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Who Will Be the Giants’ No.1 WR in 2012: Cruz or Nicks?

by John Fennelly on February 11th, 2012 at 9:31 am

The 2011 began with Hakeem Nicks poised to break into the stratosphere of NFL receivers. It ended with both him  - and teammate Victor Cruz – doing just that.

Both wideouts have become stars thanks the multiple heroics performed on the field this year in front of national TV audiences. Cruz became the first player since the LA Rams’ Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch to score five touchdowns of 65 yards or more. Hirsch had six in 1951. Cruz’ 99-yard TD catch-and-run vs the Jets in Week 15 jumpstarted the Giants’ Super Bowl run.

Cruz’ popularity shot past Nicks’ with his patented Salsa TD celebration. He has become an international sensation and has recently been signed by talent mega-agency IMG.

Nicks continued his steady rise to stardom with spectacular catches, made with his already legendary huge hands.

Nicks led all receivers in post season receptions (28), yards (444) and TDs (tied with SF’s Vernon Davis with 4). Nicks’ most memorable grab was the “Hail Mary” TD catch right before halftime of the Divisional win over Green Bay.

Cruz was the Giants’ leading receiver during the regular season with 82 receptions for 1536 yards (a new franchise record) and 9 TDs. He played in all 16 games but only started seven.

Nicks had 76 catches for 1192 yards and 7 TDs, but he only played in 15 games, missing the New England game due to a hamstring issue which hampered him in the ensuing games against San Francisco and Philadelphia.

So who is the Giants’ No. 1 receiver going into 2012? Cruz or Nicks? The LoudMouths give their take….

Now let’s hear yours…

Who will be the Giants' No.1 WR in 2012?

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About John Fennelly

Managing Editor of SNY.tv's Giants Football Blog - the ultimate destination for New York Giants' news, opinion and entertainment. View all posts by John Fennelly →
  • Anonymous

    Doesn’t matter one single bit.  Call them options 1a and 1a.2

  • Mstewart

    The way the Giants offensive system works, it doesn’t matter at all. If both stay healthy, they will amass 1,000 yards and over 65 receptions. I think the Giants are going to draft a TE who will be more involved in the offense. That is why Cruz and Nicks totals are a bit lower.

  • Anonymous

    As Tyson Chandler just stated after the Knicks beat the Timberwolves, “the game dictates the star, not the individual.”

    Just as Mario Manningham made the key 28-yard reception on the Giants final drive to win the Super Bowl because Belichick prioritized covering Nicks and Cruz, the way the opposing defense plays will be the largest factor in determining which receiving option is the best. 

  • Anonymous

    If I had to double one it would be Hakeem.  But not because he’s necessarily better.  You can double Cruz but he still will find a way to give Eli some help.  Although Nicks throw a block with the best of them, I have seen him slow down before the play is over several times.  (Kinda reminds me of #17)

    But I’m more worried about Barden and Jernigan.  I like both of those guys, I’m just hoping the can stay healthy.

    IMO TE will be a big posabilty in the Draft.  (depending on whose available) We just lost 2 TE’s, Mario is as good gone and a good blocking TE will help the OL as well.