Redskins' Portis should be leading MVP race

Everybody is raving about Saints quarterback Drew Brees being the midseason choice as the league's MVP. I have a vote, and Washington running back Clinton Portis has mine right now. Yes, Brees has a shot at breaking Dan Marino's single-season yardage mark, but there's more to winning this award than stats.

The Saints are an exciting team, but are hovering around .500 and might miss the playoffs. The Redskins, like the Titans, are one of the season's shockers so far. And, no one, including a no-interception-throwing Jason Campbell or first-year coach Jim Zorn, has done more for Washington's 6-2 record than Portis.

Granted, Portis can be viewed as a diva — an unflattering term generally reserved for quarterbacks and receivers — but he has produced consistently this season.

Heck, Monday night against the Steelers, Portis will shoot for his sixth straight game with at least 120 yards rushing, potentially tying a streak accomplished by the Rams' Eric Dickerson in his famous 1984 season.

Heading into Week 9, Portis led the NFL with 944 yards rushing with seven touchdowns and a 5.0 yards-per-carry average. He was also the leader in first downs, with 52, two more than Mr. Cowboy, Marion Barber.

Portis can be a hothead and that's why Broncos coach Mike Shanahan traded him to Washington in exchange for stud cornerback Champ Bailey. But no one can argue with his production and physical toughness. Portis runs hard inside and he has the burst to bounce outside for long gains. On the field, you can count on Portis to deliver.

Now, he can be a bit of a problem child. Granted, he's no angel like Barry Sanders was for the Lions. His pride can get in the way of the team, but I sense that he's learning his lessons this year.

A few games back, Zorn allowed Portis to call a game-changing play in the fourth quarter. Of course, last week Zorn and Portis had a heated sideline exchange when the coach kept backup Shaun Alexander in the game. Basically, Zorn didn't like Portis running onto the field once his helmet was fixed, simply doing as he pleases.

Portis called the incident a miscommunication. "I take it personally and I shouldn't have," he said. "I have to [be] accountable to my teammates. It was blown out of proportion. Coach was excited and I was excited."

It may seem tame on television, but an NFL sideline can be a confusing place, especially for a new head coach. Zorn was told by running backs coach Stump Mitchell that Portis was ready to go. He figured Portis was in the huddle and called a play for him. Instead, Alexander was running with the ball. Zorn said he was surprised to see that. Then, Portis ran on to the field and when Zorn saw that, he took him out of the game. Zorn explained that he didn't want any of his players thinking they can go on the field whenever they feel like it.

That's when the argument ensued.

Bottom line is that Zorn did want Portis on the field. It's just that he wasn't ready when he was supposed to be. So, what's wrong with him going out there when he was ready?

Yes, Zorn and Portis are still sorting out the bugs in their football relationship. It makes for great Sunday television. But the bottom line is that right now, Portis is playing at an MVP level. If he keeps it up, the Redskins should be in the playoffs and Zorn will be competing with coaches like Jeff Fisher, Dick Jauron and Mike Smith for Coach of the Year.

(foxsports.com)