When the Giants offense has been at its best in recent years, it has featured Hakeem Nicks winning battles on the outside often enough to draw extra defensive attention that would then open things up for Victor Cruz to do damage out of the slot.
That didn’t play out all that often in 2013. Nicks was injured at times and ineffective at others, leaving defenses to pay more attention to Cruz while they were pressuring Eli Manning by overwhelming an overmatched offensive line. The highlight reel touchdown catches and salsa dancing were replaced by interceptions, dropped passes and a losing season.
The Giants have responded to that by making several changes on their offensive coaching staff, but Cruz hopes those changes don’t extend to the receiving corps. Cruz wants Nicks back in 2014 and he’s let the Giants know how he feels.
“I have,” Cruz said, via the Newark Star-Ledger. “Selfishly, I would love for him to stay.”
Alas, you can’t always get what you want. The Giants aren’t expected to try too hard to bring Nicks back once free agency opens and the chances are good that Cruz will be working with a different partner come next season.