Victor Cruz and the New York Giants didn't finish the 2012 season the way they'd hoped, dropping 2 of their final 3 games in sloppy fashion en route to missing the postseason a year removed from winning the franchises fourth Super Bowl. Despite Cruz eclipsing the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the second-consecutive season while running back Ahmad Bradshaw ran for over 1,000 yards though he battled injury, the Giants couldn't overcome careless mistakes and multiple offensive deficiencies when it mattered most.
Bradshaw is now gone, signing with the Indianapolis Colts during the offseason, and even though there is tremendous upside for second-year back David Wilson, the Giants will certainly need big time production from quarterback Eli Manning, Cruz and receiver Hakeem Nicks in order to make a push for the postseason. Cruz - a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the Giants - suffered a bruised heel during the preseason and although he was in a walking boot for the final 2 games of the schedule, the 26-year-old has returned to full-speed practice and fully expects to be a big part of the Giants' season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, September 8.
"It feels really good to be back out there," Cruz said upon returning to the field. "My major concern was coming out of those hard-breaking routes, those curls, where I'm really digging my foot in. But I did it, and it didn't feel bad. I'm actually more encouraged about Week 1 now. As long as everything keeps going well, and I keep icing it and I wake up in the morning feeling good and the swelling keeps going down, I should be good to go."
Missing the playoffs in 3 of the last 4 seasons, the Giants know the health of their playmakers will be crucial to the team returning to the 'second season,' something that will surely mean a bit more this year since Super Bowl XLVIII will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a place the New York Giants call home.
"Definitely, it's good to have all your weapons out there, one of your top receivers,'' Giants quarterback Eli Manning said about the return of Cruz after a recent practice. "It's good to get him running around. I'm excited he'll be back for this opening game."
In 2 seasons with the Giants, Victor Cruz has grown into one of the top receivers in the NFL. Hauling in 168 passes for over 2,600 yards, the former University of Massachusetts standout has found the end zone 19 times while solidifying himself as one of the most dangerous downfield threats in the league.
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