Matchup Nightmares: New York Giants Top Playmakers

Nov 17, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;

New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) celebrates a big 1st down 2nd half

at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Victor Cruz

Thanks to Victor Cruz, no Giants game feels complete with out a little salsa dancing in the end zone. Cruz became a superstar in 2011. He came out of what seemed like nowhere, he was an undrafted free agent out of UMASS. It became clear that Manning and Cruz had a special connection. Manning and Cruz connected on 82 passes for 1,536 yards in the 2011 season. Cruz became a huge part of a team that won the Super Bowl that year. Cruz backed the performance up in the 2012 season when he caught 86 receptions and scored 10 touchdowns.

Cruz’s numbers went down in 2013, but that was a pretty bad season for everybody (example Manning threw 27 interceptions and the Giants went 7-9. He caught 73 passes for 998 yards and just four touchdowns. Cruz is coming off a devastating knee injury that he suffered in the 2014 season. Cruz has been fighting a grueling path towards recovery that should pay off big for the Giants. With Cruz in the lineup defenses cannot commit all their resources to stopping Beckham Jr. because is a big play waiting to happen.

Cruz does his best work from the slot and Manning loves to hit him deep down the seam. Cruz is a matchup nightmare because he is such an explosive player. Cruz can go up and catch the football at its highest point. With his strong 6-0 frame and great athletic ability he can go up and win the 50/50 passes. Cruz’s ability to make the big play deep down the field makes him a game changing talent for the Giants.

Next: Rueben Randle