New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks was named the NFC's Offensive Player of the Week after his 10-catch, 199-yard performance against the Buccaneers. Nicks consistently found himself on the other end of quarterback Eli Manning's 510-yard passing day. The veteran wideout hauled in one touchdown and also caught the crucial 50-yard bomb down the sideline that set up the game-winning touchdown.
Nicks had racked up double-digit receptions in three previous regular season games and last year's Super Bowl, but this was a new career high for receiving yards. HIs previous high was 165 yards, which he set against the Packers in last year's NFC Playoffs.
It's the first time Nicks has been named for the distinction, and he's first Giants wideout to receive it since Plaxico Burress in 2005. His teammate, Victor Cruz, hauled in 11 passes for 175 yards, resulting in the first ever set of teammates with at least 10 catches and 175 yards. The big offensive day for the Giants meant there were a number of worthy candidates, as Ed Valentine of Big Blue View writes:
I am not surprised a Giant won the honor this week. I am, however, a little surprised it wasn't quarterback Eli Manning after his 510-yard performance. The three first-half interceptions by Manning, though, make the work of Nicks -- still not 100 percent after breaking his foot during the offseason -- more impressive.
Nicks and the Giants offense will be back in action on Thursday night against the Panthers.
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