Victor Cruz - 2016 Highlights

[SetfreexX]

There was a lot of concern in the weekend thread about his explosiveness so I decided to look up some of the plays from 2016. IMO casual scouting opinion he looks like he'd be an immediate improvement as the primary slot receiver, and still showed the speed to win some match ups outside 1v1. 

Teams still focus on KB, and Olsen, having Cruz and Ginn able to work 1v1 is a very enticing scenario, and adds a player that embodies the #keeppounding mantra, Cruz has fought back against all odds similar to another resident Panther fan favorite. If we end up signing him to a 2 year incentive laden contract, I'd consider that an immediate improvement. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1Vkd2pp1fE

Also the 2016 stats are solid as the third option on a team that featured their diva OBJ, and the rookie Shepard, 10 receptions over 20 yards, 3 receptions over 40 yards on just 39 receptions, and he played 15 games (15 yds per reception). Doing the math a third of his receptions were 20+ yards that's impressive considering the surgery he came back from and a reduced role. 

http://www.nfl.com/player/victorcruz/2507855/careerstats

So for me if we bring him in and he's healthy I'm all for it, I think he could eclipse those numbers as a proven slot receiver for us. 

[Mother Grabber]

Cruz had highlights in 2016?

[Ja Rhule]

We got plenty of WRs on this team who can't separate from CBs.  No thanks.

[SetfreexX]

3 minutes ago, ARSEN said:

We got plenty of WRs on this team who can't separate from CBs.  No thanks.

How do you avg 15 ypc with 10 catches over 20 yards, and 3 over 40 yards on just 39 receptions without creating separation?

Let's not be ignorant today, Cruz would be the best route runner on this team from the on set. 

[Mojo]

I'm glad you posted this.  He's obviously not at his zenith anymore but still made plays last year.  Like I said in the other thread besides Olsen he'd have the best hands on the team.

[Ja Rhule]

23 minutes ago, SetfreexX said:

How do you avg 15 ypc with 10 catches over 20 yards, and 3 over 40 yards on just 39 receptions without creating separation?

Let's not be ignorant today, Cruz would be the best route runner on this team from the on set. 

Look at the video you posted.  Let's not be blind today.

[GoobyPls]

There are way to better FA options for us to settle for Cruz.

Also you can't use highlights as an indicator for explosiveness. Even in those highlights you can see he's having trouble getting separation.

[CarolinaPride90]

That video was hella inspirational. Here's the vet WR we will need once Ginn leaves in FA. 

Make no mistake Cruz still has plenty of Sauce for these DB's out chea. 

 

[OneBadCat]

He may have lost some explosiveness but at least he has hands. That would actually be nice to have in our group.

[Krovvy]

It would be nice to have a receiver that could actually catch a ball.

[Soul Rebel]

I've said in another thread that Philly could fill this role, but I do like the Cotchery-esque energy that he would bring here. Much the way Cam improved Ginn's career, could Cruz come in and be that chain mover that has a rebirth here for a couple of years? 

2-year deal as Ginn's replacement would be cool by me. No way I want both of them here, and honestly feel like we need a burner with hands more than a veteran like Cruz, but that video was very inspirational.  Great hands and route running is something that our WRs have lacked. 

I'll admit..... I'm warming up a little to Cruz here. 2 years is the usual recovery time, so maybe we get a couple of solid 35-850-5TD seasons out of him. 

[Cary Kollins]

Can you picture Cruz and Cam trading salsa moves on the sideline?

Sign me up.

[Daddy_Uncle]

Brentin Bersin is better

[C47]

23 hours ago, SetfreexX said:

How do you avg 15 ypc with 10 catches over 20 yards, and 3 over 40 yards on just 39 receptions without creating separation?

Let's not be ignorant today, Cruz would be the best route runner on this team from the on set. 

He runs like three routes primarily. One of them a straight line.