Arizona Cardinals end of the year awards: Most disappointing player

Last time in the end of the year series, we looked at the most improved player from 2011 to 2012 for the Arizona Cardinals. Rob Housler came in first place with the voters, with Kerry Rhodes in a distant second. I think the fans got it right with this one, as Housler became a much larger part of the team last season.

Today, we get to look at the most disappointing player from the team. The thing we must keep in mind with this award is that there had to be expectations for the player in order for them to be considered a disappointment. Also, with such a bad season comes a slew of players that could be on this list. That means that there will undoubtedly be some players omitted from the poll, but you can also feel free to weigh in via the comments section.

Without further adieu...

John Skelton

Need I say more? If you watched the Cardinals at all this season, you know how much of a disappointment Skelton was. This was the guy that was named the starter at the quarterback position coming out of training camp. If there was ever a question as to Whisenhunt's QB evaluation skills, I think this settles it.

Skelton was downright awful. His completion percentage on the season was a lousy 54.2, but it felt much lower. He threw for just over 1,000 yards in seven games played and had two touchdown passes compared to nine interceptions. We can blame pass protection or whatever else all we want, but Skelton was just downright terrible. I highly doubt he is with the team next season.

(Note: I did not include Ryan Lindley on this list because there were no expectations for a sixth round rookie QB coming into the season. You can argue that point, I don't care. He doesn't make this list.)

Ryan Williams

We can't really blame Williams for this, but he has to be on this list. Once again, he missed a large chunk of time after requiring season ending shoulder surgery. I feel bad for the kid, but even when he was in the game, his effectiveness was limited. He rushed for a measly 2.8 yards per carry.

This is partially due to the Cardinals' insufficient run blocking, but Williams didn't seem fully recovered from his knee injury the prior season. Look for him to possibly be a comeback player of the year next season.

Beanie Wells

What more can we say about Beanie? Like Skelton, I doubt he is with the team next season. His injuries are just too overbearing and they limit his play on the field. 234 yards on 88 attempts is paltry. I doubt he has any trade value at this point, so look for him to be cut once a new head coach is in place.

Todd Heap

I really had big aspirations for Mr. Heap. As a Sun Devils fan, I knew what this guy was capable of. Things just never worked out for him here in the desert. No one is really quite sure what happened this season after he was injured during the second game against the Patriots. It was almost as if he didn't want to play anymore after that and would rather just milk his injury and ride the bench. I really don't know.

What I do know is that even when he was on the field, he did not produce the results the Cardinals were looking for when they brought him in.

Darnell Dockett

Dockett's days with the Cards may be numbered as well. After posting only 1.5 sacks and 34 total tackles, one could argue that he isn't worth the money he is being paid. Then you throw in the fact that he is getting in scuffles with teammates and disobeying the team's orders and you get a mess. The future for one of the greatest Cardinals in franchise history may be in jeopardy.

You could make an argument that Dockett still sees double teams in every game, but that has always been the case. Why the sharp decline in numbers now? As for his attitude, that is unjustifiable.

Honorable mentions:

Stewart Bradley, Adam Snyder, Adrian Wilson, Early Doucet, William Gay, Jamell Fleming

For me, this "award" has to go to John Skelton. I was never really a huge fan of his coming in, but wow... He took being bad to a whole new level.

Like I said, this list could go on for a while. So vote in the poll, leave your comments below and get some debate going. I am sure there are some varying opinions around here on this topic.

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