Victor Cruz of the New York Giants celebrates as he runs off of the field after defeating the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 1, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
It could be argued that this should be considered Victor Cruz's rookie year. Cruz came into the league last season and had a phenomenal preseason. On August 16, 2010, the Giants' first preseason game, this scrappy, young man from Paterson, NJ had six-receptions for 145 yards and three-touchdowns. Cruz had more reception yards and touchdowns than any other receiver in the 2010 NFL preseason. After suffering a hamstring injury that October, the rookie season of Victor Cruz was a wash.
The voting for the 2011 NFL Rookie Of The Year is under way. The wealth of talent of this year's nominees is tremendous, rightly so. I think it is safe to say that Cam Newton is the odds-on favorite to win this prestigious award. However, if Victor Cruz was added to this year's ballot, would he upset the apple cart? Would he win the thing outright? Let's take a look at this year's nominees.
Quarterback
Cincinnati Bengals
ATT - 516
CMP - 300
PCT - 58.1
YDs - 3,398
TDs - 20
INT - 13
QB Rating - 80.4
____________________
Cam Newton
Quarterback
ATT - 517
CMP - 310
PCT - 60.0
YDs - 4,051
Passing TDs - 21
Rushing TDs - 14
INT - 17
QB Rating - 84.5
____________________
Linebacker
Combined Tackles - 37
Solo - 31
Asst - 6
Sacks - 14.0
Safety - 1
Forced Fumbles - 2
____________________
Von Miller
Linebacker
Combined Tackles - 64
Solo - 50
Asst - 14
Sacks - 11.5
Forced Fumbles - 2
____________________
Cornerback
Combined Tackles - 64
Solo - 59
Asst - 5
Sacks - 1.0
Pass Deflections - 13
INT - 2
Punt Returns - 44
Return YDs - 699
AVG - 15.9
Lng - 99
TDs - 4
____________________
Victor Cruz
Wide Receiver
Receptions - 82
YDs - 1,536
Avg - 18.7
YDs/G 96.0
Lng - 99
TDs - 9
Victor Cruz broke two-franchise records this year, most receptions yards in a single-season and the longest reception record. There is no question that Cruz had one of the standout performances of the year. Sadly, his hammy from last year may have cost him the 2010 Rookie Of The Year Award, if his preseason play was any indication of what his regular season would look like. Would Cruz walk away with the award this year, if he was pitted up against the 2011 nominees? Cast your vote. Share your opinions.
Poll
Who Would Win The 2011 Rookie Of The Year Award?
Victor Cruz (758 votes)
Andy Dalton (18 votes)
Cam Newton (371 votes)
Aldon Smith (4 votes)
Von Miller (26 votes)
Patrick Peterson (16 votes)
1193 total votes
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