Peyton Hillis, More than just a video games face?

After a superb season for the Cleveland Browns the twenty five year old running back has earned a well deserved season as the Madden 2012 cover star. Hillis, who rushed for 11 touchdowns and received 2 in his debut season for the Browns, will be looking to continue this form into this exciting season for the Browns.

The difference for Cleveland fans is that they are feeling more optimistic than ever. Why you ask? Well the browns now have a superstar presence within their running game. When traded to the Browns a year ago little was expected of the young running back however this season things will be different and one question on every ones mind is "Can Hillis handle the pressure and expectation?". When there was little, if any pressure on the Running Back he was able to perform admirably, however with everyone knowing his capabilities and his gracing of the video game Madden's cover, the expectations as expected have been raised beyond his wildest of dreams.

Reliable is a key word for the Browns nowadays as they finally have additional support around the whole team. Offensively the Browns Have a solid Quarterback, a superstar running back, an amazing kick returner/ Wide Receiver and a franchise left tackle in Joe Thomas, who recently signed a new contract extension. With the solid foundations of a great Football team in place it is likely the Browns will learn to compete and become a force within the NFL within a few seasons. Also with these players growing in confidence and ability it is very likely that their will still be room for Hillis to surprise other teams. If Hillis was the only superstar player then he could be more effectively targeted by opposing teams, but with quality in all areas, the ever improving Browns will be to much to handle in some scenarios, leaving Hillis some extra room to maneuver.

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Will Hillis suffer from "The Madden Curse"? Another question on the mind of the fans. Although the curse suggests mental issues rather than supernatural, it is still a thought lingering on the thoughts of Cleveland fans. After appearing on Madden's cover in 2000 Daunte Culpepper suffered a drop in his incredible form from the year prior and after Donovan McNabb was on the cover in 2005, Injury ruined his next season. After Mike Vick appeared on the 04 edition he broke his leg and later went to jail for a dogfighting situation, this appears one of the strongest definitions of such "Madden Curse". Clearly Hillis will be aware of these issues but will attempt to remain together with his thoughts and focus on football only, if Hillis does the simple yet effective steps of last year then the "Madden Curse" should be no more.

Whether Hillis will continue to be one of the NFL'S best success stories is unknown, however the one thing guaranteed is his form of last season has the Browns in high hope of a repeated season as they look for little steps towards the success they dearly need, want and pray for.

By Kenny Brown
ProFootball-fans.com Cleveland Browns Correspondent