Shockey and Taylor traded? Who would have guessed this day would come? Furthermore, who would have guessed this day would come so late after the NFL draft, where trades could help a team build for the coming season, as opposed to having to sit and watch while other teams use your former players to win this season?
These trades do make sense, with the Redskins getting a big upgrade at defensive end for two draft picks, one of which is a sixth-rounder, and the Saints' offense getting a massive boost at tight end, also for two draft picks, one of which is a fifth-rounder. Remember, Randy Moss was picked up last year for just a sixth round pick; and look at how that turned out.
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One of the happiest Saints players is sure to be Marques Colston, whose stats should go up this coming year. It will greatly help Drew Brees to have more than one big target to throw the ball to this season.
On the other side of the ball, the Redskins' defense should be much improved from last year despite already being fairly solid.
Taylor brings experience and leadership on and off the field, and if Jason Campbell lives up to his expectations, and if the Redskins avoid injury, Taylor may get his wish and play for a legitimate title contender.
Most likely, however, the Saints will go farther than the Redskins, mainly because of more key offseason acquisitions to what might have already been a better team at the start of last season. Not to mention that the NFC South is a much weaker division than the NFC East.
Within a matter of seasons, though, both of these teams have risen in the standings from bottom-enders to conference contenders.
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about 1 month ago
The Redskins had a better record in a better division. Not sure how that translates to the Saints being a better team...
from about 1 month ago
Correction: A much better division.
from about 1 month ago
The Redskins had a better record in a better division this past year largely due to underwhelming performances from key Saints such as Colston, as well as poor defense. Granted, the Redskins had many injuries, but the Jason Campbell injury ended up giving a veteran QB a chance to lead the team, which was apparently just what the team needed. The Saints just seem to have more big-time offensive players than the Redskins, with Colston, Bush, Mcallister, now Shockey, and a star QB in Brees, not to mention what should be a much improved defense. Washington is certainly going to be good though, no denying that, but I just think that New Orleans has more pieces in place to win this coming year.
from about 1 month ago
I'm not talking about this year. I think the Saints will take the NFC South easily in 2008.
Last year, the Redskins were a better team.
from about 1 month ago
That isn't true, the Saints had to play the Falcons, all you guys had to do was beat the Eagles, Giants, and Cowbows. All kidding asside though, we do have Drew Brees and that is a huge advantage.
about 1 month ago
^That first sentence is talking about the Saints' poor D, not the Redskins*
about 1 month ago
Colston had an underwhelming performance? He had 98 catches for over 1200 yards. I would say that there was nothing behind him, not that he played poorly.
about 1 month ago
However, the Sanits might have to give up their first round pick next season instead of their second for Shockey because the Vilma trade requires that the Saints give up their second round pick to the Jets should Vioma play at least 85% of the snaps.
about 1 month ago
Colston played like an all pro in a few games, but didn't show up in many others. He did have decent stats, but he didn't perform as well as was expected, which is why I called it underwhelming.
About the draft pick: both Vilma and Shockey seem to be well worth the draft picks, as both are proven stars.
about 1 month ago
Shockey is an underachiever though. Definitely not worth a first rounder.
However, I see your point about Colston. You obviously watch all the Saints games while I only watched a couple last year. You're right sometimes just the stats don't tell the whole story.
about 1 month ago
I actually only watched a few Saints games this season, but Colston was a pretty high pick on my fantasy team...
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