Press Box View: Running in Washington

PAHOKEE, Fla. -- It's not like Clinton Portis was making any bold predictions. And he wasn't dressed up as any of his silly characters, Dolemite Jenkins or Southeast Jerome, so he was being serious.

But Portis was talking about some big numbers this season when asked about playing in the Redskins new offense. You could tell Portis is excited, and he said 2008 could be a breakout year under new coach Jim Zorn.

Zorn, who will replace the retired Joe Gibbs, is bringing the West Coast offense to Washington. Zorn spent the past seven seasons as quarterbacks coach for the Seahawks under head coach Mike Holmgren, where Shaun Alexander was the offensive star. But Zorn said Portis can be better than Alexander because Portis is an every-down back.

Clinton Portis sees big things ahead in 2008 playing in a new offense. (US Presswire)

Portis was giddy thinking about the stats he could produce. He knows Alexander ran for 1,880 yards and 28 touchdowns in this offense in 2005, and Portis is ready to fill that role.

"I am excited," Portis said at a charity event for Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin. "Hopefully it will open up the same way it opened up for Shaun. Hopefully I'll get in the endzone 27, 28 times.

"I'm looking forward to (this year). I'm really looking forward to it. I don't want to get my hopes up too high because if I end up scoring 22 or 23, am I supposed to be sad?"

If you knew Portis was guaranteed of those stats, he'd be the first running back selected in every Fantasy draft. But even if he comes close to reaching those lofty expectations, you'll still be happy when you take him toward the middle of the first round in 2008.

Last year, Portis had a great year with 1,262 yards and 11 touchdowns and 47 catches for 389 yards. He proved a lot of naysayers wrong by bouncing back from an injury-filled season in 2006. Portis knows what it takes to be a successful running back in the NFL, having rushed for at least 1,300 yards in his first four seasons and reaching double digits in touchdowns in four of six years.

Portis said he hasn't talked to Alexander about playing in this offense, but he has been watching film of what the Seahawks did with their running attack.

"I don't need to talk to nobody to learn the secret," Portis said. "I just need to see where the hole is at, where the hole is supposed to be and get through it."

Here's the exciting thing for Fantasy owners: Zorn plans to make Portis even better by using him more in the passing game. Zorn said Alexander wasn't able to do all the things Portis brings to the offense, which is why Alexander was often out on passing situations.

Zorn said Portis has the chance to catch at least 50 passes in 2008.

"If you have a running back that can come out of the backfield, he has to be able to get himself open," Zorn said. "The quarterback has to be able to look downfield and throw the ball to the running back, not sitting there waiting. If you have all those elements in place, it's very tough defensively."

The entire Redskins offense should improve under Zorn. Quarterback Jason Campbell should benefit with a higher completion percentage, which will lead to more opportunities. Portis said Campbell and Zorn are working together every day during the offseason, and Campbell is "getting the timing down to picking up the system."

Chris Cooley will remain an elite tight end, and wide receivers Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El have the chance to do more damage with more catches on shorter routes. Portis said the receivers are excited about the change.

"(This offense) is going to get the ball into a lot of guy's hands and allow them to make plays," Portis said. "That's really what they want is to make plays early. Instead of having to run 60 yards down the field and get the catch, you get a 5-yard catch and break the tackle and go 60. It's going to get everybody an opportunity."

The player who should benefit the most is Portis. He's healthy, excited and has a new system in place that should utilize all of his talents.

Portis knows this could be a tremendous year in terms of production. He is ready to get started.

"I know how big it can be," he said. "It's up to us to make it work."

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