A man of few words? A team player? A calm, professional approach to his job?
NO! These are definitely not phrases to describe the walking ego that is Jeremy Shockey; however, I believe that he has the opportunity that he has desired since his arrival into the NFL, to be used offensively to compete with the best in the league (I.E Antonio Gates, Todd Heap, Dallas Clark).
There are many angles to take on this article.... and I being as big an ego-maniac as Shockey, will try to take each of them.
Perspective #1: What the hell were the Giants thinking when they refused to accept New Orleans' second and fifth round picks just days leading up to the 2008 NFL draft, instead demanding an unrealistic 1st and fourth for the services of Shockey? Now, they decide that they would rather walk into training camp with Kevin Boss as the starter and search through four other young candidates to fill the unbelievable blocking skill that Shockey provided them?
My Response: Stupid is as stupid does...with that, the ownership team should be pictured on a park bench with a box of chocolates!
Perspective #2: With an obvious feeling of separation-anxiety on the part of Shockey (which further proves he is a megolomaniac, thinking only of his own self-pity while his teammates struggle to provide him a Super Bowl ring that they won while he was tying one on in the stands). Now, Shockey has the opportunity to join a staff lead by the genius that is Sean Payton. Payton has fought tooth and nail against the ownership to get Shockey into training camp, so now it should be eye-opening for the newly acquired pro-bowl tight end to realize that he is not God's gift to football, buckle down and get it done, putting his mouth away and letting the statistics do the talking.
My Response: Someone needs to slip Antonio Gates' statistics when Drew Brees was in San Diego and simply write "Are you up to the task?"
Perspective #3: With players like Marques Colston, a recovering Deuce McCallister, the ultimate scat-back in Reggie Bush, and the potential talent of Robert Meechum, Devery Henderson, and the speedy David Patten, there are going to be times when they need to rely on Shockey's best ability, to block. This was Shockey's biggest grip with the N.Y. Giants organization, that he was utilized more as a blocker and not as a downfield threat.
My Response: Shockey needs to suck it up, realize that he is not Gates or Clark, speed-wise, and will be relied upon to block for McCallister, Bush, and Aaron Stecker as a first priority; however, he needs to take into consideration just how heavily that Brees relies on his tight end to be his last option. This means he needs to finish out his blocks completely, then break free and be there when his Pro Bowl Quarterback needs him. If he can do this, letting his team-play come through, then he should easily outdo any of his previous seasons' statistical totals.
All in all, this is a win for New Orleans' offense, Sean Payton's vision, and Shockey's career. Unfortunately, I do not see the Saints' defense being stout enough to keep the team in the game long enough to put enough wins on the board to be considered a true playoff hopeful.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Kevin M. Burgoyne II, aka Statistocrat
MLB Sports Writer, http://www.sportsgrumblings.com/
SEC Football Analyst, http://www.rotowire.com/
Sports Editor, http://www.crucialsports.com/
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