Carlos Rogers had an impressive day against the New York Giants on Nov. 13. And the 49ers' cornerback exited the game equally impressed with Giants receiver Victor Cruz.
Rogers recorded two interceptions against Giants quarterback Eli Manning to help punch his ticket to the Pro Bowl. One of his picks came in the fourth quarter and led directly to a touchdown in the 49ers' 27-20 victory at Candlestick Park.
And when Rogers sat down to fill out his personal Pro Bowl ballot last month, Cruz received one of his votes. Cruz finished third in the NFL with 1,536 receiving yards. Despite Rogers' support, Cruz was not chosen to represent the NFC in the Pro Bowl.
Cruz caught six passes for 84 yards against the 49ers in their face-to-face meeting. The challenge and the stakes will be much greater on Sunday at Candlestick Park when the teams meet in the NFC Championship Game, beginning at 3:30 p.m.
