Running back Ladell Betts spoke with Redskins.com on Wednesday as he prepared for this Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings:
Q: Sunday's season finale is your second career start as a Redskin. Are you a little surprised that you haven't gotten more of an opportunity to start in your career?
A: "It's hard to envision what you're going to do when you get drafted by a team. You have hopes of starting, but sometimes in certain circumstances, things happen and you have to play with the cards your dealt. For now, I'd like to finish up the season on a positive note. This will be my first opportunity with this coaching staff to pretty much carry the load. I'm ready for the opportunity and I'm looking to take advantage of it. "
Q: Did you envision yourself as a No. 1 back when you came into the NFL?
A: "I wouldn't be playing football if I didn't have that competitive drive to be No. 1. And I do view myself as a No. 1 back. I know Clinton [Portis] is here, but I definitely want to be a Redskin as long as I can. I can't worry about the future, I just have to go out and show what I can do."
Q: Do you think that your running style fits Joe Gibbs' offense?
A: "Somewhat. I hear that question a lot. My running style is that I like to get downhill and run between the tackles. I do think my running style fits this offense, but I think Clinton's style fits it, too. We all run the same plays, whether it's him or me in there."
Q: Are a lot of the young players on this team viewing this Sunday's season finale as an audition to impress coaches?
A: "Definitely. Any time you step out on the field, it's an audition. We all have to show we can contribute to this team. I think coaches are evaluating players and who they can move forward with. I definitely want to be here. I've been here three years and this is the only team I know in the NFL. I want to be here if they're willing to have me."
Q: Do you expect the run game to be a focus this week, since the Vikings' defense gives up an average of 123 rushing yards per game?
A: "You can't judge a defense by that because every team matches up differently. They'll give us their best shot, especially with them fighting for a spot in the playoffs. Last week, they put up a good fight against Green Bay on the ground, so you never know what's going to happen."
Q: Is the team viewing this game as a chance to be spoilers, since Minnesota is vying for a playoff spot?
"We have to entertain the idea of being spoilers. They're going to come out here and put their helmet on us and try to earn a playoff spot. So we have to be ready for that. It'll be a tough fight and we want to end the season on a positive note."
