Chicago Bears: Victor Cruz wearing leadership hat well
The Chicago Bears signed Victor Cruz hoping to catch lightning in a bottle with his play. As a bonus, he’s become a leader to the other receivers on the roster.
When the Chicago Bears signed Victor Cruz, they hoped he’d return to be a portion of the dynamic wide receiver he was with the New York Giants before injuries took over. If they could get some of his old play, he’d make many people in the organization happy.
As a bonus so far in training camp, the Bears got a great leader. Cruz wears that hat well. He’s been talking to the other receivers and giving advice to them. After all, this is a player who experienced success at the highest level. He’s a Pro Bowl wide receiver and he helped lead the Giants to their 2011 Super Bowl run.
So, when Cruz talks football, the other receivers listen to what he says (per ESPN.com):
"It’s weird, because when I start talking or whenever I give a coaching point or say something, it’s like, [wide-eyed facial expression] ‘He’s talking to us.’ So it’s a good feeling. And I just want to make sure I’m telling them the right thing, telling them things that are going to help them. Because I’ve seen every route in the book, I’ve seen every circumstance — a 6-10 team as opposed to a 9-7 team on the way to the Super Bowl. I’ve seen both sides to it. It’s funny when I speak and they listen."
The Giants decided to part ways with Cruz in February. He signed a one-year “Prove it” deal with the Bears. Even though he’s trying to get back to his excellent playing ways, he’s still the most accomplished receiver on the roster. The opportunity is great in Chicago. If he plays well again, he revives his career. Being a team leader also helps in that endeavor.
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Where Cruz can be particularly helpful is with Cam Meredith. Meredith took a big leap from undrafted rookie in 2015 to be an integral part of the Chicago Bears offense. This is the same road Cruz took with New York. He also came to the league as an undrafted rookie (2010) and became one of the most dependable receivers in the league. He knows what it takes to succeed in that situation, so it is good that he fills Meredith’s head with all his great experience.
While Cruz is happy being a leader by sharing his experience, he also wants to show by example. He feels he’s over the injuries that slowed him down. He’s ready to show his skills on the field.
The veteran said this, also per ESPN:
"“I feel very good at where I’m at right now,” Cruz said. “I think some of the speed and quickness, which I think is what you’re talking about, it feels like it’s back, it’s there, it’s working. Those moves that I once did a few years ago are working, and I just want to build on that and continue to build and continue to show the coaching staff that I can continue to play at those levels and see where it goes.”"
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If indeed Victor Cruz shows that his skills are back, he gives the Chicago Bears a great option at wide receiver. He’s already showing how good a leader he is, and that is the icing on the cake.