Falcons vs. Giants: Victor Cruz eager to make statement against Atlanta secondary

There is no love lost between the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants. Following an embarrassing 24-2 loss in the playoffs last year, a couple of Falcons players had some things to say about the Giants and wide receiver Victor Cruz. Now, with the two teams set to square off on Sunday afternoon, Cruz is looking to make a statement.

As this article from ESPN New York details, Falcons receiver Roddy White said Cruz isn't a "big boy" since he primarily works in the slot-receiver position. Here is what Cruz had to say about the comments earlier this week:

"Without saying it verbally, yes," Cruz said with a smile, when asked if his stats this season should quiet White and any other doubters. "It is an honor to play for this team, and to come from the way I came up and to have back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. If you were to tell me that five or 10 years ago, I wouldn't have believed you."

Cruz has caught 76 passes this season for 1,004 yards and nine touchdowns, which are all team-highs.

There is no denying Cruz would like to do nothing more than his beloved salsa dance in the Georgia Dome this weekend. Look for plenty of fireworks to come this week, especially as both teams jockey for playoff positioning.

Kickoff from Atlanta is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 16, at 1 p.m. ET.