Victor Cruz says Giants need Hakeem Nicks to be ‘normal self’ to win games
By Bryan Rose
Although the New York Giants have been playing better football as of late, they’re still on the brink of playoff elimination thanks to starting the season 0-6.
That didn’t sit well with anybody, from fans to coaches to Victor Cruz, who gave a subtle elbow towards Hakeem Nicks, who is currently out with a groin/abdominal issue.
Nicks of course has become a magnet for on-field issues in recent months (more like years), not living up to his skill set and having his effort questioned. Things came to a head this past offseason when Nicks expressed public disappointment that he wasn’t re-signed but the team and that the Giants opted to give Victor Cruz a new deal.
Still, Cruz knows that the Giants need Nicks if they’re to make a late season push and suggested they need him to be his ‘normal self’ if they’re going to win:
"“I’m happy to have him back, period,” Cruz said. “Just to have him back in the huddle, in the offense, on the sideline dressed and ready to go, he’s a guy that we need. We need him to be his normal self in order for us to win games and in order for our morale to be up, things like that. We’re definitely happy to have him back.”"
Entering a free agent year, it’s a bit odd to see Nicks having such a difficult time considering the potential payday that could await him. Regardless, through the seasons first twelve weeks, Nicks has zero touchdowns and is averaging 62 yards per game.