The New York Giants offense was non-existent in 2013. Eli Manning failed to show up as did his two top receivers, Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. After putting up a fight and earning a large contract extension in the offseason, more was expected of Cruz. Now that the season is over, he is left to answer questions about what went wrong.
Speaking to reporters after the season's final game, Cruz is admitting that his preseason hold out likely hurt the Giants offense more than he originally thought. He admitted that the lack of practice with quarterback Manning created a disconnect between he, the quarterback and the remaining wide receivers on the roster.
"I think that's the one thing we lacked, was kind of that continuity from a receiver standpoint with our quarterback," Cruz said, via NJ.com. "And I want to build that earlier this year, whether he have to set some time apart with the receivers and Eli whenever he's ready and schedule it right so we can build not only on the field but off the field. We want to get to know each other more and stuff like that. I feel like there was a little bit of a disconnect there that we want to get back for this football team."
Both Cruz and Nicks did not participate in a majority of team OTAs. Cruz wanted a new contract and Nicks was holding out for reasons he never revealed. The result was both receivers missing crucial practice time with Manning and it showed throughout the season.
"I think this year I want to make it a point to get with Eli a little bit more, get with our quarterbacks a little bit more and get the receiving corps together as much as we can to kind of build that more," Cruz said.
Nicks' future in New York is uncertain at best. He says he would like to return, but only at the right price. Cruz is going to be expected to step up big time after such a disappointing year in 2013. Rueben Randle will also help pick up the slack if Nicks signs with another team. Cruz admits he does not know if Nicks will come back or not. He understands the business aspect of the NFL and stresses that everyone must be patient with the situation.
Cruz also notes that he will be ready and healthy come training camp next season after undergoing surgery to help fix a knee injury. He promises that the surgery was very minor and he will return 100 percent.
