ALBANY, N.Y. -- On the fourth play of the first "team drill" during the New York Giants initial training camp practice last Friday morning, wide receiver Amani Toomer raced up the left sideline, stretched out a big right paw as he subtly adjusted to the pass from Kerry Collins, then laid out to complete a brilliant one-handed catch.

	Jeremy Shockey provided the Giants with a new dimension on offense.

It was, in its own way, an early camp reminder that these are not your father's Giants anymore, folks.

Once viewed as stodgy, staid and predictable, the perception of the Giants offense, even in the last couple seasons, was that it was slow and pedestrian, lurching the ball along in spasms and hiccups. In truth, though, a New York offense that statistically ranked No. 6 in the league in 2002, now takes, well, Giants steps toward the end zone.

As indicated by the fact the Giants ranked just 22nd in the NFL in points scored in 2002, and only 23rd in offensive touchdowns produced, the New York attack still takes far too many detours on its way to pay dirt. But few teams can match the potential firepower of the Giants offense, a unit that somehow percolates big-time, without really boiling over into the public consciousness.

"Outside of New York, no, I don't think people know how (potent) this offense can be," agreed wide receiver Ike Hilliard, who seems to be finally over the injuries that stunted his career the last three years, and who some observers feel is poised for a breakout-type season in 2003. "We have playmakers at all the (skill) positions, very talented guys, but it's like we operate in some kind of vacuum."

It is a well-guarded secret, for instance, that the Giants generated more "big plays" -- defined as runs of 20 yards or more and pass completions of 25-plus yards - than any other offense in the league in 2002. Unfortunately, the Giants were held under 20 points in half their regular-season outings. That pernicious anemia for the end zone meant that four of New York's six regular-season defeats came in contests in which its opponents scored fewer than 20 points.

Clearly, the Giants must be more efficient, especially in the "red zone," but in scoring opportunities in general. Improving in "plus" territory, reducing squandered chances, keeping turnovers to a minimum are all among the team's goals for '03. Those and, of course, maintaining the kind of tote-board numbers rung up by individual players.

Quarterback Kerry Collins had a career year in 2002, establishing career bests in completions (335), passing yards (4,073) and efficiency rating (85.4). Toomer also enjoyed a breakout season, with bests in catches (82), yards (1,343) and touchdowns (eight). At the risk of sounding repetitive, tailback Tiki Barber rung up, yep, career-best numbers in carries (304), rushing yards (1,387) and touchdowns (11), while continuing to be one of the NFL's premier all-around backs.

	“	Outside of New York, no, I don't think people know how (potent) this offense can be. We have playmakers at all the (skill) positions, very talented guys, but it's like we operate in some kind of vacuum. ”
		— Ike Hilliard, Giants wide receiver

And, ah, yes, the Giants unveiled a new star in tight end Jeremy Shockey, who earned a Pro Bowl berth as a rookie and who quickly rose to icon status in The Big Apple. For a town that dotes unabashedly over its heroes, and further elevates those unconventional characters who come its way, Shockey was an overnight sensation.

Noted Barber: "I don't think he's the prototype for the position because, to say that, it means there will be other guys who come along just like him. It's more like Shockey is revolutionary. He might be the only player out there like him. Maybe they just broke the mold, you know, after they made him."

And maybe, if they can be more proficient at locating the end zone in '03, the Giants will break out of the offensive stereotype that has hounded them but no longer is appropriate. If high-powered can be transformed into high-scoring this season, the offense might get the props it has missed out on recently.

"I think the perception is changing," said coach Jim Fassel. "We're a team with a lot of dimensions now and we like to use them all."

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.