NFL: Tony Romo and 4 Players Who Have Regressed Most from 2010

One of the biggest differences between being a good football player and a great football player is consistency. The great players play at a top level each game and every year. These players always find a way to improve, rarely taking a step backwards.

There are plenty of players who regress from year to year. Players whose play takes a step back may do so for any number of reasons. Roster turnover and personal changes always have an impact on production. It takes time for players to build chemistry and play together.

Anytime there is a change in scheme or strategy, players need time to adjust. Often times players struggle to quickly pick new offensive or defensive systems.

However, the great players find a way to overcome changes. The next couple of slides will break down the players who have seen their play fall the most.

Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns RB

Last season, Peyton Hillis has the best season of his career, compiling 1,177 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. His hard-nosed running style earned him a large fan following, even resulting in having the honor to grace the cover of Madden football.

However, this season has been a major disappointment. Hillis has missed a lot of time due to a string of injuries and illness. Even when healthy, Hillis failed to find a way to produce. He is averaging an unimpressive 3.5 yard per carry, down from his 4.4 yards per carry in 2010.

Hillis is losing a lot of support from the fan base and organization. It appears that Hillis is allowing his contract situation to impact his play on the field.

Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans RB

The Tennessee Titans' Chris Johnson is having the worst season of his young career. He is averaging a horrid 2.8 yards per carry, while only registering one rushing touchdown. Johnson's struggles are hard to explain, as the Titans offense has not gone through a lot of changes.

Johnson should actually be benefiting from the presence of Matt Hasselbeck and a legitimate passing game. Some are pointing to Johnson's offseason holdout as a reason for his struggles. They feel that he didn't utilize his offseason to get himself into playing shape. Others are wondering if he is less motivated after receiving his lucrative contract extension.

Whatever the reason, Johnson has earned his spot on this list.

Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos QB

There hasn't been a point in Tim Tebow's young NFL career where he has played at an elite level. However, Tebow showed some signs of progress at the end of last season. He was able to complete 50 percent of his passes, while throwing five touchdown passes and only three interceptions. These are great numbers, but Tebow still showed some promising signs.

In his two starts this season, Tebow has not been able to show the improvement needed to feel comfortable about his future. He is only only completing 46 percent of his passes and at times he simply doesn't look capable of playing in the NFL.

Last week's game versus the Detroit Lions was a complete disaster, but it seems like Tebow will have a few more opportunities to right the ship.

Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys QB

The Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo has always put up exceptional numbers, but that isn't the only requirement for playing quarterback. An NFL quarterback is expected to lead his team and win football games. He needs to be the guy that the team turns to in a tough situation, and he needs to always deliver.

Time and again, Tony Romo has proven that he isn't someone the Cowboys can count on to win them a football game. He especially struggles in big games and tough situations. However, this season he has reached an all-time low.

Romo is not only not winning football games, but he is actually losing them. Romo was directly responsible for the Cowboys losses to the New York Jets and Detroit Lions. His late game turnovers allowed both teams to mount impressive comebacks. At this point, the Cowboys need to question Romo's ability to lead this team.