The Charlotte native has easily made the New York Giants the most dynamic team in the NFL.

I could close the article right there but I should probably prove my point, right?

Well, Hakeem Nicks, who played his college ball at North Carolina, is a play-maker. In other words, get him the ball and he’ll make the plays. He clearly showcased his natural abilities against the Houston Texans, scoring multiple touchdowns in the first half alone. Nicks’ ability to swallow the ball and score touchdowns (has six thus far) has opened up the running game for Ahmad Bradshaw, who leads the league in 20+ yard rushes. When both players on their game, there is no way to defend the Giants.

How good is Nicks you ask? He ranks ninth in receivers throughout the entire league in total receptions yards, Nicks is tied for fourth in receptions with 33. He’s only behind San Diego’s tight end, Antonio Gates, in touchdowns with six. Number 88 is also tied for fourth with eight receptions of 20+ yards.

The flip-side of the coin? The defenses are going to get tougher for Nicks. He played some of the softer defenses in Carolina and the injury-riddled Colts but things are going to change. Nicks is easily the first-quarter (of the season) MVP for the New York Giants. For the team to continue success however, Nicks is going to have to keep up the caliber of play that he’s been able to sustain thus far.

The last eight games of the season entail going up against the likes of the Eagles, Jaguars, the Redskins, Packers and Vikings, some of the best defenses in the league. If Nicks can maintain the production, the Giants have very good shot at winning the division once again and doing some damage in the playoffs as well.

Only time will tell if Hakeem is nothing more than a dream or if he’s the number one wide receiver they thought he’d be when they drafted him out of college.