Shockey a Saint in 2008
The Saints offense just got a little stronger now that Shockey is a Saint. New Orleans traded a 2nd and 5th round draft pick in 2009 to the New York Giants for the disgruntled tight end. For a team that struggled in 2007 finishing 7-9, Shockey brings a new attitude to the offense.
New Orleans now has two solid tight ends with veteran Eric Johnson returning for his second year with the Saints. Johnson is a good player but is not the blocking and receiving threat that Shockey is. They should complement nicely together in two tight end formations; giving Brees plenty of options to throw to.
Jeremy Shockey is finally happy after getting his wish to be traded by the Giants which will allow him to only think football. With a clear head and a new home, Shockey could just have a phenomenal year in 2008.
Saints head coach Sean Payton was the offensive coordinator during Shockey’s rookie season in 2002. Shockey won rookie of the year that season and hopes reuniting with Payton can rejuvenate his Pro Bowl abilities.
Jeremy Shockey will bring attitude to an already powerful offense. He has been labeled a trouble starter because of his on field aggression and off field comments about former teammate Eli Manning. With a new team and attitude, Shockey will be able to step in and play football with a new sense if intensity.
In week 15 of the 2007 season, Shockey broke his leg and missed the Giants memorable playoff run that put an end to the New England winning streak. The solid play of rookie tight end Kevin Boss and Shockey’s deteriorating relationship with teammates and GM Jerry Reese prompted the Giants to cut ties with their All-Pro tight end. New Orleans expects no troubles from their new tight end in 2008.
Shockey Improves Saints Offense
The Saints addition of Shockey should not only help sustain their 3rd ranked passing offense, but also improve on a 28th ranked running attack. Shockey is a solid blocker, more so than counterpart Eric Johnson. Running backs Deuce McCallister and Reggie Bush should both benefit from the holes Shockey will help create. Reggie Bush likes to run outside the tackles, and with his speed, following Shockey could make for some big plays in ’08 for Bush to prove he’s not a bust this upcoming season.
Drew Brees now has a Pro Bowl talent to look for over the middle and inside the red zone. Brees is an excellent and very accurate passer whose numbers can only improve with Shockey in town. Along with wide receiver Marcus Colston, Shockey gives Brees another favorite, reliable target to throw to.
For the record, 2008 should be a playoff bound year for the Saints. With new additions on defense like MLB Jonathan Vilma and rookie DT Sedrick Ellis, the Saints defense should accommodate the offense in ‘08 unlike in 2007 when it ranked 26th in the league. Shockey may prove to be just what the Saints needed in their quest for a Superbowl.
