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Portis Ready for the Challenge
Running back Clinton Portis gets his licks in against a practice dummy during Redskins training camp yesterday.
(By Preston Keres -- The Washington Post)
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"I want to make him a more three-dimensional player," Saunders said. "I want to exploit everything that he does well. One of the ways that players become invested in what you're trying to teach is to give them input. Each week, I intend on asking Clinton to give me the five best types of runs he likes against that week's opponents. I want to hear from him, without taking away from the power aspects of his game, like pass blocking."
None of this was lost on Portis. In addition to yardage, Portis last season set a team record with nine 100-yard rushing games. He finished last season with five consecutive 100-yard games.
"I go back to Marshall Faulk. When Marshall Faulk was in his prime, this was the offense he was in," Portis said. "When Priest Holmes was in his prime, this was the offense he was in. For Larry Johnson to have a breakout season, this is the offense he was in. So I don't see any reason why Clinton Portis shouldn't continue that success."
It was the kind of synergy to which Portis has become accustomed.
"In Denver we did that, and here last year we did that. Having Coach Saunders be willing to negotiate is great because whatever he calls is what we have to run," Portis said. "Having him feeling comfortable with me, comfortable enough to trust my decision-making and let me carry the load is an honor."
Yesterday, Portis spoke more of the battle of the season than its potentially lucrative rewards.
"We've got a tough schedule. With the defenses we're playing, there's going to be a lot of grind games in there," he said. "Any time you're in the NFC East, that's six grind-out games."
As for his playful alter ego, Portis said he will reserve judgment on whether or when sidekicks will be reintroduced.
"Who knows? Anything is possible," he said. "Once we get into the grind of the season, get into the mood, see how people are around here and how morale is, we'll have fun. Dressing up is part of it. We'll have fun."
