Portis meets his coach face-to-face

ASHBURN, Va., Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Washington running back Clinton Portis discussed his frustrations with Jim Zorn Wednesday, a day after criticizing the first-year coach.

The two met to discuss Portis's comments Tuesday on a local radio program.

Portis, the NFL's third-leading rusher, was upset about not playing in the second half of Sunday night's 24-10 loss at Baltimore in favor of Ledell Betts.

He told reporters after the contest he was benched, a claim Zorn has repeatedly denied.

"The real issue is, 'Just come in and talk,'" Zorn, Washington's first-year head coach, said about Wednesday's meeting. "I think he had some legitimate concerns. I really do. The thing I tried to express to him was, 'Just come in. No problem.'"

Portis's frustrations built up after four losses in their last five games have left the Redskins (7-6) in last place in the NFC East, and perilously close to missing the postseason after a 6-2 start.