Shockey left Giants no choice: He simply had to go

I'd be stunned if the change of scenery didn't benefit Shockey. Not only is he reunited with former offensive coordinator Sean Payton, he's in an offense where the Saints throw an average of 40 passes a game. Some of those balls have to go in his direction.

But the change will benefit the Giants, too. Coughlin doesn't have to spend time answering questions about Shockey's absences or his dissatisfaction or his injuries or whatever the topic du jour is.

And Eli Manning doesn't have to watch Shockey flap his arms in disgust or listen to him complain about not getting the ball; some close to the organization believe he intimidated the young quarterback.

I don't know if he did or didn't. What I do know is the Giants won a Super Bowl without Shockey and that Manning seemed more comfortable and confident without him during his playoff run.

Sure, Shockey is talented. Yes, he's tough. And, yes, he's relentless, bullish and competitive.

But if that energy isn't channeled in the right direction -- and it wasn't lately -- Shockey becomes a problem somebody has to deal with. With the Giants, I always had the feeling nobody could handle the guy, and if that's true, then he had to go.

As I said, it's about time.