Clinton Portis of the Washington Redskins...

 Of course I don't think Portis is the only back that could reach 2000 yards next.  However, compared to the rest of the backs in the NFL his chances are pretty good, and considering he is only 24, he may be one of the very few current backs in the NFL with a chance to approach Emmitt Smith's record of 18,355 career rushing yards.

Before I get carried away with why I feel Portis could approach Emmitt's record, I will address why I feel Portis could be the next running back to reach 2000 yards.  The biggest reason for his chance at 2000 are the additions the Redskins have made on offense, starting with new Offensive Coordinator Al Saunders.  Last year Larry Johnson amassed 1750 yards in just nine starts, and would have most likely reached 2000 with ease had he started the whole year.  Although the Chiefs have a very good offensive line, their offensive success the past few seasons is because of Al Saunders.  With even more weapons in Washington than he had in Kansas City, Saunders will be create more through the passing game, allowing for Portis to have more open holes than ever before. 

With receiving threats Santana Moss, Chris Cooley, Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, and David Patten occupying opposing defensive coordinators thoughts, it will be very hard for teams to put eight or nine in the box and focus on the run game.  For the past two seasons Portis has been able to run for a combined 2,831 yards, and that is without many receiving threats to worry other teams.  The first year Portis was here the passing game was beyond terrible and everyone knew what the Redskins were going to try and do.  Last season two receiving threats emerged and made it a little more difficult for opponents, but next season Portis will have more help than he has ever had in his career.  With teams unable to focus on one aspect of the offense, Portis will be able to get more yards on less carries, allowing his body to take less of a beating than it has the past two years.  By the end of last season Portis was worn down, physically beaten from the long season, next year Clinton won't be required to carry the whole offense, and will be able to stay fresh for the majority of the season.  

With all the talent on the offense, and great coaching, Portis will be able to challenge for 2000 yards and may even reach that goal.  Washington Redskins Running Back's Coach, Ernest Byner, has already stated it is Clinton's goal next year to reach 2000 yards.  While it may be every running back's goal to reach that mark, he is one of the few backs with a real chance to do it.   For Portis to reach this goal, he will have to average 30.25 yards more per game than he did last year, when he ran for 1,516.  A very reachable number for a talented running back on a good offense with great coaching.          

Now on to an even bolder statement, Portis will challenge Emmitt Smith's record.  Before I am called a homer for this one, I would like to say that I have been claiming this since he was a Bronco and ran for 3,099 yards in his first two seasons.  Little did I know he would soon be coming to Washington in a blockbuster trade.     

I know that this is a very tough record to reach, and Portis will have to be very consistent and even improve, but out of all the running backs in the NFL he has perhaps the best chance to do it.  Through his first four seasons in the NFL Clinton Portis has run for a total of 5,930 yards.  Through Emmitt Smith's first four years he ran for 5,699 yards.  At the end of their fourth seasons, both Portis and Smith were 24 years old.  Emmitt's first season is the difference here, as he ran for only 937 yards and Portis ran for 1,508.  Portis has a very good team and the opportunity for big time yards should be ther.  If he can stay healthy and have a lengthy career, two very big IF's, he will have an opportunity to close in on Emmitt's record and possibly even break it. 

Now wouldn't that be ashame, A Redskin taking a record from a Cowboy.  I'm not saying either of these predictions will actually come to pass.  But what I am saying is this....keep your eye on Clinton Portis and the rest of the Washington Redskins.