2010 Pre-season stars
This pre-season has been marked by the spectacular plays of some standout rookies. See why teams are raving about these three rookies.
Giants receiver Victor Cruz
It didn’t take long for rookie Victor Cruz to make a name for himself. His spectacular NFL pre-season debut put this young man on the map and he has been solid in every game since. Cruz introduced himself to the league with his breakout performance against the New York Jets in week one of the pre-season at the New Meadowlands Stadium.
Cruz got the G-Men’s offence in gear and blew the game wide open with two spectacular catches. His 64-yard one-handed TD grab from Jim Sorgi was undoubtedly the highlight of the night. He finished the pre-season opener with six catches for 145 yards and three receiving touchdowns.
Cruz leads all rookie receivers in virtually every offensive category, and has racked up 12 receptions for 251 yards and four touchdowns in the Giants pre-season. New York is loaded at the receiver position, but the former Paterson Catholic star has shown enough to make this team as perhaps the fourth receiver.
“This opportunity means a lot to me, coming from a relatively small school,” Cruz said. “I’m going in there to work hard. I’m going in there with an open mind, making sure I do the right things. It’s a great opportunity. I’m ecstatic about it and I’m grateful that the Giants’ organization gave me a shot.”
Bills running-back C.J. Spiller
Rookie running back C.J. Spiller is a dynamic player and has been every bit as good as advertised if not better. The former Clemson star tailback has been placed in the starting role after injuries to Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, and has looked very impressive. He got his first start two weeks ago against the Colts and scampered 31-yards for his first NFL touchdown against Indianapolis’ starters.
Spiller, selected ninth overall in the draft, has turned in two solid performances in his first two starts. He had 10 carries for 54 yards and one touchdown in his first game, and he rose once again to the occasion and posted similar numbers, tallying 52 rushing yards and two catches for 33 yards in his second start. “It's been great. I can't wait until the season opens,” Spiller said.
Spiller finished his college career with over 3000 yards rushing, 1500 yards in kickoff returns, 1000 yards receiving and 500 yards in punt returns, and Buffalo are looking for that same production.
Ryan Mathews
There’s a reason why San Diego selected running-back Ryan Mathews in the NFL draft back in April. His collegiate numbers were impressive, having rushed for more than 1,800 yards in 2009 at Fresno State’s. And the rookie running-back seems to be carrying that success to the next level.
Mathews, 22, has rushed for 4.3 yards per carry in his 34 pre-season carries and a total of 146 yards. That's exactly what the Chargers are looking for from an offensive standpoint.
"Even though his numbers weren't as good as they've been in other games, I thought he gave his best performance. He's really getting comfortable with our group and has an understanding of what we're doing,” Turner said about Mathews’ performance against the New Orleans . “They treated it like a regular season game early. It's clear he's growing comfortable with what we want to do."
Mathews' strong pre-season performance in his first three starts is calming the nerves of anxious Chargers fans now that LaDainian Tomlinson is no longer with the franchise.
Mathews’ steady numbers in the pre-season are a good indication that he will have an impressive rookie year and that he will add balance to an offensive that previously relied on the passing game.
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