If you need a refresher on the rules for the series or a run down of previous match-ups? Here is the rules and history thread:
http://www.sportsoutlaw.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5078
Remember, this is based on re-draft leagues.

Today's Match-up:
Jeremy Shockey - TE - NYG *vs* Tony Gonzalez - TE - KC

Last Year's Stats:
Jeremy Shockey - 15 gms - 65 rec - 891 yds - 7 TD's
Tony Gonzalez - 16 gms - 78 rec - 905 rec - 2 TD's

Today's "Close Call" matches 2 elite TE's that could possibly be heading to 2 seperate directions. For years Tong Gonzalez has been the class of the TE's. However, there appears to be a king in town in Antonio Gates leaving Tozy G to battle with another talent TE in Jeremy Shockey for the #2 spot off the board. Shockey has gotten over early carear injury issues to put together 2 solid seasons back to back. As the Giants offense becomes more potent, Shockey seems to play a bigger role. As Shockey rose his game last year, Gonzo found it rough getting into the endzone with only 2 TD's. Can Shockey continue to raise his game to another level? Was Gonzo's TD production last year a blimp on the radar or a sign of things to come? These are the questions you will need to answer in today's "Close Call."

easy one for me, and its gonzo. hes going to come a round cheaper usually, and even last year in a very "off" year, he still had 80 catches and 900 yards. sick for a TE. the TDs were down, but that will happen for any receiver over time. shockey managed to finally stay pretty much healthy all year and still was only better than gonzo because of the TDs -- gonzo out caught him in receptions and yardage. i'll stick with the cheaper, safe option here. i dont expect shockey to make it through a whole season healthy and out of trouble, and i think the TEs will even themselves out this year.

It's hard to imagine Gonzo's TDs staying down for two years in a row. The last time he had two touchdowns was 1998. Shockey is a bit of an injury risk, although he's one of Eli's favorite targets. I give the edge to Gonzo.

not sure where you figure that. These two are actually very close to each other in actual draft value with a near identical ADP. Not seeing the round later from what I have researched on the two, in fact, not a clear concensus as to who is going first, hence the close call.

Going against the grain and picking Shockey on this one.

I am a little shocked to see two back to back Gonzo picks. What are you guys smoking? Guess I better go look at this one a little closer before I give my "unexpert" opinion.

Gotta go Gonzo here. I don't believe for a second that he will repeat his TD total from last, I expect more in line with what he has done in the past, 7-10. He does that, and he is right there with the top TE's in the league again. His yds and receptions were still there, the TD's will come back, and he is a much safer and realiable pick. Shockey has yet to play a 16 game season, so that has to be taken into consideration.

As long as Shockey as a QB named Manning, I take him 10 out of 10 times.

Shockey is only getting better

There are too many questions this year with Gonzo. Don't get me wrong... I'm not mad that I got messed over by picking him for one of my leagues last year. I just don't know what Herm Edwards is going to pull off in KC. Guess maybe I should get my nose out of the Texans MB and start checking stuff out.

I agree. From him getting older to losing his OC, getting a run first HC, thinkgs aren't looking brighter for Gonzo. He still will be a solid FF TE but is a shadow of his former self. Shockey on the other hand is getting better and another year with Manning should only help.

Who is the Jets TE anyway? Herm Edwards isn't known for using his TE's well, so i go with the man i hate, Shockey.

Does Herm Edwards even know what a tight end is?

Why delve into his personal life?

Herm has never had Gonzo to work with. Coaches use what they have, and with KC you have one of the most prolific TE's ever, Herm will use him. Green has not went anywhere, and he's the one that throws the ball, I have no reservation about Herm using a TE in the offense.

While I dont expect Gonzalez to only have 2 td's this year, the fact remains that it is hard to know what will happen with this offense under a new coaching system. Add to that the fact that Gonzo is now 30, and I will have to go with a "homer" pick of Shockey, due to the age factor, plus the fact that I think that he and Eli will only continue to get better together.