Jeremy Shockey: From Bombastic Bust to Super Hero?

There was a point amid a promising NFL career when Jeremy Shockey behaved annoyingly. But then came Media Day, the moment we were able to grasped signs of maturity. Finally, because there never was a time during an enigmatic career, Shockey acted with good sense.

Not only was he a distraction for teammates, but a mischievous tight end. At this time, he has grown and accepts a challenge as a Saint. But he has achieved more than the average tight end, and is fortunate enough to have been on winning teams.

Before, he was portrayed as a bombastic bust, but ever since tasting a bittersweet flavor at Super Bowl XLII with the New York Giants, he realized how gracious and gratifying sustaining a win on the biggest stage is. He probably wasn’t in good health to celebrate with ex-teammates, but he relates to players who were in similar situations.

It’s unfortunate he missed a significant game in which he had a broken left leg suffered late in the season that kept him sidelined. Even though he was inactive and unable to contribute in a huge way, Shockey recognized what it took and what’s at stake in a return home for Super Bowl XLIV.

“I’m here on a business trip,” said Shockey. “I’ve done enough partying to last me for this week.”

At least, he admits that he’s a party animal. But in this case, he’s more of a football devotee, committed to contributing on the sport's biggest stage. That he had a selfish personality; he was a pompous hypocrite. Ask Giants coach Tom Coughlin and general manager Jerry Reese, where in their regime Shockey failed to meet expectations and was implored to attend the Super Bowl. Finally, he wasn’t enthusiastic playing for the Giants and separated from the team, turning on a franchise with which he'd grown into a star.

But his selfish mindset, quickly, burned out avid fans and killed morale among teammates and the coaching staff and also injuries started to become problematic. The difference now is, everyone tells him how much they like having Shockey around. The difference now is, everyone tells him how much they could utilize his explosiveness and quick hands. The difference now is, he’s probably the coolest and likable figure within the organization.

And if you haven’t noticed any blemishes, again Shockey enters a critical game nursing an injured right knee. But any player with a functional state of mind is ready for a competitive matchup, particularly when the New Orleans Saints are one win away from immortality, reaching its first Super Bowl in franchise history.

In a neutral site, the Saints are viewed as underdogs, but more importantly they comprise of all the suitable necessities, beneficial in enduring delight. There are certainly good vibes, perhaps, understated impressions that makes absolute sense to the Saints. While most citizens here, in America, set their eyes on the legacy of Peyton Manning and Dwight Freeney’s health status, the optimist forgotten about the first-time arrivers.

Rather the Saints are undersized and inexperienced at such a high level: there’s Saints’ defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, a guru who has assembled a work of art on defense; there’s safety Darren Sharper, an explosive perfectionist who could steal the spotlight on Super Bowl Sunday, if he studies and reads all the plays accordingly, and there’s Shockey.

That's not counting a sturdy quarterback in Drew Brees or the sudden growth of running back Reggie Bush. But the biggest star may emerge at an unpredictable offensive position, and later hoist MVP honors. I’m referring to, Shockey, the monstrous 6-foot-4, 251 pound tight end.

Come now, he’s a totally different guy, understanding the importance of teamwork and contributing. And considering that he was a problem-child, Shockey has matured, putting to rest the rude mannerism. Never did he have a gnarly attitude, but an ungenerous attitude that never settled too well in New York. Nearly each week, he was criticized in local tabloids for either making inane remarks or staging foolish commotion among an intolerant organization, as a way to seize media attention.

As a stint gradually dwindled in New York, he was described as a “loose cannon” because he wasn’t compatible with quarterback Eli Manning. Blessed with ample chances, his imposing presence in the league never relapsed, recovering from the inevitable premise of self-destruction.

Since he was traded to New Orleans, a heartwarming town perceives Shockey has an endearing sporting figure. Make no mistake, he has come a long ways, though he’s not quite the ambassador. But he’s a lovable idol many welcomed with open arms, believing he’s a perfect fit.

Fame goes a long ways in New Orleans, a town attached to a loyal football franchise that revived a spiritless community of dreadful memories, regarding a heartless tragedy. Remember Hurricane Katrina ravaged an animated city, before the Saints were proclaimed as heroes for putting a smile on bleak faces, deprived of faith and hope. What we now verify as America’s franchise, Shockey has ascended to stardom. He’s viewed as a prolific player, valued greatly for running routes effectively and undermining defenses with gusto and a sharp-minded modus.

Even an unintelligent individual takes notice of what’s being analyzed during Super Week. If Shockey is robust by game time, he’s a threat to the Colts’ depleted secondary. It’s a huge loss that Freeney is sidelined, the all-time sacks leader in team history. It’s interesting to see if Shockey sabotages the Colts’ defense.

If anything, he’s an intimidating athlete with durability and athleticism to attack and punish Indianapolis by sprinting in routes and completing catches. If so, he’s very explosive after he completes catches, and usually gains a significant total in yards. In other words, Shockey is to be reckoned with.

“Watching Jeremy from afar,” said Williams. “I don’t think I would want him to be on a team I was associated with. But up close, I love the guy. He is crazy committed on the field, in practice and in games. He is a coach’s dream player. Now, that doesn’t mean I want to go out and have drinks or dinner with him. We know that side of him is crazy committed, too.”

Yes, knowing his reputation he loves to drink. But, I must admit, Shockey has grown up. And he’s now a menace on turf.

Consider it all the reason why he’ll have treatment and take on rigid preparations just so he’s back on the field in time for a precious opportunity. But he wouldn’t miss this game if his life depended on it, knowing the emphasis of shining when a championship is on the line. Why not now?

This is a week players spend dreaming of possessing the gleaming hardware, and if so, the moment is now when it’s in front of the large eyes. But it will take diligence and confidence to reach a pivotal climax that may never return in their favors. The only way Shockey misses the action is by having a leg or arm amputated.

“I’m going to play this game like it was my last game,” Shockey said Tuesday at Media Day.

Ineffective and inactive in prior games during the postseason, he’ll be one of Brees’ targets and difference-makers, depending on the number of touches.

Most of all, returning to Miami, where he was a college standout, Shockey comes to complete a long-awaited mission.

That’s to win the Super Bowl.

At 29, he’s a matured athlete and hero in some people’s eyes.

From Aint's to Saints: Suddenly Contenders, Not Pretenders

Among all things, no atmosphere in America is as lively as the Superdome, where a large and energetic population gathers to root for a franchise that has encountered misery in prior years. But now, for skeptics who are blinded by surrealism, disbelieving is underestimating a team that has suddenly awakened and established itself into a playoff contender.

In recent years, we were accustomed to observing a franchise shamelessly enduring inferiority. On Bourbon Street the fans wore frowns, jaded in a downcast era.

The New Orleans Saints were still pretenders at the time, in disarray and embarrassed when an irritable crowd wore paper bags covering their heads to severely ridicule a futile franchise, critical on fizzles staining prominence.

Oftentimes, cheers were unlikely heard inside the lively dome and seats were empty. But then, the Saints were known as the Aint’s amid troubles when heartwarming emotions weren’t shared within a franchise that strongly needed applause, rather than unpleasant chants.

But now, a surreal perception convinces a cynical community to believe. Before, the entire community disowned the Saints, failing to entertain sensibility and ignoring chaotic flaws. No longer is there a reason to have bitter feelings or ignore the emergence of the Saints.

Their astonishing season isn’t a mirage, but a reality for a franchise suddenly transforming into a Super Bowl contender, having the necessary ingredients to finally present splendor in a town that witnessed countless afflictions.

Today, the Saints are marching in, beating anyone stepping in front. That's good vibes given the poor history, which staged negligence when lacking in victories, a category describing New Orleans as a joke in a sport that has emerged into America’s premier sport.

But today, they’re recognized for their dominance. They possess a driven mindset aiming for perfection, which would label the Saints as interesting competitors. And surely, no one has forgotten the devastating disaster, when Hurricane Katrina destroyed spirit.

In a despairing crisis, battered in the most devastating calamity, the franchise clearly emerged as America’s team. Suddenly, a tragic occurrence turned into an inspirational storyline as the hearts of most people rooting for the Saints uplifted an entire city. What transpired in the 2006 season was an inspirational scene, becoming contagious and exhilarating while facing dismal issues.

The Saints enthralled residents with a delighted victory in the season-opener on a Monday night to detract from the agonizing disaster. That was the loudest it was in years, but again, the Superdome still generates noise, making it difficult to hear the plays called on the field. By virtue, this is the loudest Saints' faithful have been in a long time, truly believing it's the year to dance in Miami and rejoice as a cohesive unit.

Above all, the aspiration of the Saints is positive thus far, negating four decades of futility. So now, reaching Super Bowl XLIV isn’t out of the equation, but instead it is part of the plans.

Their intent is to book hotel reservations, call the travel agent and purchase a one-way flight to Miami, where winning will bring excitement back to Bourbon Street, perhaps for a premature celebration. Having a Saints parade is a dream in a town accustomed to feasting on gumbo and Cajun dishes, but also Mardi gras, which will normally take place a week following the Super Bowl.

Similar to the sounds of jazz music, the Saints are jazzing things up with a 7-0 start, the best start in franchise history. It’s the most interesting team, an unbeaten core defying the tangibles, entertaining us with a well-designed pass-and-catch spectacle. It’s the most arousing team, consisting of weapons that could literally outplay a defensive unit, because of their sense of awareness and poise. It’s the most underestimated team given a horrid track record in previous seasons.

But what people fail to realize is the Saints are marching on in, not intimidated or uncomfortable, designing and executing with an effective passing game that has tortured a number of defenses. We should be rooting for New Orleans, a team with tremendous heart and intrepidity. And it happens to be the Saints, black and gold pride, now earning a fair amount of respect because of their wonderful breakout season.

Suddenly, a dramatic night finished with the Saints pulling it off late and turned a tense night into a crazy atmosphere as the delirious crowd witnessed New Orleans rise to perfection with a 35-27 victory over Atlanta.

Most of the citizens are thrilled, embracing a dynamic quarterback, Drew Brees, who’s definitely MVP-worthy, by compiling statistics each week and finishing Monday night with an unbelievable passer rating of 111.7.

He is, indeed, emerging into a Brett Favre type and embodies a charismatic mindset. Then, there’s his potent arm strength, along with trusting in a profound receiving core. Nonetheless, eventually each team encounters a roadblock, obstacles that suddenly arrive. The Saints arrived when they had to survive late against the Falcons fierce defense.

So basically, it was a high-powered offense vs. an underrated defense as Mike Smith, head coach and defensive specialist, tested and studied the league’s most sterling offense. And also the muscular defensive end John Abraham bull-rushed Brees.

To some extent, however, the Falcons strategized a well-designed tactic to frustrate the gunslinger, clearly believing a sturdy defensive assignment was a primary factor in handing the Saints their first loss of the season.

But, of course, the Falcons weren’t as intimidating in seizing control over the most-talented team in the NFL. As time trickled away in the fourth quarter, the Saints weren’t as dominant, failing to romp in a typical fashion.

The scoreboard indicated a probable disappointment, Saints surprisingly leading 28-24,until the Saints prolific cornerback Tracy Porter intercepted a pass tipped by Jonathan Vilma. He returned it for a game-changing touchdown, getting a break after the versatile Pierre Thomas, who rushed for 91 yards on 14 carries with a touchdown, fumbled on the Saints 35.

Mostly, poor ball-security hindered New Orleans. During an intense game, there were moments in the contest that they could have blown it open. That’s when careless lapses must be downsized in contests if the Saints want to pursue a raised championship banner inside the dome at the beginning of next season. What’s most impressive, though, is their irresistible defense, an underrated unit who forced Atlanta’s sensational quarterback, Matt Ryan, to launch mediocre throws.

Sometimes, when a contest is on the line, desperate passes might be a misstep, but Ryan had limited options and plenty of time to heave a prayer. Notice there’s not a defensive back as lethal in the backfield as Darren Sharper, who secured his seventh interception on the season, when he picked off Ryan.

Make no mistake, the much-improved defense deserves credit. If the Saints weren’t as reliable on defense, obviously there wouldn’t be much buzz escalating. The powerful defense has at least an interception in each game and committed to blitzes frequently, a model installed and influenced by new defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams.

Without a doubt, coach Sean Payton is best known for his shrewd offensive play calling, and could plot schemes successfully. Since the Saints consist of an unbeaten record, I’ll suggest Brees and agile wideout Marques Colston is an intriguing quarterback-receiver tandem in the league.

For instance, a well-executed offensive scheme occurred when Brees connected with Colston on an 18-yard touchdown pass. You might even suggest tight-end Jeremy Shockey is mellowing, finally avoiding behavior issues and emerging into a second target in Brees’ offensive method.

It’s enough talent as the Saints continuously improve as contenders, rather than pretenders. So now, once again, New Orleans is alive. Citizens are now interested to see if the Saints could attain a Super Bowl victory. As it stands, they’re built with tremendous talent.

Remember, the Aint’s no longer exist.