Shutdown Corner - NFL

Shutdown Corner

Tue Dec 09, 2008 5:38 pm EST

Redskin rage: After benching, Clinton Portis rips Jim Zorn

By Chris Chase

Four weeks ago, Clinton Portis was one of the leading candidates for the NFL's MVP Award. On Sunday night, the Redskins' star running back was benched mid-game by coach Jim Zorn in the Redskins 24-10 loss to the Ravens. The rookie head coach later explained that he went with backup Ladell Betts because he was better prepared than Portis, who hadn't practiced all week because of injury. That didn't sit well with the NFL's third-leading rusher, who ripped his coach today during a radio interview.

As Dan Steinberg details, Portis pulled no punches during his weekly chat with the John Thompson Radio Show in Washington D.C.. (Listen to the incendiary interiew here.) He sarcastically called Zorn "a genius", suggested that the team "sever ties with him" and pretty much characterized Zorn's offensive gameplan as unadulterated chaos. Portis even throws in some Iverson-esque "practice?" comments:

I go out there and give it everything I've got. If I can run through the week I'd practice, if I can't then I ain't. And I'm not gonna force myself to go onto a field and do something crazy, and then all of the sudden I'm out. What I need to be around for is Sundays and that's what I try to be around for. So I mean, if you've got a problem with me not practicing and can't do it that way, maybe you feel like you need to sever ties, split ties with me? Split ties with me. But don't sit here and throw me out like I don't pay attention, like I don't know what's going on, like I'm making mistakes, I'm the problem. You know, so, it is what it is, bro.

He's exactly right. Mr. Irrelevant writes that Zorn's benching of Portis reeked of "desperation and panic". On my other, Redskins-centric, blog, I side with CP and detail how he might soon exit D.C. as a miscast villian, reminiscent of Manny Ramirez's departure from Boston.

Jim Zorn has had a nasty habit of blaming players and execution for the Redskins offensive woes. The benching of Portis fits into his belief. In Zorn's eyes, it couldn't possibly have been the system that failed against the Ravens defense, it had to have been the players. Since the 'Skins offensive line is already thin enough, benching Portis was the next logical step. After today's radio interview, it might be Clinton's first step out the door at Redskins Park.

Photo: Getty Images

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486 Comments

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  1. Will
    1. Posted by Will Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:25 pm EDT

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    oh god. even though clinton is mostly right, that is not how you handle it. i agree with a point in your blog about jc - he lacks the improv skill that makes qbs sparkle. and now with our offensive line so hurt, those 3 second round picks on receivers is looking even more idiotic in the rear-view mirror. i knew the 6-2 was too good to be true.
  2. Will
    2. Posted by Will Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:25 pm EDT

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    What the... I swear I capitalized correctly! I'm not one of *those* people.
  3. Reason
    3. Posted by Reason Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:12 pm EDT

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    On the other hand ...
    Nothing Zorn has said or done is even in the same zip code as what CP did today. Redskins Nation seems awful quick to side with a player who's heart and toughness have never been in question, but whose head and judgment have never been far removed from theater of the absurd.
    It's football. Coaches make decisions and take actions based on what they believe is best for the team. Players shut up and play. Unless those players believe themselves to be above the team. Yeah, it reeks of something all right. It reeks of Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson and the NFL Diva Brigade.
    My true hope is CP realizes he's made a fool of himself, his coach and his team, man's up and goes to Zorn---PRIVATELY---to make it right. I'm not holding my breath though.
    Nothing
  4. bearcub7@...
    4. Posted by bearcub7@... Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:04 pm EDT

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    Zorn is an IDIOT!!! He was a bum as a NFL Quarterback and he's a bum as a NFL coach!!!
  5. Pierce
    5. Posted by Pierce Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:34 pm EDT

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    What the HELL!? I am a die-hard Redskins fan but they make it so difficult sometimes. Why can't we keep our best players? We traded an unhappy Champ Bailey for Portis, who is now unhappy. I also really liked Arrington, and yes I'm aware his skills diminished, that's not the point. And how could you let him go to a division rival? Then the following year we let Antonio Pierce go to the Giants too! How many pro-bowl caliber players can we ship to other teams? We need to get someone in there who knows what they're doing, and I'm not talking about Zorn. Yup, I'm looking right at ya Mr. Snyder.
  6. FB GURU
    6. Posted by FB GURU Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:42 pm EDT

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    I think this is a fantastic opportunity for the Redskins to get Todd Yoder more involved in the offense.
  7. stardust
    7. Posted by stardust Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:25 pm EDT

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    He has an over 500 record, thus far, in the NFC East, Zorn is doing 'okay'. I do not think, however, that he has ever understood the timezone nor its toughness. I am a Giants fan and the Redskins have shown no toughness/tenacity/grit since the fantasy football owner bought the team.
  8. Michael G
    8. Posted by Michael G Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:05 pm EDT

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    Bronco fans love hearing this. Clinton, we gladly accept your return.
  9. possum-aloysius
    9. Posted by possum-aloysius Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:42 pm EDT

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    ya get rid of cp, hes always giving my cowboys fits anyway. maybe we can pick him up...
  10. Savoi
    10. Posted by Savoi Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:22 pm EDT

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    Who cares let Portis go. He maybe has 2 years left in the tank anyway. Just like Stephen Davis when all the Skins fans went crazy when he left town, Portis is on the down side. The coach calls the shots, you can onlyhave one person in charge and i am tired of Players crying and getting their way. Just like the Giants didnt win as long as Tiki was there complaining and Strahan finally got with the program, teams dont win unless ever palyer puts his own personal issues aside for the better of the team. Teams dont win with cancers and fans should not take his side. Portis isnt the coach, he hasnt producd a championship. Portis would rather casue division than win as a team. Players like him should leave, I dont want them on the Skins. Team first and if you cant practice all week but miraculously you can play on Sunday is a crock of crap. Is that fair to Bettis and the other guys out there all week busting their butt? Hell no! You need team players like the Patriots and the way the Giants are now. Look at Dallas and that crybaby Ownes. Portis is the same. Glad to see him go just like I was glad about Champ. How can Redskin fans be loyal to players that are not loyal to you. Portis doesnt care about the Skins or the fans because ig he did it wouldnt be about him it would be about the team. Look at that picture..arms cross pouting like a 10 year old. Is he standing up pulling for his so called teammates? No becasue he is his biggest fan. Later Portis and all players like you.
  11. go-time
    11. Posted by go-time Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:24 pm EDT

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    Zorn's brilliant idea certainly worked out well, right?...oh maybe not.
  12. Savoi
    12. Posted by Savoi Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:22 pm EDT

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    Who cares let Portis go. He maybe has 2 years left in the tank anyway. Just like Stephen Davis when all the Skins fans went crazy when he left town, Portis is on the down side. The coach calls the shots, you can onlyhave one person in charge and i am tired of Players crying and getting their way. Just like the Giants didnt win as long as Tiki was there complaining and Strahan finally got with the program, teams dont win unless ever palyer puts his own personal issues aside for the better of the team. Teams dont win with cancers and fans should not take his side. Portis isnt the coach, he hasnt producd a championship. Portis would rather casue division than win as a team. Players like him should leave, I dont want them on the Skins. Team first and if you cant practice all week but miraculously you can play on Sunday is a crock of c**p. Is that fair to Bettis and the other guys out there all week busting their butt? Heck no! You need team players like the Patriots and the way the Giants are now. Look at Dallas and that crybaby Ownes. Portis is the same. Glad to see him go just like I was glad about Champ. How can Redskin fans be loyal to players that are not loyal to you. Portis doesnt care about the Skins or the fans because ig he did it wouldnt be about him it would be about the team. Look at that picture..arms cross pouting like a 10 year old. Is he standing up pulling for his so called teammates? No becasue he is his biggest fan. Later Portis and all players like you.
  13. Kell B
    13. Posted by Kell B Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:04 pm EDT

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    Didn't Portis fumble twice in that game? Maybe he shouldn't put the ball on the ground and then insult the coach for pulling him. In other words, if you play like crap, you have no rights to rip on other members of the team or staff.
  14. Patrick B
    14. Posted by Patrick B Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:08 pm EDT

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    I gotta side with Zorn on this one. A first year coach leading a team to a winning season (so far) is doing pretty good. Yeah he has his flaws, what coach wouldn't in that situation? Portis whines that he's benched because he didn't practice? You know what that sounds like? "I play when I want to". The coach isn't benching him for personal reasons, he's doing what he thinks is best for the team. Portis is doing what's best for Portis.
  15. Timothy H
    15. Posted by Timothy H Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:10 pm EDT

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    Patrick B, I totally agree with you. Zorn is doing the best he can with what he has thus far. The line is banged up, we all know this. Portis hasnt been practicing, and lets be honest due to his injuries he is definatley not playing up to par. Let Ladell Betts play, he is bigger and stronger, which I think is perfect for the style of running offense the skins have. But you know what I think would be even better, if we get rid of campbell. Let collins play or better yet, let colt brennan play. Campbell looks so unsure when he is back to pass, he looks scared. Let the rookie out there and sling the ball around, maybe use the recievers out there. Collins, hell he would be perfect for the west coast offense we have, he has a good enough arm and is definatley accurate.
    I dont know, maybe Im just a hopeless fan going off what madden 09 can do for a team. ha
  16. chris s
    16. Posted by chris s Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:31 pm EDT

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    Blame the offensive system that Zorn is running, the redskins deserve to lose if they continue to throw the two yard pass. It will never open anything for the running game or the long pass. What is zorn thinking benching the third best rusher, if he is resting for sunday so be it, don't bench the guy. If anyone needs to leave washington it needs to be Zorn! apparently the west coast offense doesn't work in the east!
  17. Ryan C.
    17. Posted by Ryan C. Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:22 pm EDT

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    Skins fan 4from tex, damn you are right on the money. It's great to hear from someone who knows his football, and can tell what they going to do on the next play regardless of 1st, 2nd, or 3rd down. But don't lose the faith.
    GO SKINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  18. tbbaj
    18. Posted by tbbaj Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:57 pm EDT

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    maybe its time everyone looked what the real problem is. campbell is not the quarterback to lead the redskins to the playoffs. he can not read the defense and he drops 5 yards to far back in the pocket. put colt in let him have the team. colt can throw down feild better than campbell can and he can read a defense before the ball is snaped. he is the quaterback of the future, campbell. our defense is fine and hold the score down. if we can score more than 10 points in a game we would be #1. colt is the man for the redskins.
  19. Tut
    19. Posted by Tut Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:25 pm EDT

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    oh yeah, lets blame portis' blocking miscues on our woeful loss. oh no no no, lets not give the ravens any credit for what they did on defense. oh no no no, lets not give ed reed any credit for ripping us a new one, on national tv no less. nope, lets just blame it all on portis.
    you're pathetic, zorn!
  20. La futura
    20. Posted by La futura Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:34 pm EDT

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    i Have to say that watching the redskins play year in and year out for the last 3-4 years has been a constant roller-coaster ride. We get big wins just to lose on games where we seem just like a heartless team. As far as the whole clinton portis situation goes, i believe that he has had a hard time adjusting to the redskins style of running. Yes he has had big games for us but i can remember alot of times where he would only get 30-70 yards per game. If he wants to challenge the coaching decision then ok but when it becomes a utter distraction to the team (aka. t.o.) then it is time to go.
    Honestly i have never been a fan of jason campbell i think he takes to long to throw the ball and it seems to me we just need a quaterback with more energy......
  21. BrianM
    21. Posted by BrianM Thu Sep 03, 2009 6:57 pm EDT

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    Just what makes a player think that he doesn't need to practice? I can agree with the part about being ready for the game, but part of getting ready is practicing, right? So what if he's up for an MVP award. If he think he's that damn good, then why don't he just buy a team, then build it up around himself? And could it be that his "practice only when he wants to" attitude is partly to blame for the 'Skins loosing some games???
  22. Desartdude
    22. Posted by Desartdude Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:11 pm EDT

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    There sure are a lot of unhappy RBsand owners/coaches. Jones was on Barber's back He said ' He has a sore pinke toe and CP on Zorn's back. Sounds simple to Me go on guys make a switch or SHUT UP
  23. Desartdude
    23. Posted by Desartdude Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:11 pm EDT

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    Crying millionares I LOVE IT
  24. Jazzyroller
    24. Posted by Jazzyroller Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:30 pm EDT

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    I wonder if Zorn is attempting to save Portis from injury due to a porous o-line. If he is, then he should have told his star running back that he was going to take his bonus money out of his pocket for not being in the running for the leading rusher in the league....Or would he be against the Ravens defense, anyway? CP got 14 touches with 3 by way of the pass. Bettis doesn't seem to pound the ball either. Honestly, who didn't know that the Ravens were going to try to shutdown the Skins rushing game? They wanted to beat Campbell in the passing game. They did with two interceptions! That is classic Ravens Football. It really doesn't matter when you can't play call the big games on offense or defense, but Zorn did win one out of two games against Dallas . If he only won two games all season, both of games against Dallas , would his future would really be in jeopardy in DC?
  25. Bucs_fan_since_78
    25. Posted by Bucs_fan_since_78 Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:40 pm EDT

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    Clinton Portis has the welcome mat out in Tampa! He's a great runner, a great back.
    Hey Clint... C'Mon down!

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Shutdown Corner is an NFL blog edited by Matthew J. Darnell. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.

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