Heat Shield and Check Engine

I drive a 99 Cherokee Sport and recently the bolts for the heat shield (over rear axle) corroded causing the shield to fall off. I looked around and determined (perhaps incorrectly??) that this wasn't that necessary so never replaced it.

Today my check engine light came on. I have noticed that upon starting and driving away that the engine seems to take a little while to catch on. I press the gas but don't get the acceleration that I should. After 1-2 minutes it performs as normal. This has happened once or twice in the past but seems a daily occurrence now.

My questions are:
1. Are these problems related?
2. If not related, anyone know what is up with the engine that causes it to catch late?

The heat shield coming off should have nothing to do with this. You should take the jeep to an auto part store and have them down load the codes from the check engine light. That should get you started on what is causing the problem.

Mike