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Peyton Hillis: Biggest Disappointment Of The 2011 NFL Season

It's really a shame to see such potential cease to exist that could really aid a failing team. Such is the current situation that the Cleveland Browns find with running back Peyton Hillis. He had such a great season last year and completely flopped this season. The time has well passed where he could of actually made a difference this season. Granted they are in a very tough division with the likes of Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and now Cincinnati this season. Not to mention he put a damper on many fantasy teams. Hillis hasn't done much as of late to help his team or his reputation.

Last year Hillis had nearly 1,200 yards rushing with 13 TDs. Two of those touchdowns with 477 more yards were from receiving. He also had eight fumbles, but with stats like those who's counting. With very few games left this season, he only has 346 yards rushing with 2 TDs. Given he has also been riddled with injuries and apparent illnesses. Regardless of those he still should have had a better year. Not to mention he doesn't appear to be that much of a stand up guy both on the field and off.

Hillis has displayed some questionable behavior leaving fans, teammates, and coaches with a bit of a sour taste. For starters, his reputation took a hit when he didn't turn up for a kids Halloween charity event organized by ex- Browns center LeCharles Bentley. Bentley would go on to tweet "Peyton Hillis looking for 10mil guaranteed from Browns and can't show up to kids charity event? #ManPlease."  Besides his pitiful season, this also didn't sit well with Browns fans or his team.

Teammates also have made it known how they feel about some of Hillis's behavior as of late. During the string of time he was injured, Hillis went down to Arkansas to tie the knot when he was supposed to be getting treatment. Second-string quarterback Seneca Wallace verified reports of his and his teammates disapproval of Hillis's actions. He is also rumored to have poor discipline on the practice field. Players did not take it well that Hillis would have pre-game warm-ups in San Francisco and be careless with his injury during these light practices. Coach Pat Shurmur wasn't too keen on these actions either. He shows a lack of discipline for the game and it has been showing. 

So you would think for somebody that made the cover of Madden 2012, would want to maintain a solid image. This doesn't seem to be the case with Hillis. You got to feel bad for this team's fans. They had so much belief in this young back last year, as they should of. There was a time where he shed so much light for the franchise. Now it's back to the dark days. At least for this season anyway. Being a Bills' fan, it's easier to empathize with a team like the Browns. We have had our fair share of let downs and headaches.

However, this is just one season. He just really needs to step it up next year to make up. It might be on another team, but either way, he has got to do it. I wouldn't cross him out completely for the future. Just this miserable season. It would be hard to see the Browns as playoff contenders even if Hillis had a similar season to last. Either way, Hillis gets my vote for biggest dud of the 2011 season. 
 

Read more:  Cleveland Browns, NFL, Peyton Hillis

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