JACKSONVILLE - When the Patriots traded for formerly oft- troubled running back Corey Dillon last April, the reaction generally fell into two camps.

One camp felt it was a strange and risky move for a team so obsessed with character and reputation. The other felt the Pats' locker room was so well-established that Dillon would have no choice but to fall into line. No matter where you stood, it seemed a given that Dillon would pan out on the field.