Registered: Jan 2001
Location: anywhere but here
Posts: 4420

For all you Patriots fans

CINCINNATI -- Disgruntled running back Corey Dillon was traded by the Bengals to the New England Patriots for a second-round draft pick, 56th overall, on Monday, ending a stellar and stormy seven-year stay with the Bengals.

Dillon holds most of the franchise's rushing records, but chafed at his reduced role last year as Cincinnati enjoyed a renaissance season under coach Marvin Lewis.

The Super Bowl champions were determined to improve a running game that was 27th last season, forcing the Patriots to depend upon Tom Brady's passing to move the ball.

"Corey joins Kevin Faulk and our other very good backs to deepen an already competitive running back position," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said.

With four picks in the first two rounds, seven in the first four, the Patriots were considered to be big players in this draft. They had the flexibility to move up and down to acquire draftable players who interest them.


But one of their main needs was running back. Sitting with the 21st pick in the first round, the Patriots were probably not going to get a chance to take the first running back, believed to be Steven Jackson of Oregon State. The Broncos moved to the 17th pick in the first round, giving teams around the league the idea they were taking Jackson.


The Raiders and Bengals had conversations about a trade weeks ago, but could not agree on a deal. The Bengals wanted a second-round pick. The Raiders were willing to give up a third-rounder and were going to be patient in trying to get the price.


Evaluating the first round, the Patriots apparently determined not to wait for Virginia Tech halfback Kevin Jones with the 21st pick. Dillon was acquired to replace Antowain Smith, whose contract was voided at the start of free agency.


In acquiring Dillon, the Patriots pick up a 29-year-old running back who has rushed for 8,061 yards in seven seasons. Injuries limited Dillon to 541 yards last season. Rudi Johnson ended up being the team's leading rusher.



The trade ends a stormy final season in Cincinnati for Dillon, who cleaned out his locker after the final game and repeatedly lobbied for a trade.


The Bengals now have five picks in the first three rounds, including two second-rounders and two third-rounders. They have nine picks in the first four rounds, including nine in the top 117.


from
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1785718

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Registered: May 2002
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Posts: 8820

yeah, i've been pissed off about this all afternoon.

if the patriots had a glaring weakness before, those days are certianly in the past. dammit, why can't my team be in a conference that only has to advance past an andy reid team to get to the SB?

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Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Bangor, ME
Posts: 10173

lets all laugh at travis!

woooo patriots!

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Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Boston
Posts: 6971

I like this trade a lot. I like it even more that I know Travis is clearly upset and crying.

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Registered: Aug 2000
Location: Veerheenyah
Posts: 3300

quote:

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Originally posted by mmmtravis
why can't my team be in a conference that only has to advance past an andy reid team to get to the SB?

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They can, if you move to Massachussettes that is...



I love the pats...the pats won me lots of money...even when everyone (Including the most avid pats fans I know) told me it was stupid to put my money on them.... BLASPHEMERS!!

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Registered: Jan 2001
Location: anywhere but here
Posts: 4420

the Pats also have two first round draft picks and a second rounder.

Travis it wouldnt matter what conference your team were in, you still wouldnt progress past the Eagles, and that was before they added TO and the Phreak. They squished the fish in their own pond last season.

my tip for the Eagles is to a CB in the first round of the draft.

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Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Boston
Posts: 6971

Let's face it: the Fish are doomed for a number of years because they never assembled a worthy team of Dan Marino. For squandering his talent they must suffer for an eternity, almost as long as Jets fans will have to wait for another Super Bowl victory.

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Registered: Aug 2000
Location: Boston, MA, Center of the Universe
Posts: 4509

But take heart! At least Dapper Dan is putting his front-office skills to good use by making commercials where he fires a pack of frozen vegetables into the freezer like they were on a rope. Or somefuckingthing like that. Douchebag.

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Registered: Sep 2000
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 7504

I dunno, man.

Yeah, this makes the Patriots a hell of a lot better on paper. But they're a team that's always been greater than the sum of their parts due to their incredible chemistry. If any one man can screw that up, it's Corey Dillon.

80% chance it makes them invincible; 20% chance it turns them into a 6-10 team.

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Registered: Aug 2001
Location: Hilbert Space
Posts: 35656

PJ, you coming for a beer on Thursday?

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