Manning-Nicks-Cruz Reconnection A Big Boost For Giants

[RoanokeFan]

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/Ma...or_Giants.html

Excerpt: "The fact that the Redskins’ resident rocket scientist expert, cornerback DeAngelo Hall, believes he could have completed the winning touchdown pass to a wide-open Victor Cruz the last time his team faced the Giants does not bother Eli Manning.

“No, it doesn’t mean anything,” Big Blue’s quarterback said Thursday. “Maybe he could’ve.”

But even a facetious suggestion of anybody else throwing a pass for the Giants’ seems odd. Manning will make his 131st straight start dating to 2004 – the third-longest streak among quarterbacks in NFL history – when the first-place Giants (7-4) face the second-place Redskins (5-6) Monday night at FedEx Field with a chance to put a hammer-lock on the NFC East.

A big part of Manning’s success since 2009, wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, is hoping to prove he’s finally returning to his difference-making form after being slowed for most of this season, first as he recovered from off-season foot surgery and then by a knee injury.

Nicks caught five passes for 77 yards and a touchdown in the Giants’ 38-10 win over the Packers Sunday, looking as healthy as he’s been since catching 10 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown in a Week 2 win over the Buccaneers.

But Nicks missed the next three games. A four-day turnaround to the Giants’ Week 3 win over the Panthers proved too short for his sore right foot, and he missed the next two games because of swelling in his left knee.

Hall, clearly not shy about discussing the Giants, said Nicks is a “beast” when healthy.

“Yeah, I feel like I can be,” said Nicks, who has exceeded 1,000 yards receiving the past two seasons and has 542 yards and two touchdowns on 41 catches in eight games this season.

“It’s going to take just working hard. It’s going to take getting that timing back with Eli and playing within the offense.”

Manning said he definitely noticed some of the vintage Nicks against the Packers.

“I thought he did a good job,” Manning said. “He was getting open. He was beating some one-on-one and catching the ball. He was making some guys miss. It was kind of the old, powerful style of football he plays.”

And the Giants don’t need Nicks to regain his spot as their No. 1 receiver for just Manning’s sake.

A healthy Nicks is good for Cruz and the overall balance of the offense." Read more...

[Buddy333]

Now they can possibly add Randle into that mix and be a very young and very dangerous group.

[RoanokeFan]

Now they can possibly add Randle into that mix and be a very young and very dangerous group.

Either Randle or Hixon who is practicing again. We need to get into the playoffs and they want everyone one available to help.

[RangerMgr]

Nicks will make a difference as long as he is healthy. lens20040490_1353944760aA.jpgLook at this.

[GameTime]

looking forward to a good three and four WR group. Jernigan also saying they have a package for him. He may be good for an important 1st down or two...

[GiantRoc]

Nicks and Manning look like they are reconnecting. That is great news. I'd love to see Randle get more chances. He seems to have finally had a bit of a break through. If Cruz gets back into the groove, the sky is the limit. Add to that the fact that we haven't even scratched the surface as to what Bennett could add. Could be scary for our opponents to scheme for all that talent.

[Broadway Blue]

Either Randle or Hixon who is practicing again. We need to get into the playoffs and they want everyone one available to help.

Agree time to finish strong!

[jomo]

Agree time to finish strong!

All hands on deck!

[derekunion28]

need everyone healthy.....thats for sure