Dillon has found success with a New England state of mind

Here's the sum of everything controversial emanating from Corey Dillon this season: zero. The former Bengals malcontent has become a Patriots happy camper, news that may not match the splash of Peyton Manning's passing figures or Ben Roethlisberger's rookie achievements or Terrell Owens' celebration dances. But Dillon's state of mind figures just as prominently in determining this year's NFL champion as any development this fall.

Dillon has embraced his new environment with the relish of a man freed from football purgatory. But he has celebrated ever so quietly. All he was in Cincinnati--a clubhouse lawyer, a distraction, a loudmouthed complainer--he hasn't been with the Patriots. The desire to run the ball for a champion, coupled with the strong veteran leadership that polices the locker room for coach Bill Belichick, have combined to funnel Dillon's energy toward producing, not whining.

Dillon's on-field presence has given the Patriots' offense a balance it never exhibited in winning two Super Bowls. Now their play-action scheme is so much more effective, their short-yardage package has more options and they have a difference-maker at a position that figured so insignificantly in their offense in years past. Dillon has been effective, efficient and consistent; he went over 1,000 yards against the Ravens last Sunday in his 10th game, faster than any previous Patriot. The only contest he missed, against the Steelers, was New England's only loss. Dillon's replacements ground out 5 rushing yards in that defeat.

But not until the playoffs will we see the real significance of Dillon's role and why it makes the Patriots more difficult to overcome. For New England, which never really wants to be involved in a Colts-like scoring frenzy, the best way to manage the pace of the game in the postseason is to rely on Dillon. Let's say the Patriots are matched again with the Colts. A wonderful defensive tactic against Manning is to keep him frustrated, watching from the sideline. You accomplish that with time-consuming, methodical possessions that feature a healthy dose of runs. In the past, the Patriots have pursued this strategy by substituting more unreliable short passes for rushes. Now they have Dillon, who also quickly can turn a little into a lot with an extra cut or two.

And just think, the Patriots gave up just a second-round pick for Dillon. No wonder they constantly seem smarter than any club in the league.

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