Last year the Redskins ran into some problems when it came to running backs. In Week 9, Clinton Portis, the starting running back for Washington, suffered a season ending concussion that crippled the Redskins offense. This made the burgundy and gold reliant on their reserve back, Ladell Betts. On November 23, 2009, Betts too tore his ACL and MCL, putting the Skins in a rough spot with their 3rd and 4th-string backs, Rock Cartwright and Quinton Ganther. Although the two ball-carriers rose to the occasion and had good games as starters, the Redskins' running game suffered from injuries to both their backs and offensive line, which crippled their running game.
This offseason, the Redskins released Quinton Ganther, Rock Cartwright, and Ladell Betts. They signed Willie Parker from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Larry Johnson from the Kansas City Chiefs, and retained their starter Clinton Portis. Parker and Johnson were both starters last year for their franchises, however many assume that all three of these backs are past their prime and over the hill. Clinton Portis is an aging back, and in a position where you get the wind knocked out of you every time the ball is snapped, it takes it's tole over the years. However, I believe all three have life still left in them, especially Larry Johnson. Larry Johnson had some explosive plays in his years in Kansas City and has a lot of talent carrying the ball. Check out some highlights from just a few years ago.
Willie Parker is the youngest of all three backs for Washington, yet he is still considered by many to be past his prime. Parker has electric speed, and proved so on the biggest stage by running for a game-changing 75-yard touchdown in Super Bowl XL. He might not be among the best, but Parker's speed and talent might be enough to make a difference for Washington. Dinosaurs? Maybe they are, but they all have the opportunity for a rebirth. We'll have to see in August.
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