Clinton Portis Is Somewhat Upset With His Blocking

Despite the fact that the Redskins last Sunday avoided a loss to the Buccaneers that would have almost certainly led to a complete dismantling of the team, things are far from rosy at Redskins Park. Earlier this week, Sherman Lewis was brought in as an offensive consultant, despite no one, especially head coach Jim Zorn, knowing exactly what his role would be in running the offense.

To make matters worse, two key offensive players have gone into full recriminations mode for the unit's problems. A D.C. TV station last night reported that a "heated exchange" occurred Monday between fullback Mike Sellers and running back Clinton Portis after Sellers heard that Portis had requested that tight end Todd Yoder replace Sellers as a blocker during the game against the Bucs. Portis is apparently still upset with Sellers for what the back considers a blown blocking assignment that led Portis to be stopped on a failed fourth-and-goal play against the Lions two weeks ago.

Rumors had circulated that punches had been thrown between the two players, but league sources confirmed to The Washington Post only that the two players had to be restrained and separated following a tense confrontation.

To recap: the ownership is adopting Chinese government-like tactics for curbing the display of dissent, the coaching staff is muddled and confused, and even the players are openly squabbling. Like I said yesterday, the Titanic comparisons aren't apt for this team. At least the Titanic was sailing smoothly until it hit that iceberg. The Redskins might just come out of port sinking.

This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.