BB on WEEI: Satisfied with current RB situation w/o Dillon [merged]

[chunkypony]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2007/11/rb_followup.html

November 5, 2007
RB follow-up
By Mike Reiss, Globe Staff

Patriots coach Bill Belichick made his weekly appearance on sports radio 850 WEEI in Boston today as part of "Patriots Monday" programming. During his interview, Belichick was asked if the Patriots might consider bringing in running back Corey Dillon.

Dillon's agent, Steve Feldman, said on Saturday that Dillon would consider a return if the Patriots were interested.

Belichick explained that he's happy with the four running backs on the roster, and it isn't in the team's plans to add a fifth running back. He added that a key part of the consideration is special teams, as the team has come to rely on the contributions of backs Heath Evans and Kyle Eckel in those areas. Eckel was credited with two special teams tackles Sunday against the Colts.

Posted By: mreiss | Time: 05:48:29 PM

 

[carolinatony]

Re: So much for Corey....

BB knows better than we do.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Re: So much for Corey....

Actually some of us value ST contributions and Eckel in particular

 

[BradyFTW!]

Re: So much for Corey...

Eckel's big tackle yesterday, taken by itself, is more of a contribution than everything Dillon would've done combined over the next 3-4 weeks anyways. People in general always do seem to sell ST short, even though that was pretty clearly the deciding factor in yesterday's game, but one of the things that I like most about this board is that that really isn't the case here. Patsfans is one of the only fan communities I've seen that tends to understand the importance of ST.

 

[QuiGon]

Re: So much for Corey...

Belichick explained that he's happy with the four running backs on the roster, and it isn't in the team's plans to add a fifth running back. He added that a key part of the consideration is special teams, as the team has come to rely on the contributions of backs Heath Evans and Kyle Eckel in those areas. Eckel was credited with two special teams tackles Sunday against the Colts.

I have to admit I am surprised to hear that... ah, well...

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Re: So much for Corey...

I have to admit I am surprised to hear that... ah, well...

Remember, injuries can change any situation. Not that that would be a good thing.

 

[Free_Pacman]

Corey Dillion

I went to the ND/Navy game and the Pats/Colts games this weekend and I saw on tv that Corey Dillion wants to come back to play for the Pats. I am sure this has already been posted but do you think he will come back?

 

[nowayback]

Re: Corey Dillion

BB said he was satisfied with the backs he has.... and also that the backs have to be able to play special teams.

 

[Remix 6]

Re: Corey Dillion

I went to the ND/Navy game and the Pats/Colts games this weekend and I saw on tv that Corey Dillion wants to come back to play for the Pats. I am sure this has already been posted but do you think he will come back?

consider BB recently said "Im happy with the 4 backs we have"

no

its clear we use our guys on ST..anyone. Morris did it..Evans and Eckel play ST. Dillon does not..oh and Faulk does too

i guess hes confident in Faulk as the main backup..and i am too. Hes an X Factor and maybe the most under appreciated Patriot for quiet awhile

I would like Dillon back..bring a physical aspect to our run game..but i dont think theres any RB good enough that can also play ST available

 

[Pats726]

Re: Corey Dillion

Maybe yes..maybe no..they DO need another RB for teh remainder of the year..sure, they might get by..of course..but with Maroney and Faulk...and Evans and Eckel...if one of the two goes down..big trouble..always harder to bring someone in fast..in an emergency..I think it's very possible,,that make a move in the week..later on..

 

[Bobs My Uncle]

Re: Corey Dillion

The reality is this is a passing first offense and it will be via Brady's passing arm that the Pats will trounce any opponent that dares step foot onto the same field against them.

The only needed reason for a running game is to keep the opposing defense somewhat honest.

 

[RayClay]

Re: Corey Dillion

I went to the ND/Navy game and the Pats/Colts games this weekend and I saw on tv that Corey Dillion wants to come back to play for the Pats. I am sure this has already been posted but do you think he will come back?

Why do people that don't know how to spell Dillon, start threads about him?

One of life's eternal mysteries.

 

[Mike the Brit]

Re: Corey Dillion

Why do people that don't know how to spell Dillon, start threads about him?

One of life's eternal mysteries.

You said it! :yeahthat:

 

[spacecrime]

I'm pleased. I like Dillon, but was hopeful we didn't sign him when this news broke last week, so I'm pleased as punch.

I just don't see what Dillon can do besides move the pile on fourth and one, and Evans/Eckel can do that.

 

[RayClay]

Evans actually got a short yardage first down. It was noticeable for it's rarity.

If Eckel can't do that, he can't do nuthin' so I expect to see him get some work in that area.

 

[FrontSeven]

It's possible that Dillon only gets them short yardage now, and since he doesn't do STs, hey, what's the point? I'm glad Eckyl is sticking. I have liked Heath Evans since he got here. He can rumble if they blow him a bit of a hole. They are both punishing type runners who just don't get you the game breaker, but that seems good enough. Them plus Faulk and Maroney is not all that bad. I'm not sure about the depth situation though.