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Giants' Cruz Looking To Dance Past Eagles

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz is returning to where his on-field salsa dancing began — Philadelphia.

Believe it or not, it was roughly a year ago that Cruz started his rise to national prominence by catching two touchdown passes in the City of Brotherly Love in helping the Giants post a 29-16 win over the Eagles.  It sold a whole lot of number 80 Giants jerseys and made Cruz a star from coast to coast.

Until that game, Cruz was known mostly for catching three touchdowns the previous preseason in a win over the Jets.  The Paterson, New Jersey native became an instant star with his breakthrough performance against the Eagles.

On Sept. 25, 2011, Cruz jumpstarted a season that would see him set a single-season team record for yards receiving by catching TDs of 74 and 28 yards in the Giants' only win over Philadelphia in the past three seasons.

Each TD was celebrated with a rhythmic Latin American dance.  The dance caught on with Giants fans who celebrated by dancing in the stands and yelling "Cruuuuzzzz!"

Cruz hasn't looked back.  He's been scoring touchdowns and dancing ever since.  Cruz finished the 2011 season with 9 touchdowns.  Many believe he'll eclipse his 2011 total this season.

Through three 2012 NFL games, Cruz has 279 yards receiving and 1 touchdown.  He burned Buccaneers defenders for 179 yards in Week 2.

Giants fans are hoping he'll be scoring and dancing on Sunday when he returns to Lincoln Financial Field.

Will Cruz have a big day against the Eagles on Sunday?  Let's hear your thoughts...

(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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