Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Through four weeks, the majority of the offseason moves made by the New York Giants have been misfires.
The Giants replaced tight end Martellus Bennett with Brandon Myers, who has proven that he couldn’t block a defensive player who was tied to a chair.
General manager Jerry Reese also sunk $39 million into tackle Will Beatty, who has served as a travel agent on the Giants offensive line, securing plans for defensive linemen who want to spend the afternoon lying on top of quarterback Eli Manning.
It’s way too soon to judge New York’s 2013 draft picks, but none have really made a major positive impact thus far.
However, re-signing Victor Cruz to a six-year $46 million contract was right on the money. Cruz has been worth every penny and is responsible for the only glimmer of hope that still resides in the most loyal Giants fans.
On the season, Cruz has caught 26 passes for 425 yards and four touchdowns. He has more receptions and receiving yards than Hakeem Nicks and Rueben Randle combined. His 425 receiving yards are also good enough to be ranked fourth in the NFL.
Cruz’s contract saga over the course of the offseason may not have sat well with Giants fans at the time, but once he stepped onto the gridiron, any ill feelings were sure to be forgotten. A little salsa was the only prescription needed.
Nicks is simply not the making the plays he’s made in years past and the chemistry between Manning and Randle is still very much a work in progress. There have been times that Cruz has looked like the only Giants receiver on the field who has a pulse.
Giants fans are probably thinking: How much worse could it really be? We’re 0-4 and have an offensive line that couldn’t block the Little Giants.
It’s true, the Giants would have the same record right now if they hadn’t re-signed Cruz. However, without him, the Giants’ season and more importantly future, would be in even more danger.
Daniel Brennan covers the New York Giants for www.RantSports.com. You can follow him on Twitter @DBrennan30 and add him to your network on Google.
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