Shockey Traded to Saints and NFC East Breakdown

Jeremy Shockey has felt unwelcome in NY after he went down with an injury and Kevin Boss filled his shoes nicely and helped the Giants win Super Bowl 42. Ever since, Shockey has been the centerpiece of trade rumors and the most likely landing point for the Top 5 TE was New Orleans. Well, that is just where he ended up, it just took a lot longer than expected. The New York Giants acquired 2009 2nd and 6th round draft picks for Shockey. Many may say this trade was addition by subtraction, but I disagree. Shockey is a pain most of the time, but his talent is irreplaceable. Boss is a solid blocker, but is a very average pass threat. Shockey is an exceptional athlete and has tremendous speed. Eli Manning will miss Shockey next season. The Saints gave up two picks, but it is well worth it. Jeremy Shockey had his best years when Saints head coach Sean Payton was offensive coordinator in NY and now the two are reunited. Shockey will also have to benefit of catching balls ! from QB Drew Brees in one of the NFC's top offenses. This trade also makes life easier on WR Marques Colstan because there is another top tier pass threat on the field with him. I am not by any means a Shockey fan, but the Saints got a good player that gives them another step closer to returning to the playoffs.
There have been two blockbuster trades in the already crowded NFC East in just two days. Jason Taylor heads to Washington and Shockey leaves NY for New Orleans. The Giants are the defending champions, but the upcoming season looks bleak after DE Michael Strahan retired, S Gibril Wilson left for Oakland, LB Kawika Michell left for Buffalo, LB Reggie Torbor left for Miami, and now Shockey being traded to New Orleans. There is no way the Giants are any better after losing all this talent, especially on defense. The NY Giants likely will have the post Super Bowl hangover and miss the 2008-09 postseason all together. The Redskins lost a key team leader and pa! ss rusher to injury in Phillip Daniels, but acquired a future ! hall of famer in DE Jason Taylor. Washington still has question marks at head coach (Jim Zorn originally hired as OC but them promoted to HC), quarterback (Jason Campbell no consistency), and everywhere on defense. Washington will have issues making the playoffs as well. That leaves Dallas and Philadelphia. Dallas got better and more experienced this offseason and is living by the motto Super Bowl or bust. They are still the team to beat in this division. Philly is ready for a bounce-back season with the easiest schedule in the division and a healthy Donovan McNabb. As of right now I have the NFC East as Dallas, Philly, New York, and Washington in that order. It is still just July and many more moves and injuries can occur, so do not take that breakdown too seriously as of yet. Plenty more football especially when August arrives.