Last year Peyton Hillis blew up the spot with 1177 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns partnered with 61 receptions for 477 yards and another 2 scores.
Here we are 2011 and I promise you things won't be the same. Hillis not only could suffer from the Madden curse but he has officially been pigeon holed into a running back by committee approach with Montario Hardesty.
Now this really isn't a bad thing, after all, Hillis's mad dog running style wore him down. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry through 11 games but only 3.8 over the final five. If Hardesty can stay healthy he should allow Hillis to remain fresh and productive till the end.
Projections:
Hardesty will cut into Hillis's receiving totals and overall yardage totals however, Peyton will get the hard yards around the goal and continue to be the primary ball carrier.
- Peyton Hillis 2011 projected stats - 210 carries for 966 yards (4.6 yards per carry) 10 touchdowns - 24 receptions for 179 yards and 1 touchdown.
- Montario Hardesty 2011 projected stats - 60 carries for 289 yards - 4 touchdowns - 45 receptions for 270 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Obviously I'm projecting the Cleveland Browns to build upon the running success they had last year.
Success, what success Kurt? WTF are you talking about.. this is Cleveland!?! Well watch the video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxjzOgMrk-c