The Star-Ledger-USA TODAY Sports
Victor Cruz responded to finally getting his big contract by catching a 57-yard touchdown pass on a skinny post up the seam. While Hakeem Nicks sat out the New York Giants‘ preseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the fact Nicks is playing out his contract could very well serve as a little extra motivation to produce.
Nicks’ absence Saturday night made way for second-year second-rounder Rueben Randle, who caught a pass and made Troy Polamalu miss before picking up 16 yards. Manning only played two series, but made up for an overthrown bomb to Randle with a perfectly launched pass on the Cruz touchdown.
If Randle continues to improve and Manning looks more 2011 than 2012 form, New York’s pass attack could return to elite status even if Nicks misses his typical three games. Word out of Giants training camp is that Randle is ready to make the leap and contribute as at WR No. 3.
“All the different reads and adjustments to his routes, those types of things is where he’s made strides and so I think he understands it, therefore he’s playing faster,” Manning said, via USA TODAY Sports. “He’s more sure of himself. “I’m more confident in what he’s doing in reading his body language — him just having a better understanding of everything going on.”
“Rueben had a good spring and has had a great summer so far,” Giants general manager Jerry Reese told USA TODAY Sports. “When we drafted (tailback) David Wilson in the first round last year, we talked about taking Rueben with our first pick. We thought he was a talented player. And now we expect him to be a strong contributor for us this season and moving forward.”
Thomas Emerick is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ThomasEmerick, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
