Jeremy Shockey, Down in the Bayou

I almost still cannot believe the Saints' were able to acquire Jeremy Shockey this offseason. Even after all the whispers and rumors that the New Orleans Saints' were trying to get Shockey before this years draft; the Giants were adamant that he was not for sale.

The day finally came, and it was announced that Jeremy Shockey was traded to the Saints.

Most would say that the Saints' did not need another big-name playmaker on offense, and that the defense is what needed to be addressed. If you look at all the moves the Saints made this offseason, they concentrated on defense.

First, obtaining Jonathan Vilma via trade with the New York Jets. Then Sedrick Ellis and Tracy Porter through the draft, and Bobby McCray, Aaron Glenn, and Randall Gay through free agency.

The Saints', on paper, made some great moves to shore-up one of the worst defenses in the league from last year.

So why bring in a loudmouth, problem-child like Shockey to a class-act team like the Saints? Especially when they already have one of the best offenses in the NFL today?

The answer is simple: He will make them better. The Saints, with all their offensive weapons, have lacked a threat down the middle of the field. The Saints had to use different tight ends for running and passing situations last year.

Shockey gives them run support and a passing threat. Teams will not easily guess the play with Shockey in the game, much like they did last year.

With four Pro Bowls under his belt, he is a big threat, with speed that will keep defensive coordiantors wondering how to contain him. Linebackers cannot keep up with him, and cornerbacks cannot match his size.

These mismatches and possible double-teams will free up guys like Colston and Bush. This makes Coach Payton's playbook never ending.

I, personally, am not sold on that fact that he is a problem child. I think he was a just product of the outstanding, first-class media in New York. Yes, he has said some off-color comments and has not always been on his best behavior, but who really ever is.

I believe he is just a passionate player that hates to lose, and he expects 100 percent from himself and the guys around him.

Coach Payton knows Shockey and what he is capable of. The Saints are stacked with good-character guys in the locker room, and Shockey knows that some of the comments he has made before will not be tolerated in New Orleans. The Saints have a "Team First" philosophy, and they tend to keep each other in check.

We should expect great things from Shockey and the rest of the New Orleans Saints' offense in 2008.

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