According to ESPN’s fantasy projection second-year tight end Kevin Boss has the receiving and route running capability to replace the departed Jeremy Shockey. The projection also went on to say that Boss’ run blocking is far from perfect, a “work in progress” to be specific.

The trade that sent Shockey to New Orleans for second and fifth round draft picks was supposed to alleviate the headaches caused by a star player who did not want to be with the team. It also had the effect of creating more doubt to the New York Giants ability to compete in the NFC East.

Fans already have bought Giants tickets knowing that the defense will be weaker without the heart and soul of the defense in Michael Strahan, a key to the secondary in Gibril Wilson, and linebacker Kawika Mitchell, but the loss of a star player always causes concern.

Still Giants management made the move knowing that they would be competing in a very tough division. Dallas is the early favorite and Cowboys fans are purchasing tickets expecting another division title. The Eagles and the Redskins have made improvement to their defenses and have different factors going for them on offense.

Philadelphia has a sense of urgency with Donovan McNabb creeping closer and closer to ineffectiveness and this, as always, possibly being his last season with the Eagles. The Washington Redskins are hoping Jason Campbell is ready to turn those flashes of brilliance last season into great games.

The Giants front office has tried to fill in the wholes on defense and has had to find encouragement that the New York Giants played their way to the Super Bowl without Shockey.