess....thank ESPN and the generations raised on their crap.

Thankfully, Shanahan doesn't appear to put up with such players for very long. All business wins championships, just ask the HC of the Pats.

I love Shanahan. That guy is all business.

[Bladerunner]

pfft...whatever folks...this board marches around with tents in their pants because the Broncos get 98-100% participation in off-season workouts and 100% mini-camp accountability, etc,etc...and now some are spouting off about how smart Shanny is for letting people take a blow during the off-season....c'mon

[That One Guy]

pfft...whatever folks...this board marches around with tents in their pants because the Broncos get 98-100% participation in off-season workouts and 100% mini-camp accountability, etc,etc...and now some are spouting off about how smart Shanny is for letting people take a blow during the off-season....c'mon

Sounds like a win/win situation to me... those are always smart decisions.

[theAPAOps5]

I couldnt help but yell across the room "thank you captian obvious!!!!!!!!!!!!" whats next are you gonna say that the lightbulb in my room was good untill it burnt out and then it was bad? or that the car ran well untill it broke?

sorry bro I couldnt help it.

Ok BRO thanks for sharing. Your Avy is fitting for you.

[Atlas]

Portis always was fast, but that guy would never run up the middle. I always thought he was soft. His stats were inflated because he could break for a home run.

I disagree. His time in Washington has proven he isn't soft. They run him up the middle all the time.

[Northman]

You wanted the cash Clinton so quit your ****ing bitching already you puss. You made your bed now lie in it and quit whining.

[Dean]

People seem to conviently forget that Portis was asking to be the highest paid running back in the NFL and Denver was struggling with the cap. He then threatened to sit out until the tenth game if he didn't get a new contract. At the time I never felt that he wanted to remain in Denver and IMO he still doesn't.

IMO he just wants easier practices in D.C. is why he mentions Denver at all.

[Cito Pelon]

People seem to conviently forget that Portis was asking to be the highest paid running back in the NFL and Denver was struggling with the cap. He then threatened to sit out until the tenth game if he didn't get a new contract. At the time I never felt that he wanted to remain in Denver and IMO he still doesn't.

IMO he just wants easier practices in D.C. is why he mentions Denver at all.

All that is true. The dope played his cards poorly, he could have been on the HOF track right now as we type. And IMO the Broncs played their cards poorly also. Hell, they paid Champ much more than Portis was asking for, and then paid a second rounder to boot. Stupid. Just plain stupid. IMO, all parties involved made exactly the worst scenario of all possible scenarios. Just plain stupid trade. Never should have happened.

[theAPAOps5]

Well at least one person in the world thinks this trade was dumb. Someone has to play the other side I guess.

[Requiem]

I'd love to get Portis back at his age right now, (He turns 26 in a few days) so he could have several fantastic seasons more with the Broncos, but obviously that's not going to be happening any time soon.

Portis carried the ball 563 times as a Bronco, and 695 times in his first two years with the Redskins. They're running him into the ground. Portis could have had a very long career with the Broncos, but I'd say he'll tap out in a few more years if they keep running him 325 to 350 plus a season. I doubt they will though, since they have Betts.

Always loved Clinton, and I'd love to see him here. Champ means more to us though, and getting Bly through the works helps too.

[NYBronco]

The play / attitude of Champ Baily is easily an improvement over the player we had to trade for his services. Who was that again?

[TheDave]

All that is true. The dope played his cards poorly, he could have been on the HOF track right now as we type.

or injured, like he has been...

Portis lovers always forget he was having trouble staying healthy while he was here. Fact is Running backs are always getting hurt, If you get a chance to trade one for a big payoff in their prime... you do it.

[Pat Bowlen]

All that is true. The dope played his cards poorly, he could have been on the HOF track right now as we type. And IMO the Broncs played their cards poorly also. Hell, they paid Champ much more than Portis was asking for, and then paid a second rounder to boot. Stupid. Just plain stupid. IMO, all parties involved made exactly the worst scenario of all possible scenarios. Just plain stupid trade. Never should have happened.
There's a reason you aren't paid to make these decisions.

[Beantown Bronco]

Hell, they paid Champ much more than Portis was asking for, and then paid a second rounder to boot. Stupid. Just plain stupid.

You're insane. Of course they are paying Champ more. He is far and away the best player at his position, a position at which he can remain at the top for years.

Portis isn't even close to being the best at his. He is not even a top 10 RB now....and he'll most likely be completely broken down and out of the league 5 years before Champ retires.

Portis was always over-rated because of his numbers. He'd rattle off plenty of 100 yard games and have a high "per carry" number because he'd always have one great run per game (that would be off-set by 15 other runs of two yards or less). He'd get stuffed more often than not and couldn't sustain drives with consistent 4 and 5 yard carries that the offense (and defense) truly needed. Was he good? Hell, yeah. Was he "top 5 in the league" great? No way.

[vancejohnson82]

anyone who has a problem with that trade isn't watching Denver Broncos games closely enough

Do you know how hard it is to find a guy who shuts down half the field?? Please, they come around once every 15 years

[broncocalijohn]

Duke stated we never got to see the full potential of TD. Was he going to run for 3,000 in a season? We saw the greatness in TD and also of Portis. If someone had a problem with Portis and his WWF belt after the Monday night game then you didnt like Shannon Sharpe. Portis backed up his talk on the field. Shanahan knew Portis would bolt for more $ because he deserved it. Mike knows he can get a back just like Portis in the next year or two. Personally, I am still waiting. Dont get me wrong. The trade got us Bailey and Bell and now shipping another "made back from the Warehouse of Shanahan and Co. got us a Pro Bowl cornerback in Bly and we never have to see the swinging door of the tub of goo Foster. Plus it opened the door for Henry to come on to Denver. Of course we didnt like to hear his comments on Denver not being a fast enough town for him. Those that stick around are here for the game of football. He has talent and if that opportunity came up before we got Henry and Portis was healthy, I would have loved him to come back. If he accepted it then we know he now knows he had it good in Denver and was coming back as a football player first. Just My opinion.

[Broncos4tw]

Our offense was and is fine. Our defense is what needed a serious overhaul. What good is Portis when Manning throws for 450 yards and multiple TDs? Not much. Shanny made the smart trade, trading for what the team needed. Portis has proved nothing since being away. He did prove our running system was a big part of his success imo.

He is not as good as Barry Sanders was, and what good was Barry for his team? None at all. If you don't have a complete team, it's all for naught.

[Cito Pelon]

anyone who has a problem with that trade isn't watching Denver Broncos games closely enough

Do you know how hard it is to find a guy who shuts down half the field?? Please, they come around once every 15 years

Jeez, you guys are busting my chops pretty good. I can see how people like getting Champ and a #2 pick that ended up being a decent player, and ended up being a good trade value.

On the other hand, while Portis hasn't had the success in Wash that he was having here, I maintain if he hadn't played his cards poorly and not pissed Shanny off so much he would have continued having 1500-1800 yd seasons, 15-20 TD's per year in Denver. That's just dang hard to replace from one tailback, and in fact Denver has had a hard time replacing him.

The injury argument just never works. It's a foolish argument. Portis wasn't injured that much as RB's go. He was a great all around back, and really the big deal is he could punch the ball in when in the red zone, and that just doesn't come around often. TD's are a big deal. Champ doesn't score TD's, hell he got burned for plenty of TD's his first year here, and he had a horrible AFC Title game at Mile High, got made a fool of.

I'll agree that Champ has helped the team a lot, but a great CB just doesn't have the impact on a team over a season that a great RB does. No way. I think folks judgement is impaired by their personal dislike for Portis, and the more likeable and charming Bailey.

Tailbacks are often real jerks, but you have to look at what they do, not who they are. The team would have been better off paying Portis and just drafting better.

The bottom line is the team tried to draft CB's and were miserable failures at it, so they backed themselves into a corner and the best option available was to trade a potential HOF tailback for the CB they needed so much.

Now here we are in 2007, and we still have to wait and see if Henry is all that good of a redzone back.

[vancejohnson82]

I was a HUGE portis fan and i enjoy his personality immensely...but as far as what each of these guys bring to the field every Sunday, Champ filled a gaping hole we had on the roster....remember the days of deltha oneal being our stud CB..it was horrible....

the real problem since the Elway era has been our lack of WR production except for Rod...Javon has helped with that....the team has also been weak on the D-line as well

RBs have never really been a problem....keeping portis would have just stopped us from filling other needs that were more pressing

[Beantown Bronco]

The injury argument just never works. It's a foolish argument. Portis wasn't injured that much as RB's go.

OK. Try and tell that to Eagles fans. You have to account for a guy that is somewhat brittle and plays a position that gets hit hard pretty much every play.

Wasn't injured that much? He has averaged missing 3 games per season as a result of injuries. That's significant to me.

He was a great all around back, and really the big deal is he could punch the ball in when in the red zone, and that just doesn't come around often. TD's are a big deal. Champ doesn't score TD's


Spoken like someone who only values a player based off of the box score and doesn't actually watch the flow of the game. Champ has easily saved and prevented more TDs than Portis has scored the last few years. Stopping your opponent from scoring 6 pts is just as valuable as actually scoring 6 pts yourself....but you don't seem to think so.

hell he got burned for plenty of TD's his first year here, and he had a horrible AFC Title game at Mile High, got made a fool of.

Exaggerations of epic proportions. Aside from the Cincy game his first year here, he really didn't get burned for "plenty of TDs". And he was nowhere close to being made a fool of in the AFC Title game at Mile High. Sure, they got passed on seemingly at will, but Champ for the most part did his job and shut down his guy as well as he had all season.

I'll agree that Champ has helped the team a lot, but a great CB just doesn't have the impact on a team over a season that a great RB does. No way. I think folks judgement is impaired by their personal dislike for Portis, and the more likeable and charming Bailey.

Again, see my "box-score" comment. A great CB can have just as much, if not more impact, than a RB. Can you name any RBs that would force guys like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning to totally change their game-plans? I didn't think so.

Tailbacks are often real jerks, but you have to look at what they do, not who they are. The team would have been better off paying Portis and just drafting better.

How many CBs in the past 3 or 4 drafts could've shut down one side of the field even close to the way Champ does? And would the Broncos even had a realistic shot at drafting them anyway?

[Northman]

I'll agree that Champ has helped the team a lot, but a great CB just doesn't have the impact on a team over a season that a great RB does. No way. I think folks judgement is impaired by their personal dislike for Portis, and the more likeable and charming Bailey.


I disagree. GOOD cornerbacks are very hard to find. Drafting a good cb as opposed to a good RB is like night and day. History has proven you wrong here in Denver when it comes to running backs playing in Denver. This is why the trade for Bailey was a no brainer. As far as his character, cant argue with you there. I dont like it, still dont like it with all the nonsense he pulls in D.C. You claim most RB's behave like flavor clowns yet allpros like Payton, Sanders, and Davis never behaved that way.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Comparing what Portis would have been able to do with what Champ has done is just plain silly.

Champ is one of the all-time greats.

Portis is a flash in the pan.

[Cito Pelon]

anyone who has a problem with that trade isn't watching Denver Broncos games closely enough

Do you know how hard it is to find a guy who shuts down half the field?? Please, they come around once every 15 years

Maybe you're just watching Bailey and missing watching the rest of the team. Bailey hasn't had all that much impact on the team. Very little, actually. One CB just doesn't have much impact on a season. Hell, the team didn't even make the playoffs last year despite Bailey's best season as a Pro.

You need to get your nose out of Bailey's and Shanny's ass.

[Beantown Bronco]

Maybe you're just watching Bailey and missing watching the rest of the team. Bailey hasn't had all that much impact on the team. Very little, actually. One CB just doesn't have much impact on a season. Hell, the team didn't even make the playoffs last year despite Bailey's best season as a Pro.

You need to get your nose out of Bailey's and Shanny's ass.

Two things:

#1 - the Broncos never went 13-3 with Portis.

#2 - The Broncos would've most likely had a losing record the last two years if not for Bailey's timely INTs (at best, they would still be looking for their first "post-Elway" playoff win, as they definitely would've lost to the Pats in the 2005 playoffs).

[Cito Pelon]

OK. Try and tell that to Eagles fans. You have to account for a guy that is somewhat brittle and plays a position that gets hit hard pretty much every play.

Wasn't injured that much? He has averaged missing 3 games per season as a result of injuries. That's significant to me.



Spoken like someone who only values a player based off of the box score and doesn't actually watch the flow of the game. Champ has easily saved and prevented more TDs than Portis has scored the last few years. Stopping your opponent from scoring 6 pts is just as valuable as actually scoring 6 pts yourself....but you don't seem to think so.



Exaggerations of epic proportions. Aside from the Cincy game his first year here, he really didn't get burned for "plenty of TDs". And he was nowhere close to being made a fool of in the AFC Title game at Mile High. Sure, they got passed on seemingly at will, but Champ for the most part did his job and shut down his guy as well as he had all season.



Again, see my "box-score" comment. A great CB can have just as much, if not more impact, than a RB. Can you name any RBs that would force guys like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning to totally change their game-plans? I didn't think so.



How many CBs in the past 3 or 4 drafts could've shut down one side of the field even close to the way Champ does? And would the Broncos even had a realistic shot at drafting them anyway?

You gotta be kidding me. Teams went directly after Champ his first two years here and burned his ass. Roth and Pitt went after him hard right here in his own house in the AFC Title game and burned his ass to the tune of two TD's. The game before that he was very lucky to not have the ball brought out to the 20 as a touchback when Ben Watson put a top ten "jacked up" hit of all time on him as he was prancing into the endzone.

Last year Champ had his best year and the team finished 9-7, had a crappy defensive year, traded one of their top backs and paid the FA Henry bigtime money. So how you figure they don't miss Portis is flippin ridiculous. Great CB's are fine with me, but come on, their impact on a season is minimal.

[epicSocialism4tw]

You gotta be kidding me. Teams went directly after Champ his first two years here and burned his ass. Roth and Pitt went after him hard right here in his own house in the AFC Title game and burned his ass to the tune of two TD's. The game before that he was very lucky to not have the ball brought out to the 20 as a touchback when Ben Watson put a top ten "jacked up" hit of all time on him as he was prancing into the endzone.

Last year Champ had his best year and the team finished 9-7, had a crappy defensive year, traded one of their top backs and paid the FA Henry bigtime money. So how you figure they don't miss Portis is flippin ridiculous. Great CB's are fine with me, but come on, their impact on a season is minimal.


Wow. You may want to go back and look at some tape, dude. You are confused.

[Beantown Bronco]

You gotta be kidding me. Teams went directly after Champ his first two years here and burned his ass. Roth and Pitt went after him hard right here in his own house in the AFC Title game and burned his ass to the tune of two TD's. The game before that he was very lucky to not have the ball brought out to the 20 as a touchback when Ben Watson put a top ten "jacked up" hit of all time on him as he was prancing into the endzone.

Last year Champ had his best year and the team finished 9-7, had a crappy defensive year, traded one of their top backs and paid the FA Henry bigtime money. So how you figure they don't miss Portis is flippin ridiculous. Great CB's are fine with me, but come on, their impact on a season is minimal.

hmmmm.....glad someone watched the game. Here is the post game writeup from Len P.

Whisenhunt, who is crafting a pretty nice résumé this postseason and figures to merit consideration for any future head coach openings (he may still get a nibble for the lone remaining vacancy, in Oakland, since the Raiders work on a timetable known only to owner Al Davis), seemed to sense that the No. 29-rated Broncos pass defense was suspect in some areas. Principally at right cornerback, where rookie Domonique Foxworth is the starter, and at strong safety.

While he would not acknowledge it publicly, Whisenhunt directed much of the passing game at Foxworth, who played with a big, imaginary bull's-eye on his chest. And for a second week in a row, Whisenhunt designed a game plan that stretched the opposition's secondary horizontally, forcing safety Nick Ferguson to chase plays outside the numbers, which he could not do with his limited range.

[Atwater His Ass]

It's one thing to like Portis (who is a very good player) and wish he was still here (I agree he could have put up HoF numbers in Denver), but it's another to be so completely blind to what Champ has brought to this team. He carried us to that AFCCG.

[orange 4 life]

I think Portis makes a good point.

...and good on Mike and Co. for being wise enough to realize this.

its a double edged sword my friend, and while mike has earned the right to do it his way without us hacking on him, i also think its important to show both sides.

yeah, you keep guys fresh, and you run less risks of having major preseason injuries.
you ALSO have guys that get too far out of shape (offseason), guys that get winded easily (OUR guys on O2 at home games?), and guys that cramp up easier (remember those debacles?)

anyway, im not questioning the way our team does it, but to be fair it does have a distinct downside also.

[Northman]

Two things:

#1 - the Broncos never went 13-3 with Portis.

#2 - The Broncos would've most likely had a losing record the last two years if not for Bailey's timely INTs (at best, they would still be looking for their first "post-Elway" playoff win, as they definitely would've lost to the Pats in the 2005 playoffs).


Rep

[vancejohnson82]

"Champ Bailey had minimal effect"

Sure...and so did Hurricane Katrina

[epicSocialism4tw]

"Champ Bailey had minimal effect"

Champ Bailey was the difference in the Broncos beating the defending superbowl champs on their way to the AFC Championship game.

If Elway had made that play, this Bronco board would be filled with adoration. Bailey is on Elway's level, folks. He might even be better than Elway in regards to how he stacks up against the all-timers at his position.

I just cannot see how someone can undersell Champ. Can you undersell an all-time great?

[vancejohnson82]

i was quoting someone from up above (i dont know how to use that quote thing)

im arguing that the Champ trade changed this organization for the BETTER and we have been blessed with the opportunity to watch one of the greatest, if not the greatest, defenders in all of football

having played corner watching him is just ridiculous

[TheReverend]

You gotta be kidding me. Teams went directly after Champ his first two years here and burned his ass. Roth and Pitt went after him hard right here in his own house in the AFC Title game and burned his ass to the tune of two TD's. The game before that he was very lucky to not have the ball brought out to the 20 as a touchback when Ben Watson put a top ten "jacked up" hit of all time on him as he was prancing into the endzone.

Last year Champ had his best year and the team finished 9-7, had a crappy defensive year, traded one of their top backs and paid the FA Henry bigtime money. So how you figure they don't miss Portis is flippin ridiculous. Great CB's are fine with me, but come on, their impact on a season is minimal.

You are a certified idiot. Your card will arrive in the mail in 1-2 weeks. You do know how to check the mail, right?

[Smiling Assassin27]

nah, portis would've imploded when adversity hit, IMO. you see how he's dealing with adversity now--he's playing the blame game. at any given moment, portis will take anyone to the woodshed in the media--including his coach. that's the stuff of team cancers. we got a stand up/high character guy with mad game at CB and shipped CP. talent is important but character HAS to be part of the package or your ship will sink.

[Cito Pelon]

It's one thing to like Portis (who is a very good player) and wish he was still here (I agree he could have put up HoF numbers in Denver), but it's another to be so completely blind to what Champ has brought to this team. He carried us to that AFCCG.

Champ was certainly an improvement and has done some excellent things for the team. I wouldn't have minded losing Portis if TB had turned out to be 8/10ths the back Portis was.

[Cito Pelon]

i was quoting someone from up above (i dont know how to use that quote thing)

im arguing that the Champ trade changed this organization for the BETTER and we have been blessed with the opportunity to watch one of the greatest, if not the greatest, defenders in all of football

having played corner watching him is just ridiculous

Well, it's nice to have great CB's, sure. I don't think it made the organization that much better. The team still needed a lot more than one CB to make it better.

[Cito Pelon]

You are a certified idiot. Your card will arrive in the mail in 1-2 weeks. You do know how to check the mail, right?

You promised you wouldn't insult me in public no more, grandma. Did you put a check in the card this time? ;D

[ol number 7]

No way he ever comes back here.....no way.

I'm glad that circus is gone.....these so called "personality guys" are a dime a dozen and usually end up being a distraction of some sort in the end. The kids and marketing dept's love that stuff, but it rarely gets the team where it needs to go.

He can stay right in Washington and keep playing for a team that deserves his act.

He left Denver because there is no DOG FIGHTS for him to attend. Whatever happened to "I want to be the best to ever play the game"???

[baja]

He left Denver because there is no DOG FIGHTS for him to attend. <b>Whatever happened to "I want to be the best to ever play the game"???</b>

They gave him the ball 575 times in two seasons at Washington thats what happened

[fdf]

Portis always was fast, but that guy would never run up the middle. I always thought he was soft. His stats were inflated because he could break for a home run.

He was great up the middle. He would regularly disappear into a pile and then somehow, squirt out the other side and fall forward. I thought that his best quality was being able to squeeze an extra two or three yards out of a big pile up in the middle. As a runner, that (and vision behind the line) was the main thing that distinguished him (as a runner) from Tatum Bell. Tatum just went down and Portis picked up the extra hard yards.

Plus, he was teriffic as a pass blocker. Compare his performance in that regard to either of the Bells. Not even close. Taking on linebackers going full speed on the blitz isn't for softies.

A clownish jerk off the field? Yes. But soft? No way. Not even close. He brought it on the field. Had he stayed here, stayed healthy, and kept his head on, he would have broken most of TD's rushing records--meanwhile annoying me every time he opened his mouth.

[TomServo]

Portis is where he wanted to be. i didnt like the trade either-and just like the start jay, bench jake thing- it wasnt my call so i let it go. but if a person cant see we got a CB that has been playing at an insane level for two years now, i dunno what you want.
Bailey makes me vote him as the best CB in a bronco uniform ever, over louis wright. and louis was hof material. i'd take louis over deion sanders any day and i'd take baily over sanders too.