Matt Bowen, The Examiner
2007-12-19 08:00:00.0
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WASHINGTON -

I don’t know if the Redskins are going to be playing football after the New Year, but if they are, you can bet Clinton Portis will have his hands, or legs all over it.

This guy is a workhorse. He runs hard and he runs with energy on every play. He plays hurt, tired, and worn out, but he still keeps his legs churning. The layoff after the Thursday game seems like it gave him his legs back. He is built like Reggie Bush, but he runs downhill with the power of Eddie George. Did I mention he picks up blitzes with the hitting ability of a strong safety too? He does this because he wants to do it; not many do.

I heard all of the nonsense when the Portis for Champ Bailey trade went down when I was playing in D.C. A lot of so called experts thought Portis wouldn’t hold up in Joe Gibbs’ power-running offense. Yes, he’s had a couple of injuries, but when Sunday rolls around, he always shows up.

Look at last Sunday against the Giants. When the weather is rough, — as it always is this time of year — good teams need a back they can rely on to carry the load. He ran with power all night. As a player, this gets you excited. Especially if you play defense. There is no better feeling in the world after making an opposing offense go three and out and then watching your running back take over a ballgame.

This is huge at this time of year.

Games become closer, minutes become crucial, and the ability to wear down an opposing defense is a necessity. Keep your defense off the field, and break the will of their defense. How many times have you watched a team unable to close out a ballgame? Too many if you think about it. When he has it going as he did Sunday, Portis gives you that one extra first down. That one extra push of the pile. It translates into victories. Every team has a four-minute drill during practice. The game clock is running out, you lead by a touchdown or less, and one more first down wins the game. It is the deciding factor when it comes to December football.

It is old school football. Joe Gibbs football. Portis did it back in 2005, and the stage is set for him to do it again in 2007. Carry the ball and your team.

Former Redskins safety Matt Bowen, a seven-year NFL veteran, contributes a weekly column to The Examiner during the NFL season.