The 27-year-old says it is the arrival of new boss Big Sam Allardyce who has turned things around at the club.
Santa Cruz has been linked with a move to Manchester City.
He told the Sun: “I fully expect Blackburn to have a good season now, whatever happens with me.
“You can see the difference Sam’s made. There’s confidence again and the results have come and given everyone a lift.”
Boss Allardyce said: “We need players who can put balls in the net to get us out of this predicament and he can do that.”