Post-Game Transcript: WR Victor Cruz

WR Victor Cruz

Postgame vs. New England, September 1, 2016

Q: Did you get out of tonight what you needed to personally?

A: I think so. I just wanted another shot at some live game action. To get some route running against an opponent. I think I did that and I think I did well.

Q: You went against Darrelle Revis last week and Malcolm Butler tonight, guys that are established in this league. Does that add to the confidence?

A: I think so. Just to be able to go out there and compete. To go out there and do some good things. Match skill level with those guys. From a route running perspective, going against those guys, I think it’s a good sign for me. It’s a sign that I’m going in the right direction and continuing to progress.

Q: You were able to get some separation from Butler on a lot of plays. Do you feel like you’re getting that explosive step back?

A: Yes, slowly but surely. I do feel like I’m getting that sudden step back and am being able to get some separation off some defenders. I’m definitely just looking to build on that.

Q: Was that first play scripted to you right off the bat?

A: I had that feeling. I had that angle. You look at the coverage; you see what was called. I knew the probabilities were high, but it was nothing like before that we were going to Victor.

Q: Are you guys ready for the season?

A: I believe we are. Mentally, we are for sure. It’s just a matter of getting a good solid work week in of practice. Coach McAdoo is doing a good job of developing our mindsets of what to expect when we go in there for week one.

Q: Do you like what you see?

A: I do, I do. I’m excited for this team and I’m excited with what we have in this locker room. Obviously we have to make some cuts, which are unfortunate because you build relationships and bonds with these guys that they’re letting go. That’s just part of the job. We understand what’s on this team and we’re looking forward to week one.

Q: You had one play with Butler which seemed like you had a good clean release off the line. I don’t know if you could’ve grabbed the megaphone and called for the ball?

A: I threw my hand up. I thought he was coming to me, but that’s the way football shakes out sometimes. I was happy I got to put something like that on film so I could look at it and know that I could still do things like that and be able to continue to do those things.

Q: What did you do?

A: It was a sudden move. It was a conversion route to where if we get press coverage we convert it to a go route. I got press coverage from Butler and made a quick move at the line. He kind of got stuck there for a second and I went around him and put my hand up to no avail, at least this time.

Q: What was coach trying to accomplish in the final preseason game? What did he tell you guys?

A: He just wanted us to compete. He understood it was the fourth game and he understood that a lot of the younger guys were going to get an opportunity, a big one. I think some guys rose to that opportunity. Guys like TK (Tavarres King), Roger Lewis, a couple defensive guys. I think we did some good things out there. Opportunity was the name of the game today and I think we saw a lot of guys get that.

Q: Is that a strange feeling for you because you haven’t caught a pass from someone other than Eli since 2011? Obviously you didn’t catch one tonight but you look on the sidelines and see Odell, Weston (Richburg) and Eli. There were a lot of guys you weren’t used to playing with that were on the field.

A: It was a little different, obviously, from a mental standpoint. I just wanted to come out here and continue that groove of getting dressed for the game and mentally getting ready to go out there and play for however many snaps it is, just to keep me conditioned for what it feels like to get up for a game. It’s been so long and I’m excited to continue that trend.