Last season, Corey Dillon ran for a franchise-record 1,435 yards against defenses designed to stop him.

        Defenses would put eight players on the line of scrimmage and dare the Bengals to throw, which they couldn't, compiling an NFL-low 122 yards a game passing.

        Until the Bengals and new quarterback Jon Kitna prove they can pass competently, defenses will continue to stack the line and lay in wait for Dillon.

        The Patriots are no exception. They are expected to place strong safety Lawyer Milloy on the line and have him key on Dillon.

        Dillon has shown he can run over or past people, and if the Bengals' offensive line can get him past the Patriots' defensive line, Dillon should be facing Milloy head to head a few times during the game for the chance to turn a good run into a breakaway.

        Milloy, who's just 6 feet and 207 pounds, is a big hitter. He has 445 tackles the past three seasons and forced four fumbles in 2000.

        In Game 11 last year — a 16-13 New England win — Dillon was held to 79 yards rushing on 28 carries. Milloy had 14 tackles, one forced fumble and one interception.
       — Mark Curnutte

Bengals finally sign No. 1 pick Kitna era begins, by God Bengals need to keep pressure on Bledsoe Key matchup: Dillon vs. Malloy Who's got the edge? By the numbers NFL power ratings Sizing up this week's NFL games

Pirates 5, Reds 2
Hamilton likely to join rotation
Boone back in full swing
Fans-eye view of the Reds
Pirates starter ends 7-game slide
Reds box, runs
UC 24, Army 21
Tressel's in harmony with OSU
Ohio St. 28, Akron 14
Iowa 44, Miami 19
Kentucky 28, Ball St. 20
Otterbein 56, Mount St. Joseph 14
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