Peyton Hillis

[DixieDestroyer]

Go Peyton! WPWW!!!

 

[Colonel_Reb]

That is a good shot of Peyton Hillis to use!

 

[Westside]

Great Pic of Peyton, I want to see him running the ball this year, but still side with the owners of a private enterprise. The players are paid handsomely for 7 months of work. Any money beyond that is for the owners and the up kept of the stadiums. I would fair to pay back the tax payers as well, but hell will never freeze over.

 

[Don Wassall]

Look at all the bums at RB the Browns have tried over the past decade. We're supposed to believe that there's not a single White running back anywhere in the U.S. that can even be mediocre in the NFL year after year, decade after decade, yet just this one team has gone through a parade of black losers and washed-up veterans until a White was finally tried thanks to injuries, and he "somehow" managed to kick ass, the same guy who wasn't allowed to play running back in college except for a few token carries. Peyton Hillis is an exceptional athlete, but just as with wide receiver (and every other position, especially on defense), this country has plenty of White football players who could and would excel at major college programs and the NFL if given the same opportunities blacks routinely get.




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<H1 ="featured_line entry-title">Browns finally have an idea for running attack</H1>








For too many years, the plan has been flawed, incomplete, rushed, doomed or all of the above.

In 1999, Terry Kirby was the Browns' main running back only because an expansion roster had to get slapped together.

In 2000, OK veteran Errict Rhett signed, and a lucky-strike was tried in the draft with "Touchdown Travis"Â￾ Prentice. One plus one added up to a bad foot and a bad pick.

The first serious shot at a real answer to a running game was tried in 2002 via a No. 16 overall draft. William Green's rise and fall was faster than he was.

Drafts from 2001-06 brought James Jackson, Green, Lee Suggs, Adimchinobe Echemandu and Jerome Harrison.

They all sounded good in the training camp stories. Even Harrison was never more meat than mystery.

A no-name veteran, Reuben Droughns, was tried in 2005, followed by a somebody, Jamal Lewis, in 2007. Lewis faded in 2008, and by 2009 was a grumpy old man into whom way too much time had been sunk.

The plan now is different. Granted, the labor stink prevents the Browns from being able to carry it out, but ...

They finally have a long-term design to run the football like they mean it.

Sure, head coach Pat Shurmur was hired because he and Mike Holmgren are on the same passing page. Yet, when explaining the nuances of throwing the ball in a West Coast offense, Shurmur is quick to add:

"It's also about being physical running the football. Most West Coast offenses that have success are high up there in rushing stats.

"I think passing is the best way to score points. But keep in mind we have Peyton Hillis, and a line that run blocks well. That is not lost on me, either."Â￾

The plan does not call for messing with success. Hillis is being written into the most prominent role after ranking sixth in the NFL in rushing-receiving yards in 2010. Montario Hardesty will be the

No. 2 back. The extent of his workload is one of the biggest intrigues on the team.

Shurmur was impressed by the way Hardesty "attacked his rehab"Â￾ from knee surgery prior to the lockout.

"We feel confident that when it's time to practice, he'll be in there battling for a spot,"Â￾ Shurmur says. "He's a very, very talented guy."Â￾

General manager Tom Heckert thinks Hillis and Hardesty could be the 1-2 that helps the Browns punch their way up the stairs of the AFC North.

These factors enter into his thinking:

"¢ Youth.

Hillis turned 25 in January. Hardesty turned 24 in February.

Good backs tend to reach their prime at about this age and stay there for three or four years.

The Browns thought they had a tandem for the future in 2003, when Green was coming off a strong rookie year and was just 23 years old. Suggs, also 23, was a rookie fourth-round pick.

Hillis seems much more stable than Green. Hardesty was drafted two rounds higher than Suggs.

"¢ Style.

Hillis is a classic slammer with great hands and enough speed. Heckert says a rehabilitated Hardesty should offer more speed and quickness than Hillis.

Shurmur envisions using Hillis and Hardesty on the field together at times. Fullback Owen Marecic was drafted in Round 4 to play immediately and relieve pressure from both Hillis and Hardesty.

"¢ Production.

Forget about the Madden Curse. What about the Browns Curse?

The only three decent seasons by a Browns running back from 1999-2009 were by Green in 2002, Droughns in 2005 and Lewis in 2007. Those guys began hitting the skids within a year.

What's to say the Madden NFL 12 cover boy, Hillis, will be different coming off his beefy 2010?

A lot of that will depend on Hardesty and Marecic. They must fit into a scheme that keeps Hillis pounding himself and being pounded into oblivion.

Much depends on the line. From center to left guard, the Browns boast what could be a terrific trio in Alex Mack, Eric Steinbach and Joe Thomas.

For much of the expansion era, though, the right side of the line has been as erratic as the running back plan. But that plan is another story.











<a href="http://www.cantonrep.com/browns/x41280730/Browns-finally-have-an-idea-for-running-attack" target="_blank">

http://www.cantonrep.com/browns/x41280730/Browns-finally-have-an-idea-for-running-attack</A>

 

[sport historian]

Look at all the bums at RB the Browns have tried over the past decade.  We're supposed to believe that there's not a single White running back anywhere in the U.S. that can even be mediocre in the NFL year after year, decade after decade, yet just this one team has gone through a parade of black losers and washed-up veterans until a White was finally tried thanks to injuries, and he "somehow" managed to kick ass, the same guy who wasn't allowed to play running back in college except for a few token carries.  Peyton Hillis is an exceptional athlete, but just as with wide receiver (and every other position, especially on defense), this country has plenty of White football players who could and would excel at major college programs and the NFL if given the same opportunities blacks routinely get. 
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&lt;H1 ="featured_line entry-title"&gt;Browns finally have an idea for running attack&lt;/H1&gt;
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<div>For too many years, the plan has been flawed, incomplete, rushed, doomed or all of the above.In 1999, Terry Kirby was the Browns' main running back only because an expansion roster had to get slapped together.In 2000, OK veteran Errict Rhett signed, and a lucky-strike was tried in the draft with "Touchdown Travis" Prentice. One plus one added up to a bad foot and a bad pick.The first serious shot at a real answer to a running game was tried in 2002 via a No. 16 overall draft. William Green's rise and fall was faster than he was.Drafts from 2001-06 brought James Jackson, Green, Lee Suggs, Adimchinobe Echemandu and Jerome Harrison.They all sounded good in the training camp stories. Even Harrison was never more meat than mystery.A no-name veteran, Reuben Droughns, was tried in 2005, followed by a somebody, Jamal Lewis, in 2007. Lewis faded in 2008, and by 2009 was a grumpy old man into whom way too much time had been sunk.The plan now is different. Granted, the labor stink prevents the Browns from being able to carry it out, but ...They finally have a long-term design to run the football like they mean it.Sure, head coach Pat Shurmur was hired because he and Mike Holmgren are on the same passing page. Yet, when explaining the nuances of throwing the ball in a West Coast offense, Shurmur is quick to add:"It's also about being physical running the football. Most West Coast offenses that have success are high up there in rushing stats."I think passing is the best way to score points. But keep in mind we have Peyton Hillis, and a line that run blocks well. That is not lost on me, either."ÂThe plan does not call for messing with success. Hillis is being written into the most prominent role after ranking sixth in the NFL in rushing-receiving yards in 2010. Montario Hardesty will be theNo. 2 back. The extent of his workload is one of the biggest intrigues on the team.Shurmur was impressed by the way Hardesty "attacked his rehab" from knee surgery prior to the lockout."We feel confident that when it's time to practice, he'll be in there battling for a spot," Shurmur says. "He's a very, very talented guy."ÂGeneral manager Tom Heckert thinks Hillis and Hardesty could be the 1-2 that helps the Browns punch their way up the stairs of the AFC North.These factors enter into his thinking:"¢ Youth.Hillis turned 25 in January. Hardesty turned 24 in February.Good backs tend to reach their prime at about this age and stay there for three or four years.The Browns thought they had a tandem for the future in 2003, when Green was coming off a strong rookie year and was just 23 years old. Suggs, also 23, was a rookie fourth-round pick.Hillis seems much more stable than Green. Hardesty was drafted two rounds higher than Suggs."¢ Style.Hillis is a classic slammer with great hands and enough speed. Heckert says a rehabilitated Hardesty should offer more speed and quickness than Hillis.Shurmur envisions using Hillis and Hardesty on the field together at times. Fullback Owen Marecic was drafted in Round 4 to play immediately and relieve pressure from both Hillis and Hardesty."¢ Production.Forget about the Madden Curse. What about the Browns Curse?The only three decent seasons by a Browns running back from 1999-2009 were by Green in 2002, Droughns in 2005 and Lewis in 2007. Those guys began hitting the skids within a year.What's to say the Madden NFL 12 cover boy, Hillis, will be different coming off his beefy 2010?A lot of that will depend on Hardesty and Marecic. They must fit into a scheme that keeps Hillis pounding himself and being pounded into oblivion.Much depends on the line. From center to left guard, the Browns boast what could be a terrific trio in Alex Mack, Eric Steinbach and Joe Thomas.For much of the expansion era, though, the right side of the line has been as erratic as the running back plan. But that plan is another story.</div>
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<div>http://www.cantonrep.com/browns/x41280730/Browns-finally-have-an-idea-for-running-attack</div></a>

Good point. You see black RBs who aren't that fast and would have trouble juking a light pole. The DWFs never wonder why they are supposed to assume the fastest, most athletic white RB is less talented than the worst black RB in the NFL.

 

[snow]

Look at all the bums at RB the Browns have tried over the past decade. We're supposed to believe that there's not a single White running back anywhere in the U.S. that can even be mediocre in the NFL year after year, decade after decade, yet just this one team has gone through a parade of black losers and washed-up veterans until a White was finally tried thanks to injuries, and he "somehow" managed to kick ass, the same guy who wasn't allowed to play running back in college except for a few token carries. Peyton Hillis is an exceptional athlete, but just as with wide receiver (and every other position, especially on defense), this country has plenty of White football players who could and would excel at major college programs and the NFL if given the same opportunities blacks routinely get.
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Thats what I don't get, people don't even think there are white guys out there that could fill like a Jason Snelling role, or a Pierre Thomas type role, or maybe Mike Bell. None of these guys stand out in any area but are decent rotational backs.

Snelling is like a much poorer version of Jacob Hester, and has managed to get 872 yards from scrimmage in 09 and 627 in 2010. I think a guy like Chase Reynolds could fill a role like Pierre Thomas has with the Saints, and someone like Luke Lippincott who didn't even get a chance could do better than Mike Bell. Brian Leonard has somewhat of a role, but its more receiving, he averaged the same ypc as Benson last year without a lead blocker. Even though we have made some progress in the past few years, for the most part it seems like white backs in the NFL have to be elite or no shot at all, and Hillis/Woodhead are elite, and even they had to overcome obstacles. The only change is Gerhart getting into the rotation but he had the makings of a top back coming out of college. He hasn't gotten enough carries to prove what he can do at an NFL level. White guys can't be average NFL backs, or above average, the ones that recently have gotten a decent amount of touches are elite in their skillset. DWFS would probably throw a fit if they were any less. Jake Sharp couldve been an elite 3rd down back but not given the chance. You could probably scoop up tons of guys at the lower levels that could do much better than guys like Chester Taylor. Who knows how many elite backs are out there that never got a chance at all. Good thing we have guys like Burkhead and Line who both look to be elite prospects, hopefully they get a real shot. JJ Di Luigi looks to be like he could be a good 3rd down back but I doubt he will get a shot, because good isn't enough for a white guy.

I think that is why its going to be hard to see a white cornerback because the next starting one can't just be above average, he is going to have to be on elite level, of course like Hillis and Woodhead, none of the dwfs will recognize how great they are. I think Eric Weddle couldve filled this role, but he is already elite at S and criticized for any mistake. Id imagine at cornerback it would be worse, dwfs would act like no other defensive backs give up passes, even Revis and Nnamdi allow some passes. If they stopped converting our elite high school cornerbacks to S we would have a better idea of how many could make it in the league. Tommy Z could be a great corner, as well as Chris Prosinski who was just drafted with 4.3 speed. Not every white guy that makes the switch is suited for S so they fizzle out in college.

Btw Hardesty doesn't look faster on the field than Hillis, even when comparing him against college defenders and Hillis against NFL defenders. He has a lumbering style. Like what, 5 knee injuries now? We are told Luke Staley didn't get a chance and was drafted in the 7th because his "knees were shot", well I guess they just failed to look at Hardesty's knees, because as soon as training camp hit, he had a knee issue in one knee, and then tore something in the other, yet they were ready to hand him a starting spot being drafted in the 2nd round, and still ready to let him get a role, would be number 1 if they didn't have an elite back in Hillis. If Hillis were black they wouldn't care so much about who is going to fill the number 2 role. After Staley tore his knee in his first season that was it for his NFL career. Willis McGahee tore his ACL PCL and MCL, picked 23rd overall in the first round, has had nagging injuries here and there but has been fairly productive. There was another back I forget his name but he was drafted without an acl, the doctors removed it when he had an accident as a child.
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Edited by: snow

 

[ToughJ.Riggins]

You make some great points snow! I believe Chase Reynolds could be a good #2 RB in the NFL or a solid guy to have in a dual threat backfield. Reynolds' style of running is kind of similar to Sharp, but he's a little stronger/ bulkier, but with less speed from 15-40 yards.

One guy I was looking at who was "ROYALLY" screwed

is Justin Beaver. Without a doubt he's better than Kmic. I've thoroughly scouted them both recently. Beaver is another Marshall Faulk/ Danny Woodhead type. Beaver is dazzlingly explosive and awe struck me watching his playoff highlights from Wisconsin Whitewaters D III championship run.

Kmic makes his cuts a lot like Mike Hart, but has a little more top end speed and definitely more burst, but has less power. Kmic could be used like a Kevin Faulk in the NFL I'm sure. Kmic would be a rich man's Hart and maybe just a tad of a lesser player than Kevin Faulk.

One guy I'd like to see get a shot as a slot WR and rotational runner is the Eagles' Chad Hall. He looks real quick, has good hands and makes lightning cuts like LeSean McCoy. His X-Y agility, burst and hands are as good as McCoy, but I don't think his X-Z agility and top end speed are quite there, but it's close. Chad Hall is also another Kevin Faulk type.

 

[ToughJ.Riggins]

It's been a while since I've watched Javon Ringer highlights, but he has similar size, speed and agility measurements to Chad Hall. I wonder if Ringer is a good comparison for Chad Hall also.

 

[Don Wassall]

Every single media article I read says that Peyton "wore down" last season, which is a lie asthe bullwas playing injured. He has lots of tread left on his tire. This is a good update article, which also has a video of his Top Ten list on David Letterman's show. He's also doing the Mike Alstott thing of lugging a truck around.

Cleveland Browns' Peyton Hillis isn't letting Madden cover, NFL lockout slow his preparations for 2011 season

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On any given day in the town of Conway, Ark., Browns running back Peyton Hillis can be seen trudging through his neighborhood with a half-ton truck harnessed to his chest.



On lighter training days, he'll lug a small car or all-terrain vehicle around the block.


"I know it's weird, but if you saw it, you can see it works," he said. "It's just something a buddy of mine came up with and I've been doing it since my junior year in high school."


One thing is for certain: The newly-minted Madden 12 cover boy and 1,000-yard rusher hasn't let success or fame go to his head.


"You can never get complacent," said Hillis, who beat out Eagles QB Michael Vick for the Madden 12 cover that will debut in August. "All of this has been exciting for my friends and family and the people of Conway. Things like this don't happen around here very often and the people are very proud of me. It just makes me want to work that much harder for them, for the Cleveland fans and the people I grew up with. It's truly a blessing."


When Hillis isn't attached to a hunk of metal, he's doing a variety of other things to prepare for the season.


"I have coaches from Conway High working me out and all kinds of local fitness experts," he said. "I'm doing yoga, MMA and things like that. I'm an unorthodox player, so I have to do things that fit my kind of game."


Family and friends have also been able to help with the fumbling issue that plagued Hillis last season. After leading all running backs with eight fumbles in 2010 and tying for third among all NFL players with five lost, Hillis knew he had to take some drastic measures in the off-season.


"I'll carry a ball around with me all day and ask people to try to knock it out of my hand when I least expect it," he said. "I'll give them some money and stuff so people get pretty geeked up about that. It just helps me to take care of the ball without even thinking about it."


So has it cost him an arm and a leg?


"Sometimes they'll get it out, but most of the time they don't."


For the folks who think that Hillis wore down toward the end of last season, guess again. He was playing with cracked ribs for the final three games that made every breath, every move excruciating.


"I broke them at the very beginning of the Cincinnati game [Dec. 19] and then aggravated them in the Baltimore game the next week," he said. "They were really bad in the last game against Pittsburgh, too [six carries, 13 yards]. It was tough to cope with, but I did it because I wanted what's best for the team and I wanted to play for the guys. I wanted them to know how much the team meant to me, and I wanted to do them that favor."


That's one of the reasons Hillis is excited to have second-year running back Montario Hardesty recovered from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Head coach Pat Shurmur said recently that Hardesty, who was pegged as the No. 1 tailback heading into last season, should be full-go by training camp.


"It'll take a lot of the beating off of me and he'll add a lot to the team," said Hillis. "I'm excited about having him back out there and I hope he comes back 100 percent. If he does, I know he'll help the team out tremendously."



Hillis even welcomes the threat to his starting tailback job.


"I always find competition in each and every thing I do and it will bring competition -- no doubt about it," he said. "But being professional and being who I am, I like competition. I like a good challenge and I'm always up for anything."


He's also up for whatever role Shurmur has for him in the West Coast offense -- the same scheme he excelled in as a rookie under Mike Shanahan in Denver in 2008.


"I'm going to go out with the same mindset I had last year, trying as hard as I can," he said. "I'll do all that I can, all they want me to do and I'll let everything else take care of itself."


Hillis, who rushed for 1,177 yards and 11 TDs in 2010, acknowledged that the West Coast is a good fit.


"There will definitely be more passing involved," he said. "You have to be more versatile to be a running back in the West Coast. Catching the ball out of the backfield is really important and they can also split you out wide a lot more in the slot and stuff like that. So it's all things I believe I can do really well and I feel really comfortable with that."


Hillis attended both of the "Camp Colts" at the University of Texas this off-season and regained his familiarity with the West Coast terminology.


"The first couple of days may be a little tough, but it will come to me a lot faster for sure than if I never learned it," he said. "Then again, the past five years I've had five different coaches and five different playbooks, so I'm kind of used to the situation."


Hillis said he hasn't been back to Cleveland since the end of the season, but is looking forward to his day-long youth football camp at St. Ignatius on July 9. Part of the proceeds will go the Cleveland Muny Football League.


"I really enjoy teaching kids the basics of football and giving them information," he said. "When I was growing up, I didn't go to any special camps. I hope it's exciting for them because I know it's exciting for me."


Hillis, who doesn't believe in the Madden curse, hasn't set any individual goals.


"I'm not going to be happy until Cleveland wins a Super Bowl," he said. "Those individual goals come and go, but Super Bowls and the relationships you make with coaches, teammates and fans last forever."


For more information on Hillis' youth camp, log onto peytonhilliscamp.com
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/06/cleveland_browns_peyton_hillis_4.html

 

[Don Wassall]

I've been loosely following the "Top 100 Players" schtick the NFL Network

has been running for the past month or so. Just ran across an article that has a few factoids, some I knew, some I didn't. Just keep in mind that the NFL players voted for this list.

Peyton Hillis, voted by fans to be on the cover of this year's Madden video game, didn't make the top 100. Neither did Super Bowl winning quarterbackEli Manning.

The legendary blocking fullback Vontae Leach was ranked higher than Joe Flacco, who has led the Ravens to the playoffs in each of his three seasons in the NFL. Baltimore would have likely made it to the Super Bowl twice in Flacco's three seasons except for their nemisis the Steelers (hopefully on the way down now that they are battling Tampa for the "honor" of having the first all-black starting 22).

Aaron Rodgers didn't make the top ten. Ben Roethlisberger came in at number 41 (the Ravens' nemesis; two Super Bowl wins and three Super Bowl appearances in his first seven seasons); the brilliant Philip Rivers came in at number 26.

Need I mention again that this "Top 100" list was voted on by the players, nearly 70 percent of whom are black, many of whommost likely voted for their "brothers" as a bloc; while the league's 30 percent White contingent likely tried to be impartial for the most part.

 

[Colonel_Reb]

Sad stuff Don but hardly surprising results from the black super-majority NFL. It isn't much different than the way blacks vote in political elections.

 

[whiteathlete33]

Great comment from a racially aware white and Walterfootball takes a shot at Hillis.

From AJ:








What about peyton hillis? he's probably the strongest running back in the league!










--&gt; Peyton Hillis really wore down the stretch and sucked at the end
of the year. He's not an every-down running back, so he doesn't belong
on this list.





Hillis isn't an every down back? Really? As AJ stated he's probably the strongest back in the league and can handle the load.



Edited by: whiteathlete33

 

[Don Wassall]

But still McEminem insisted on relegating Hillis to the "doghouse," so strong is the anti-White racism animating the NFL. From Weenieworld:

According to Denver Post columnist Woody Paige, it didn't take long for Josh McDaniels' coaching staff to determine that drafting Knowshon Moreno was a big mistake. Paige, not usually into reporting, cites "someone who worked closely with Josh" and who Paige "trust(s) to tell me the truth." The unnamed person says McDaniels' staff quickly determined that Moreno has issues with work ethic and is not a great clubhouse guy. Paige calls Moreno a bust and "wimp on the field," reiterating that John Fox plans to make running back the team's top priority in free agency.

 

[dwid]

good article

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000...schemes-could-help-hillis-surge-in-production

"Shurmur's schemes could help Hillis surge in production"

"Peyton Hillis is not a one-year wonder.

He is not a flash in the pan or a byproduct of being a star on a bad team.

He is one of the best runners in the game, and the Cleveland Browns would be wise to build their offense around his remarkable talents.

That might appear presumptuous based on only one full season of major work, but those who've watched Hillis closely since his NFL arrival realize he is a special back with versatility that is uncommon for a player of his size.

Unlock HQ Video HQ video delivered by Akamai

At 6-foot-1, 240 pounds, Hillis is a big, physical back with a rugged running style. He specializes in punishing defenders upon contact, and his non-stop leg drive routinely leads to broken tackles and extra yardage. Although Hillis excels at grinding out tough yards, he has surprising quickness, agility and vision. His elusiveness is rare for a runner of his stature."

It goes on to talk about how the new coach uses a similar zone blocking scheme that Hillis excelled in under Shanahan in Denver.

 

[backrow]

great article, and on NFL.com, too! unexpected surprise.

 

[Don Wassall]

Here's another surprisingly good article on Hillis from nfl.com. Guess the media can no longer ignore his popularity. I won't reproduce the article here as there's two good videos on nfl.com accompanying the article from Peyton's appearances on the NFL Network that are worth watching.

Humble Hillis enjoys success after navigating tough road

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000...is-enjoys-success-after-navigating-tough-road

 

[foobar75]

Saw 'ol Peyton on SportsCenter this evening, they did a sit-down interview with him. He's sporting an old-school beard now and looks quite menacing. Looks like he's been training regularly, too, because he very much has the tank-like build we're used to seeing out on the field.

 

[TwentyTwo]

Peyton Hillis still getting recognized....on nfl.com's cover "Building Your Fantasy Football Dream-Team"...one of only 3 RB's pictured...of course they had to include Vick with Aaron Rodgers...

http://www.nfl.com/


The avg dwf still has no idea it was a 25 year drought for a white RB to rush for over 1,000 yards; that is was put on the shelf last year....what many still do not realize; he's an "Elite" back...63 receptions last year wa icing on the cake!

Here's hoping the Browns will be on TV more this season!

 

[Don Wassall]

Still early, but good news for Hillis fans who want to see him carry the load again. From Weenieworld:

Browns RB Montario Hardesty has been extremely limited to begin training camp as the team plays it safe with his surgically repaired left knee. Hardesty has had an inordinate amount of knee surgeries for a 24-year-old entering his second season. He's been allowed to practice so sparingly that either the knee is still giving Hardesty problems or the Browns are being overly cautious. The late-July signing of Brandon Jackson doesn't bode well for the small amount of sleeper appeal Hardesty might offer in fantasy leagues.

 

[celticdb15]

Still early, but good news for Hillis fans who want to see him carry the load again. From Weenieworld:

Browns RB Montario Hardesty has been extremely limited to begin training camp as the team plays it safe with his surgically repaired left knee. Hardesty has had an inordinate amount of knee surgeries for a 24-year-old entering his second season. He's been allowed to practice so sparingly that either the knee is still giving Hardesty problems or the Browns are being overly cautious. The late-July signing of Brandon Jackson doesn't bode well for the small amount of sleeper appeal Hardesty might offer in fantasy leagues.

I like that the Browns went out and got Brandon Jackson. I think he can compliment Hillis every once in a while and he's a smaller back, compared to Hardesty who is more of a powe back like Hillis. BTW Jackson ran very soft in his in GB. He's definitely a bust of sorts, he was a 2nd rd pick!

 

[JReb1]

A nice video clip of Hillis hurdling a defender!

http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/medi...defender/ad5aaa6f-804b-4761-bc58-7af388336015

 

[Don Wassall]

Update:
Browns HC Pat Shurmur says he hopes to have RB Montario Hardesty (knee) back on the practice field by "sometime next week." A vague update to an increasingly vague situation. What's clear is that Hardesty is experiencing trouble with the left knee he blew out nearly 13 months ago, and hurting his chances of carving into Peyton Hillis' touches in any significant way. He's beginning to look like an extremely risky fantasy proposition.

 

[Colonel_Reb]

Update:
Browns HC Pat Shurmur says he hopes to have RB Montario Hardesty (knee) back on the practice field by "sometime next week." A vague update to an increasingly vague situation. What's clear is that Hardesty is experiencing trouble with the left knee he blew out nearly 13 months ago, and hurting his chances of carving into Peyton Hillis' touches in any significant way. He's beginning to look like an extremely risky fantasy proposition.

Sounds like great news to me, Don! I hope Hillis remains the man in Cleveland!

 

[dwid]

They are still trying to use Hardesty in this offense with the amount of knee surgeries he has had, yet we are told that Staley was let go because of his knee injuries (I am pretty sure he had less knee injuries, unless you listen to people who exaggerate). Staley had the rare combination of speed and size/power. Hardesty is fast for a big back but nowhere close to as fast as Staley. He would've been similar to Bo Jackson before the weird hip injury. I don't know how fast Staley ran at the combine, I just can find that he was the fastest back that draft, the 2nd fastest was 4.42. It didn't matter, you could see he had freakish speed on the field, just had another gear no matter if it was MWC team, a pac 10 team (I think he tore Cal up) and SEC (tore Miss St up as well)

I got worried when I first clicked on this link, usually it takes me to the last post, it took me to the first page and I see posts about hoping that maybe Payton can be a backup rb. We have come a long way. I don't think it matters if Hardesty is healthy, Hillis will be the man, Hardesty isn't as talented and can't handle the workload.

 

[Don Wassall]

Good article:

First Down: Hillis detractors are about to get flexed

Over the past 12 months, Peyton Hillis'(notes) improbable ascension from sporadically used fullback to full-blown fantasy superstar to Madden '12 cover-athlete was nothing short of spectacular.
Last year, the Brown's rolling stone was indispensable in any sized leagues, particularly those that scored for receptions. He racked yards via ground and air (seven 100-total yard games) leaving a host of flattened defenders in his wake. Watch highlights of his breakout campaign, and his body count rivaled that of all four Rambo films combined.

Though Hillis lost steam down the stretch — his yards per carry average dropped from 4.8 to 3.9 over the second half of the season — he along with fellow unexpected heroes Arian Foster(notes), Michael Vick(notes) and Brandon Lloyd(notes), were the fantasy faces of 2010.

Entering peak drafting season, one would think the fantasy community would be head-over-heels for Hillis. After all, he's a brutish, violent runner in the midst of his prime who barrels through holes created by one of the stiffest offensive lines in the league. Spend an early draft pick on his services and you won't be disappointed.

However, the opposite appears to be true.

Because of Pat Shurmur's newly installed West Coast brand, a scheme that plans to feature two-back sets, and Hillis' downward slide during the fantasy playoffs, expectations have cooled. As a result, many assume the Clydesdale won't match his exhaustive workload (20.7 touches/game), and thus his fantasy output, from a season ago. Unsurprisingly, he's become a staple on a number of preseason "bust" lists.
Don't be swayed by the Hillis haters.

Here are four reasons why the most-dissed star (23.2 ADP, RB14) from '10 will retain his RB1 standing:
Versatility. The common belief is, if healthy, Monatrio Hardesty and third-down specialist Brandon Jackson(notes) will log a few touches per game, slicing Hillis' touch total from last year by a sizable margin. However, as the Beacon Journal reported over the weekend, the incumbent's role within the passing game is actually expected to increase. Yes, the others will be involved to some extent, possibly netting 8-12 touches combined per game, but Shurmur realizes Hillis is a force on swings and dump-offs. Music to PPR owner ears, another 55-plus catch campaign is a near lock. The odds he surpasses 1,400 total yards are also favorable

Red-zone power. While Hardesty was slowly recovering from reconstructive knee surgery during the lockout, Hillis pulled ATVs, pick-ups and even fire trucks near his Arkansas home to stay in shape. He's a monster of almost mythical proportions. Last year, he ranked ninth among RBs in break tackles according to Football Outsiders. Because of his Thing-like strength, he, without question, will resume his role as goal-line back. Since touchdowns separate the haves from the have nots in fantasy, it's asinine to think his value will suddenly fall off the continental shelf. Even if his touch total is reduced by 30-40, he will post low-end RB1 numbers. Much to Andy Behrens' chagrin, plenty of "gun shows" are on the docket in Cleveland this season.

Matchup proof. For those that buy into preseason strength of schedule, Hillis' slate is unmistakably daunting. With division foes Pittsburgh and Baltimore on the agenda twice, it's the fourth-toughest. But due to the violent nature of the game, turnover is constant in the NFL. No two years are the same. Even if the Steelers and Ravens' reputations as premier run stuffers are upheld, Hillis is still capable of quality numbers. Prior to Week 12, only the Steely McBeams limited him to a single-digit scoring output. And he faced the likes of Atlanta, Baltimore, Cincinnati and the Jets, defenses that finished in the top-11 in fewest fantasy points allowed to RBs.

Fragile backups. Hardesty, coming off reconstructive knee surgery, has yet to step on the practice field, though he's confident he'll return soon. In his absence, Jackson has worked exclusively as the No. 2, getting invaluable reps in the new system. Even when the second-year back finally suits up, there are no guarantees he will A) Avoid the IR or B) Overtake Jackson. If either happens, Hillis won't lose enough touches to warrant a significant price reduction. Based on his uneventful performance as a temporary starter in Green Bay last year, Jackson poses little threat. Even if Hardesty plays an entire season unscathed, it's very unlikely he will force a 60-40 timeshare.

Bottom line: While skeptics continue to point to Hillis' presumed workload decrease, rough schedule and ridiculous 'curse' as reasons for avoidance, savvy fantasy consumers will continue to snatch him up at a discounted Round 2 price.

Hillis is about to make his doubters look silly.

Bring the noise! Follow Brad on Twitter @YahooNoise.

Fearless Forecast (16 games): 253 carries, 1,113 rushing yards, 58 receptions, 447 receiving yards, 12 total touchdowns

http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/blo...ractors-are-about-to-get-f?urn=fantasy-wp6402