NEW YORK – Hello Giants fans, I would hate myself down the road if I didn’t write something about QB Eli Manning and Victor Cruz, right now. The numbers simply don’t lie. Manning is an elite NFL QB, period. Add to that, WR Victor Cruz is emerging as an elite NFL WR in his own right. I won’t use words like staggering or gargantuan (I so very rarely get to use that word in a sentence, thanks QT) but I will say that both Manning and Cruz have been steady and strong, quietly climbing up the rankings and everyone can see it now. They have proven to be resilient, just like this 2011 Giants team.
Let me give you a breakdown of Cruz, look at what he has done this year versus established and elite NFL WR’s. The passing game is going so well that the running game has suffered a bit.
Giants WR Victor Cruz is ranked 8th in the NFL for receiving yards. Who are some of the elite players at WR that are below Cruz? Well let’s see, there is WR Roddy White, WR Reggie Wayne, WR Dwayne Bowe, WR Vincent Jackson, WR Marques Colston, WR Anquan Boldin, WR DeSean Jackson and the list goes on and on, including a guy you may know named Hakeem Nicks. He is also tied for 5th place in the NFL for most WR TD’s (4). You have to remember that Cruz is doing this from a No.2 or No.3 WR position. Those other WR’s mentioned are No.1 WR’s including Nicks, who is the Giants No.1 WR. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t see this coming because I did. I noticed Cruz immediately in training camp WR Victor Cruz, No.80 – photographs This was in 2010 up at the University of Albany. The New Jersey native just had something, he was out there catching everything and making plays. I have been watching Cruz from that moment until now.
He is playing so well, that he has become relevant in fantasy football. Now that is really saying something and a testament to quality performances on the field. On top of everything, he is a great guy off the field. What more could you ask for from a young and talented wide receiver? Hate it or love it, Victor Cruz is playing on an elite level right now. The numbers don’t lie and he should be voted into the Pro Bowl. I can’t wait to see what he does against the Eagles on Sunday night.
Cruz was at Juliet Supper Club in New York this week when a shooting occurred and killed one man in the place. Cruz was with a few other Giants players celebrating a birthday (no Giants were injured). I think that put things in perspective for him about going out and seeing how your life can change in a moment. Look at WR Plaxico Burress as a perfect example. Right or wrong, Burress went to jail for a few years and that’s the way that story ends. The wrong place at the wrong time can even get you killed. Players cannot stop living their lives over these occurrences but it should keep them on their toes and making smart choices.
QB Eli Manning won’t win the NFL MVP like I’ve said before, Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers seems a lock for that this year. But Manning does belong in the Pro Bowl and I hope that puts the story to bed. Do another Top 100 player list and see where Manning is ranked this year. He is playing very smart football right now and players like WR Victor Cruz and TE Jake Ballard are benefitting from his evolution. WR Hakeem Nicks and WR Mario Manningham are two more dangerous weapons that Manning has in the mix. The Iron man is simply phenomenal and I’m glad he is our quarterback. QB Eli Manning, No.10 – photographs
RD – nygreporter.com
Please Support New York Giants Legend, George Martin’s “A Journey for 9/11” Charity. Never Forget!
You can tell by this TV promo for NBC Sunday Night Football (11/20/11 at 8:20 PM EST) that Giants QB Eli Manning is not playing around this year and has grown into a man who commands respect. The Giants play the Eagles in what should be a classic divisional battle, between two teams that really dislike each other. Get ready for some action Sunday Night!
Posted by robdomaine 
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