Despite Shockey's Promise to Make Giants Pay, Tom Coughlin Is Ready to Move on

Yesterday, we were reminded of Jeremy Shockey's promise to a bunch of unsuspecting kids that he'd make the Giants pay for trading him. Today, The New York Post's Paul Schwartz writes that head coach Tom Coughlin is ready to move on in a post-Shockey World.

Coughlin's message ... was simple and resounding - "Team over self is why we win" - and, asked if Shockey's inability to adhere to that mantra was a factor in the trade, he admitted, "I am sure at some point in time that was part of the consideration."

Coughlin's right, of course, and he points out the obvious in about as harmless a way as one could expect. And although Shockey is a top-5 NFL tight end, I'm not sure the Giants will miss his on-field production particularly when you take into account his off-field bellyaching.

Of course, this assumes second-year tight end Kevin Boss will be able to replicate his surprisingly successful rookie season, or that other downfield threats -- Steve Smith, Sinorice Moss, and Mario Manningham come to mind -- pick up the slack.

Whatever happens, the Giants and their fans have moved on. While I think the Saints are even more explosive with Shockey catching passes from Drew Brees, New York made out alright, too, getting a second- and fifth-round pick in the trade. And one less distraction.

Next up: extending Plaxico Burress' deal.