Clinton Portis: No problem with Redskins' running game

Washington ranks last in the NFL with 107 net rushing yards and a 53.5-yard average. The team is tied for 27th in average per rush at 2.7.
But to hear top back Clinton Portis tell it, there's nothing wrong with the Redskins' running game.

"I wouldn't say the running game is struggling. I just don't think we attempted to use it much" through the first two games, Portis said. "We used the running game sparingly. It's hard to get started."

During the season-opening victory over Dallas, Washington gained 89 yards on 23 rushes. Portis had 18 carries for 63 yards. The statistics weren't great, but the Redskins at least had some production from that part of their offense.

In Week 2 against the Houston Texans, however, the Redskins were limited to 18 yards on 17 rushes -- a 1.1-yard average. Portis led the way with 33 yards on 13 carries.

"I think it's just got to get started, man," Portis said. "I don't think we really put forth the effort to get the running game involved. You look at the two games we've played, we've used it sparingly. Our passing game was on point against Houston. We stuck with it."

With the offensive line already in a state of flux, the team is preparing for the possibility of being without left tackle Trent Williams this week against the St. Louis Rams at St. Louis. The impressive rookie suffered knee and toe injuries in the loss to Houston, "and not having Trent just hurt the team period," Portis said. "When we drafted Trent, we expected him to come in here and do great things.

"In these six games [four in the preseason] that you had an opportunity to see the glances at Trent, you see it's something special with him. Hopefully, he can get on the field. If not, I think Stephon [Heyer] capable of picking up the slack. He gonna have to pick up the slack. The guys around him just got to elevate their play. All of us got to elevate our play to carryover 'til we get Trent back."

The Redskins on Tuesday released two-time Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson and elevated undrafted rookie Keiland Williams to the No. 2 position. The timing of Johnson's release surprised many players, Portis among them.

"It was shocking to me, but this a business," Portis said. "You'll be surprised just because of seeing the work that L.J. put in in the offseason, and the dedication that they had to him. All of a sudden? Like I said - it's a business. Not much surprise me when it come to that."

Williams has made a favorable early impression, Portis said.

"I think he picking it [the offense] up," he said. "Being able to go in and pass protect and pick up his reads. ... When you can come in and pass protect, you give yourself opportunities."

The Redskins opened training camp with three Pro Bowl backs on the roster: Portis, Johnson and Willie Parker. In addition to Williams, young back Ryan Torain is on the practice squad, and Portis believes the team has quality depth at the position.

"I'm comfortable. I'm comfortable with myself," he said. "For everybody else, I think those guys are great guys. I think Keiland and Ryan are great guys. At the same time, it's different. When you had L.J. and Willie, those are proven guys.

"Now, having Leyland and Ryan ... it's just opportunity. I think everybody can play football. It's just a matter of picking up the blitz, knowing your assignment and getting it done."

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(washingtonpost.com)