Photo Credit: sportsglory.com
Victor Cruz has the ability to become the Giants best WR when his contract is finished
By Michael Van Horn – Big Blue United 6.4.14
Back on August 16th, 2010, Giants fans were treated to a glimpse of their future star wide receiver. Victor Cruz torched our storied rival New York Jets to the tune of three touchdown catches and well over 100 yards receiving in a meaningless, yet foreshadowing pre-season contest. Fast forward through four seasons, add another Super Bowl victory against the Patriots, almost 4,000 yards and over 20 TD’s later, and the Giants #1 wideout has salsa-danced his way into Big Blue history.
It is very rare that a player who went undrafted to accrue these massive career accolades, but this Pro Bowler has continually shown his mettle through several seasons with the Giants. Cruz is no stranger to adversity or tragedy either. He grew up in Paterson, NJ. As a student at Umass, he struggled academically which in turn had an affect on his collegiate football career. He was constantly at odds with his education and his family, in particular, his father. In March of 2007, Cruz’s life would change forever. His father had taken his own life in their home in NJ. Cruz would make the choice to improve his grades, eventually graduate from Umass, and end up having a solid college career on the field. In 2010, he signed with the New York Giants and the story continues.
He is not your prototypical #1 wide receiver even though his play on the field and stats would support this argument. It was this point of contention which lead to difficult contract negotiations last off-season. Cruz wanted to be paid like a top wide receiver and the Giants felt his max value was that of a top slot receiver. Eventually, the two sides would agree on an extension, which proved to be the right move for both sides. With Hakeem Nicks inability to perform and stay healthy, the Giants locked up the right player and Cruz will now be primed for a monster season with a new offensive coordinator and new offensive scheme.
Cruz has worked primarily out of the slot throughout his career with the Giants. It is where he can garner the best match-ups, where he can utilize his skill set the best, and also where he can do the most damage. The idea is to get the ball into his hands, as quickly as possible. In 2011, he set a New York Giants team record with 1536 receiving yards (over 1800 if you include the post season). Almost 700 of those yards came after the catch. Even though Cruz has dropped some very easy balls throughout his career because his head is upfield before the ball is in his hands, he is still one of the most dangerous players in the NFL in open space.
This season, the Giants drafted Odell Beckham, Jr. out of LSU to pair with Rueben Randle on the outside of the formation. This will allow for Cruz to stay in the slot and run those quick inside slant routes that maximize his potential to get the ball upfield. With a new system and hopefully a rejuvenated and focused Eli Manning, Victor Cruz could be primed for his best season in a Giants uniform yet.
Call him Van Horn. Born in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, and into the family of the New York Football Giant faithful, Michael joins the rest of his Big Blue United teammates as a staff writer, contributor, and loyal G-Unit fan. Michael plans on serving all Giants fans and BBU followers with articles, updates, and analysis regarding anything NYG.
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