Is Ted Ginn Jr. ready to be the Dolphins' No. 1 receiver?
An outstanding receiver and return specialist at Ohio State, Ginn was viewed as a disappointment last season as a rookie when he only tallied 34 receptions for 420 yards and two touchdowns. His reputation as a big-play threat took a hit as he made only one reception over 40 yards. In addition, the sizzle he was supposed to bring to the Dolphins' return game never materialized. Though he had a spectacular 87-yard punt return touchdown, he averaged 9.6 yards a return on punts and had a 22.7 average on kick returns, which placed him outside the top 10 in each category. Therefore, some were ready to label the ninth overall pick in the 2007 draft as a bust heading into this season.
"Last year, he didn't put up the type of numbers that you would like to see from a player taken that high in the draft," said an NFC personnel director. "You would like to think that he would be able to make more of an impact on your team.
Ginn's beginning to make amends. During a Dolphins' win streak that is now at four games, Ginn has made 18 receptions for 331 yards and a touchdown. He torched the Bills for 175 receiving yards on seven receptions, including two over 40 yards. Against the Broncos the following week, the Dolphins used the threat of the speedster getting over the top of the defense to set up Greg Camarillo for his career day. Ginn set the tone against the Seahawks by hauling in a 39-yard touchdown pass off a flea flicker. And his 40-yard reverse against the Raiders helped the offense find its rhythm early.
Click to expand...