Shockey has breakthrough touchdown with Saints

It took 17 games but New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey finally showed Sunday why team officials acquired him from the New York Giants 14 months ago for second- and fifth-round draft picks.

The former University of Miami standout scored twice in the Saints' 45-27 win against the Detroit Lions at the Superdome, catching touchdown passes of 1 and 15 yards in the second quarter from quarterback Drew Brees on back-to-back drives.

After the first score, he came off the field with both arms held high, the ball in his left hand and looking skyward.

"I'll definitely remember my first Saints touchdown, " said Shockey of the play that extended the Saints' lead to 21-10 with 3:45 remaining in the first half.

Immediately afterward, as Shockey celebrated the occasion in the back of the Poydras Street end zone, Lions rookie safety Louis Delmas came up behind and slapped the ball from Shockey's hand.

Officials hit Delmas with a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

"I didn't know who it was, " Shockey said. "I thought it was my own teammate. I'm sure (Delmas) will be getting a letter from the NFL for that one."

Shockey doubled his touchdown total in New Orleans several minutes later with a juggling catch, a play that was upheld by officials after undergoing a review from the replay booth.

"I made it look hard, " he said. "It was a great pass and I luckily came down with it. I'm grateful for those two but again, we're going to work hard this week and get ready for Philadelphia."

Saints Coach Sean Payton said he was pleased for Shockey, who set the tone for himself in the team's first exhibition game against Cincinnati with a 22-yard touchdown reception from Brees.

"I told him then that just broke the seal, so hopefully they'll just be overflowing now, " Brees said. "He started off with two today -- not too shabby. But obviously, I think the sky is the limit for Jeremy and what he can do in this offense. He has come a long way.

"We had a great offseason together, and I feel very comfortable with him that he is going to have a great year."



(nola.com)