By Perry Green
AFRO Sports Writer
(Washington Redskins’ running back Clinton Portis dives through a goal line for a touchdown. If Portis stays healthy, he’ll score many more touchdowns during the 2008 season. (Photo by John Moore)
The Washington Redskins had to win their preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills, 17-14, last Saturday, and they did so without one of their most promising defensive stud’s LaRon Landry.
Landry’s strained left hamstring tightened up last week during rehab drills, causing the second year safety to sit out on Saturday.
Washington will be expecting a lot more from Landry this season as he prepares to fulfill many of the coverage duties that the late Sean Taylor held.
Although Landry may be a tad bothered with minor injuries, he still appears mentally ready to adjust to his new possible role at free safety. "I feel comfortable back there, I feel confident back there, I feel like whatever they [Redskins coaches] ask me to do, I can do," Landry told the media. "I know the defense in and out, but each day I learn different things about it, little things, so I can help the younger guys and I'm on the same page as the veterans. It's good."
As for the Redskin’s offense, running back Clinton Portis rushed the ball effectively and most importantly, injury free.
Portis, who ran the ball seven times for 18 yards and touchdown, has seen his production diminish the last two seasons due to a series of early-season injuries.
Fortunately for Washington, head coach Jim Zorn can call on reliable reserve running back Ladell Betts to take on more carries, allowing Portis to stay fresh, healthy and ready to play late in the season.
Betts rushed for just 335 yards on 93 carries as a relieve last season, but proved he can be a highly productive back when he rushed for 1154 yards as a starter in place of an injured Portis back in 2006.