Critics are skeptical of just how productive the Victor Cruz Bears marriage is going to be. There’s no question the 30-year old wide receiver comes in with a huge chip on his shoulder. He played his first full season since 2013 last year. To him it felt like he was regaining his old mojo. However the New York Giants didn’t commit to getting him the ball more often. This despite being fairly productive through the first half of the year.
He even went so far as to strongly hint the team intentionally froze him out of the offense. That’s impossible to prove. What is clear is he came to Chicago with two goals in mind. One was to show everybody he could still play and to help the Bears win. He that perfectly clear during his first meeting with the press at OTA practices.
New #Bears WR Victor Cruz on if he can recapture his Pro Bowl form: "I think I have the potential to be that guy you saw a few years ago." pic.twitter.com/wnhW1irVdP
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) May 30, 2017
His expectations are for the team to use him primarily in the slot, where he feels most comfortable. That would mean he fills the role vacated by the often-injured Eddie Royal. That means in order for him to be effective, he’ll need the guys on the outside to produce. Cruz didn’t waste time showering some early praise on one of his new receiving mates in particular.
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First Victor Cruz Bears impression involved Cameron Meredith shout out
It’s no secret that Cruz would gravitate to Cameron Meredith. They share so much in common right off the bat. Both are receivers and both are former undrafted free agents. They had to take the hard way into the NFL in order to make a name for themselves. Meredith is still in the process of doing that. After just one practice Cruz came away impressed with the 24-year old.
Cam Meredith has impressed new Bears teammate Victor Cruz: "I think he's very fluid, a big target who can go up and get the ball."
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) May 30, 2017
The buzz on Meredith has increased steadily since the end of last season. To the shock of many he had 66 catches for 888 yards and four touchdowns in 2016. This despite having to work with three different quarterbacks. He’s continued to work without pause all offseason to improve his game. Thus far he has stuck out in every practice in a positive manner. That’s welcome news given the many questions surrounding the receiving corps.
Alshon Jeffery is gone. Kevin White is an unknown due to his injury issues. Incredible as it sounds, Meredith is the most reliable receiver they have at the moment. If he could take the next step into legitimate #1 target status, that would be a huge boon for the entire offense. Never mind the possibility of Cruz regaining some of his old form.
Lot of ifs in that equation, but it is still an exciting development either way.
