Corey Dillon is no longer a Bengal – ESPN Story

I think he’s been waiting for this day since he was drafted by the team. And let’s be honest, in the lost decade of the 90′s, most players dreamed of the day they could play for a winner (in the NFL, that is almost any team other than the Bengals). Even the pathetic Cardinals made the playoffs once in 1997. But, I digress. This trade was good for all parties involved. New England needed a boost to their running game, and the Bengals needed to rid itself of a cancer. Dillon gave us some great years, and I never doubted his desire to win. For most of his career, he was one of the few, if not the only, bright spots on the team. Imagine what he could have done with a supporting cast? But, it was apparent last year when Rudi Johnson started playing more and more that Dillon was no longer the only offensive threat. After the season ended, instead of being thrilled with the team’s turn-around performance, he just griped that he wanted out (yet again). I’m sure he has some good years left in him, but Johnson is younger and last year was basically his first year of real work – he has a lot more years left than Dillon. The Marvin Lewis era is here, and that means a clean slate with legitimate playoff hopes. Only players who truly want to be here will stay; and I have a feeling they will be proud to be a Bengal thanks to Lewis’ leadership. Now that Dillon is gone, the doubters of Lewis’ system are gone. The 2nd round draft pick that we got is a plus, of course… and it’s a good shot in the face to Oakland since they were trying to hold out for a 3rd round pick.