Tiger Woods enjoyed an 85% approval-popularity rating until he was exposed. Now those same polls have Tiger at 35-33%. Clinton Portis probably enjoyed the same type of popularity until the Redskins imploded. Now both are vilified, granted for much different reasons but Clinton's drop in popularity within Redskin nation is equally astonishing. 

If you’ve watched the Washington Redskins this season you know that the offensive production level is directly attributable to the health and play of the offensive line. A couple of weeks ago people were ready to part ways with Jason Campbell but now that the O-line is playing better Campbell is looking like a keeper and the Skins best hope going into 2010. Unfortunately Clinton Portis is not receiving the same benefit of the doubt.

I can already hear the Portis haters pointing out that his replacements seem to be performing better in Clinton’s absence. To that I would respond with the following numbers:

• 1,315 yards -2004
• 1,516 yards - 2005
• 523 yards - (injured) 2006
• 1,262 yards – 2007
• 1,487 yards – 2008
• 494 yards – (injured) 2009

Those numbers do not lie and they clearly show Portis was the most reliable offensive weapon until recently. Just like Jason Campbell, Portis depends on the O-line to make it possible for him to produce. I find it hard to judge Portis when he was playing with a very bad O-line. By comparison his replacements have played with the benefit of improved line play. If you are going to Judge Portis fairly you can’t take the last couple of weeks completely out of context. No one can say how well or poorly Portis would have performed with this improved O-line.  

I also need to remind Redskins Nation that prior to this team implosion Clinton Portis, Santana Moss and Chris Cooley were the MVPs of this team. No one can question Portis talent or his heart so what is it that turned everyone so sour on him? If it is his salary then Snyder, Cerrato and Gibbs paid him so is this misplaced blame?

Portis needs to get down to his Denver playing weight of 205-210 pounds to see if he can get that breakaway speed back. Remember that it was Joe Gibbs that asked Clinton to gain weight in order to be more durable. Clinton did it for the sake of the team but in doing so he lost the one cut and gone speed that scared opponents. With the emergence of the other backs if Clinton does return he will likely be asked to give up some carries but it sounds very premature to right Portis off.

We know things are bad in Redskin country and no one is denying that but you do not dump the guys that can make a difference. I know a lot of people just don’t like Portis for whatever reason but he can play. If there is an uncapped year he may likely be gone but if next year is capped the Skins can’t afford to dump him. Some people may never forgive Tiger for what he did but if Clinton Portis can come back and produce at a high level all of this anti-Portis sentiment will be long forgotten.