Offseason Notes
Jeremy Shockey is a Saint!
After a whirlwind of rumors and speculations, the New York Giants sent the 4 time Pro Bowl tight end to the Saints for New Orleans' 2nd and 5th round picks of the 2009 draft. Shockey was a First round pick in the 2002 NFL draft and has 371 catches for 4,228 yards and 27 touchdowns.
Within days Eric Johnson's contract was terminated by the Saints.
Jeremy Shockey's Career Stats with the New York Giants:
| Year | Games | Catches | Yards | Avg | Longest | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 15 | 74 | 894 | 21.1 | 30 | 2 |
| 2003 | 9 | 48 | 535 | 11.1 | 46 | 2 |
| 2004 | 15 | 61 | 666 | 10.9 | 38 | 6 |
| 2005 | 15 | 65 | 891 | 13.7 | 59 | 7 |
| 2006 | 15 | 66 | 623 | 9.4 | 25 | 3 |
| 2007 | 14 | 57 | 619 | 10.9 | 29 | 3 |
| Total | 83 | 371 | 4228 | 11.4 | 59 | 27 |
The oft-critized Shockey has been labeled everything from a loud-mouth "Me-First" player to a locker room cancer by the media. After the Giants front office reportedly asked the injured Shockey not to sit on the sidelines with the team during the 2008 Super Bowl, he made his feelings very known.
Whatever attitude labels you put on Shockey there is no doubting the man's talent. He's a playmaker. Maybe a change of scenery is just what he needs.
Despite winning 7 games and almost making the playoffs, 2007 has got to be the most disappointing season to date. Even more so than 1980, the 1-15 Year of the Bagheads, when the Saints had come off an unprecedented successful season. The 8-8 record was the best ever to date for New Orleans and the Saints were predicted to a contender in upcoming 1980 season.
Going into 2007, the Saints had no major changes. The handful of players added were suppose to be upgrades. And all the major contributors of the magical run for the NFC Championship were expected to continue into the next season. The team seemed focused and ready for the next big step -- To be a contender in the Super Bowl.
Obviously, that's not what happened. It seems that it was the rest of the NFL that made it to the next level as the Saints started 0-4 and despite managing to win 7 games of the next 12 games, they couldn't get that magic of 2006 back.
Well, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for 2008. Be it a very long tunnel, there is light nevertheless. The 2008 offseason has been, if nothing else, positive. Apparent problems (i.e.-Defense) have at least been addressed.
One addition that may prove big wasn't even with a player. The colorful defensiveline coach from USC, Ed Orgeron has been brought in to add some much needed fire to a defensiveline that failed to generate much of a passrush most of the season.
Defensive end and pass-rusher Bobby McCray from Jacksonville was also brought in to help. Many reports of training camps have McCray as a preliminary force to be reckoned with.
In a further effort to revamp the defensive line the Saints went as far an attempted move to trade up to get LSU standout Glenn Dorsey. Even though it didn't happen, it showed the willingness of this front office to make something happen. We did manage a trade up from the #10 spot to the #7 spot and nabbed All-American defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis from USC.
Along with changes to the line, Former All-Pro and defensive Rookie of year, Jonathon Vilma was obtained in trade with the Jets. Vilma had a falling out with Jets head coach Eric Mangini and didn't seem to fit well in the new 3-4 defensive scheme. The Saints hope he recoveries from some injuries and returns to his former play.
Probably the most obvious problem with the 2007 defense was the pass defense. The secondary as a whole struggled throughout the season. Unfortunately, this looks to be one of the areas that look to be more of the same. Randal Gay was signed away from the Patriots and hopes are pegged on him. Gay play was limited to back-up and nickel-back roles at New England, so it remains to be seen what kind of impact, if any, he will make. Along with Gay, long-time veteran Aaron Glenn was brought on. Going into his 15th NFL season, one has to wonder if this will be the year Father Time catches up with him. If not, he can be a huge addition. The argument could be made that this area couldn't get any worse. But remember, the best of the bunch, cornerback Mike McKenzie, is still nursing an ACL injury and may sit part, if not all of next season.
The apparent strength of the team lies on the other side of the ball. But this strength rests first and foremost on the combination of Drew Brees and Marcus Colston. They are undeniably one of the most productive combinations in football today, but how much longer can the Saints pen their hopes on the Brees/Colston connection? The good news is veteran David Patten remains a reliable compliment. Even better news from the Saints camp is that Robert Meachem, the first round pick of 2007 that sat out the season with a knee injury, is making huge strides in the offseason and looks to be a contributor in 2008. Seventh round pick Adrian Arrington is also reported turning some heads.
One area that has appears to have received no attention is the running game. Without question, the ground game under achieved in 2007 and it may also be the most unpredictable area of the upcoming 2008 campaign.
It's no secret Saint Fans have their eyes on back-up Pierre Thomas. In a limited role in 2008, Thomas had nothing but positive results. Against Chicago, he became the first Saint to have over 100 yards rushing and receiving in a game. Averaging almost 5 yards a carry and 24 yards a return his future looks very good.
Five years ago Deuce McAllister was one of the top two or three backs in the league. But this season, he is coming off the second season-ending injury of his career; Deuce is a major question mark in that back field. The Saints All Time career yardage record holder has no doubt lost a step or two. The odds may be against him but if anyone can make a comeback, Deuce McAllister can. His determination and drive has been evident too many times before.
Reggie Bush, the media darling of 2006, has struggled. His flashes of greatness have thus far been overshadowed by inconsistencies and fumbles. Bush has been accused of "trying to hard to make something happen" and his impatience shows. If he can settle down into a role that's even just consistent on this team the offense will benefit. Back-up Aaron Stecker was brought back. Stecker may have been the most consistent of the Saint backs in 2007 rushing for 448 yards, catching 36 passes and scoring 6 TDs.
Another area that received little change was the offensive line. With the lack of a ground game, it received its share of criticism. Starting center Jeff Faine was lost to rival Tampa Bay and back-up veteran Jeff Goodwin appears to incumbent. Ironically, some of the better rushing games of 2007 came when Goodwin filled in for Faine when he was injured. The rest of the starting cast of Jamal Brown, Jon Stinchcomb, Jamar Nesbit and Jahri Evans remains intact.
After a dismal showing in 2007, kicker Olinde Mare was replaced by Martin Gramatica. Gramatica was, at least, perfect on the season --even if it was only 5 attempts. Gramatica looks to be pushed by rookie kicker Taylor Mehlhaff in camp.
So what will it be in 2008 for the New Orleans Saints? On the outset, it looks like some problems have been resolved. But anyone accustomed to the New Orleans Saints knows anything can happen (and usually does) in New Orleans. But hey, at least we didn't pick a kicker in the first round.
Please keep in mind; these are nothing more than personal observations and random thoughts. I hardly consider myself an expert --Lord knows we have enough of them already--
