GRANT PAULSEN: Tomlinson, Portis are among NFL's best

Date published: 11/27/2005

THROUGHOUT THE 1990s, Thanksgiving Day was as much about watching Barry Sanders dance in and out of the arms of would-be tacklers as it was turkey and potatoes. It's been seven years since the Hall of Fame running back retired at age 31, and football fans are still waiting on another player of his caliber.

Two of the NFL's best open-field rushers since Sanders will be on the same field today, on display at FedEx Field when the floundering Washington Redskins (5-5) host the scorching San Diego Chargers (6-4). Both Clinton Portis and LaDanian Tomlinson have begun their careers on Sanders-like paces.

They've got a long way to go before garnering the type of attention the 10-time pro bowler once did, but the youthful all-world talents are among the most dangerous players in football. The only people who don't like to see these two game-breaking running backs carrying the football are opposing defensive coordinators.

Tomlinson is the better of the two, and probably the top player at his position in football. Still only 26 and in his fifth NFL season, Tomlinson is the complete package. He's never rushed for less than 1,230 yards in a season, and in just his third season managed to catch 100 passes out of the backfield.

The former TCU standout's versatility doesn't stop there, as he's even thrown for three touchdowns this season.

The only thing Tomlinson doesn't do in San Diego is sell refreshments, but if he did I'd bet he would be great at it.

Like Tomlinson, Portis is the workhorse responsible for keeping Washington's offense clicking. Drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2002, Portis wasted little time in solidifying himself as a premier NFL running back, compiling 1,500 yards in each of his first two seasons. Still only 24, the engaging superstar is only 144 yards shy of his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season.

He was disappointed with his 1,315-yard effort in 2004, and gained 20 pounds over the offseason in an effort to increase his durability and strength in short-yardage situations.

Both of their teams are fighting for postseason berths, and each will need all of the Sanders-like elusiveness and escape ability he possesses this afternoon. Games like today's, with their teams' backs against the wall, are when big-time players make big-time contributions.

Tomlinson and Portis are as big-time as they get. Put off raking the leaves until this evening, and let the fireworks begin.

GRANT PAULSEN is a 17-year-old sportswriter who lives in King George County. He hosts a talk show each Saturday on XM radio. He can be reached at The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia Street, Fredericksburg, Va. 22401, or by fax at 373-8455.

Date published: 11/27/2005