Post by John on Jun 16, 2006 16:07:40 GMT -4
Dillon warns doubters that he's far from finished
June 15, 2006
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Corey Dillon is "looking to do big things" for the New England Patriots.
The 31-year-old Dillon says too many people have been too quick to anoint rookie first-round draft pick Laurence Maroney as the savior of the Patriots running game, which declined last season as Dillon battled ankle and calf injuries. He started only 10 games and gained just 733 yards, one year after rushing for 1,635 to set a Patriots' single-season record.
"I feel real disrespected," Dillon said as the Patriots wrapped up a three-day minicamp. "I feel like I have accomplished zero, not even a grain of salt in this league. And that's terrible for a guy of my status. I've been doing this for a long time."
Speaking publicly for the first time since the Patriots chose Maroney 21st overall in the draft, Dillon would not take questions until a reporter read aloud from a list of Dillon's career accomplishments. Among the highlights - 10,429 career rushing yards, 17th best in NFL history.
Asked later if he felt he would be fighting for his job in training camp, Dillon said, "Fighting for a job? Are you kidding me? You want to read this again?"
Dillon said coach Bill Belichick called him on the first day of the draft to discuss the team's selection of Maroney, a former Minnesota star. Dillon, who was traded to the Patriots from Cincinnati before the 2004 season, said he appreciated the gesture.
"Any great coach would, give his player a call and let him know the situation," Dillon said.
Dillon, a 6-foot-1 power back, said he likes what he has seen so far from the 5-foot-11 Maroney, who has big-play speed.
"He's a quick learner, great student," Dillon said. "He's going to be OK."
Maroney said he leaned on Dillon during the minicamp.
"He's helped me through practice a lot," Maroney said. "He's basically a good teacher for me right now. He's done what I'm trying to do. He's a good person to learn from."
Dillon acknowledged that he has reached the age when most NFL backs begin to decline. But after changing his offseason workout he feels he will be able to rebound from a disappointing year.
"To be honest with you, this is the best I've felt at this point in time in the last three years," said Dillon, who has rushed for at least 1,100 yards in seven of his nine NFL seasons.
"I feel good about where I'm at. I'm still not close to where I want to be. I'm going to get there, and hopefully by training camp I'm going to be ready to go."
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
June 15, 2006
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Corey Dillon is "looking to do big things" for the New England Patriots.
The 31-year-old Dillon says too many people have been too quick to anoint rookie first-round draft pick Laurence Maroney as the savior of the Patriots running game, which declined last season as Dillon battled ankle and calf injuries. He started only 10 games and gained just 733 yards, one year after rushing for 1,635 to set a Patriots' single-season record.
"I feel real disrespected," Dillon said as the Patriots wrapped up a three-day minicamp. "I feel like I have accomplished zero, not even a grain of salt in this league. And that's terrible for a guy of my status. I've been doing this for a long time."
Speaking publicly for the first time since the Patriots chose Maroney 21st overall in the draft, Dillon would not take questions until a reporter read aloud from a list of Dillon's career accomplishments. Among the highlights - 10,429 career rushing yards, 17th best in NFL history.
Asked later if he felt he would be fighting for his job in training camp, Dillon said, "Fighting for a job? Are you kidding me? You want to read this again?"
Dillon said coach Bill Belichick called him on the first day of the draft to discuss the team's selection of Maroney, a former Minnesota star. Dillon, who was traded to the Patriots from Cincinnati before the 2004 season, said he appreciated the gesture.
"Any great coach would, give his player a call and let him know the situation," Dillon said.
Dillon, a 6-foot-1 power back, said he likes what he has seen so far from the 5-foot-11 Maroney, who has big-play speed.
"He's a quick learner, great student," Dillon said. "He's going to be OK."
Maroney said he leaned on Dillon during the minicamp.
"He's helped me through practice a lot," Maroney said. "He's basically a good teacher for me right now. He's done what I'm trying to do. He's a good person to learn from."
Dillon acknowledged that he has reached the age when most NFL backs begin to decline. But after changing his offseason workout he feels he will be able to rebound from a disappointing year.
"To be honest with you, this is the best I've felt at this point in time in the last three years," said Dillon, who has rushed for at least 1,100 yards in seven of his nine NFL seasons.
"I feel good about where I'm at. I'm still not close to where I want to be. I'm going to get there, and hopefully by training camp I'm going to be ready to go."
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service