Portis: Redskins Made Too Many Mistakes

For all the criticism the offense has taken since putting up zero points last week against the Ravens, it's probably worth noting that the Redskins' most reliable offensive weapon wasn't in pads. Clinton Portis was a healthy scratch for the preseason opener, which means he watched the game from the sidelines. Like fans, he noted with frustration all the things that went wrong. His verdict: the offense has room for improvement.

"Only thing we can do is improve after scoring no points," the eighth-year running back said.

After watching film of the game, Portis said it wasn't the Ravens who held the Redskins scoreless as much as it was the Redskins committing too many mistakes.

"They didn't do anything spectacular," he said. "We missed a lot of open reads, we missed a lot of blocks, just being in place. If we get to our assignment and do things we're supposed to do, I think that game's totally different."

Portis and his teammates were in pads Sunday morning for the first time since Thursday's game. They began practice with a rotation of punt returns, a group that briefly included Portis.

"I could still do it, so I'm trying out for it right now," said a smiling Portis, who fielded the final punt of the morning and sprinted through the coverage.

Portis mostly watched as the more likely candidates took turns returning punts - Antwaan Randle El, Dominique Dorsey and Santana Moss.



(washigtonpost.com)