Shockey poised for breakout season

By Samuel Groshans  |   Tuesday, August 22, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

New York Giants
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When the New York Giants drafted Jeremy Shockey five years ago, they took him knowing they were getting a rare talent and a very enthusiastic player. Now, as he enters the prime of his career, Shockey is set to make an even bigger impact than he already has. Hampered by injuries in his first five seasons (he hasn't played a full one yet), it appears that Shockey is ready to have a career year.

However, he did have a mild concussion early in preseason. That's an injury to keep an eye on, considering that concussions can often have lasting impressions.

Injury concerns aside, Shockey has all the tools and natural gifts that you look for when thinking of a premier tight end, plus a few extras. He's tall, strong and fast, with solid hands and an unnaturally good instinct. To go along with that, he's probably the most passionate player on the field on any given Sunday. And if he's not, he sure acts like he is. He inspires his teammates and keeps the adrenaline pumping. Shockey has always been the "X" factor in the Giants' offense, and it's apparent that he'll be that once again.

Often overshadowed by bigger names like Tiki Barber and Plaxico Burress, and slowed by injuries last year, Shockey still had an extremely effective season. He caught 65 passes for 891 yards and seven touchdowns. This year, rid of the concussion by the beginning of the season (or so fans hope), he is poised to finally emerge as an on-field star. How much more of a breakout year can he have? It wouldn't be surprising if he caught 80 passes this season, or had over 1,000 receiving yards.

On top of the season he is ready for receiving-wise, one can't overlook the powerful blocking as well as the fact that the former Miami Hurricane draws attention away from Toomer and Burress on the field. Shockey has significantly improved his blocking ability, and should open up some very good running lanes on his side of the line. As previously mentioned, he always draws coverage. Many times he distracts a linebacker and a safety, which causes the cornerbacks of the opposing defense to play man on Toomer and Burress.

Many people will look at the past few seasons that Shockey has had - three Pro Bowls is just one of many accomplishments - and would ask how much more he could possibly do. Well, the answer is this: A whole lot more. Shockey has the talent and intensity to do anything he wants. Expect him to consistently run over opposing defenses this year, and expect the Giants' offense to hurt a bit when he doesn't.

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