Ginn Carries Miami Over Jets

NFL News - November 1st, 2009 - Written by John

Probably no one in the entire NFL was under a tighter microscope than Ted Ginn, Jr., but, boy, did he answer the critics.

While accusations of being a low-tier player surrounded the Miami Dolphins camp all week, coming from the likes of former Miami greats, Ginn tied an NFL record with two kickoff return touchdowns, both starting from the end zone, and it was the difference in a 30-25 win against the New York Jets.

The Jets had a chance to take the lead on their final drive of the game, driving deep into Miami territory, but were stopped on downs when Mark Sanchez sailed his fourth-down pass over the back of the end zone.

It was another terrific finish to the season series that provided a memorable fourth quarter several weeks ago on Monday Night Football. In that game, the lead changed hands three times and Miami needed a late score to win. Sanchez had one of his best game's of the year despite being unable to convert on the final drive. He was 20-for-35 for 265 yards and a pair of touchdowns, both coming late in the game. He also had a rushing touchdown.

His two passing scores were in the middle of a whirlwind third and fourth quarters in which the New York's 6-0 lead at the half was gone in a hurry. Both teams accounted for 49 points in the second half, easily clearing the over/under in a game that was deemed a toss-up. With just over a minute left in the third quarter, Sanchez found Braylon Edwards for a 19-yard score. Edwards clearly made the play when he caught the ball at the five and drove two defenders with him across the goal line. After Miami answered with a touchdown in the fourth to make it 30-19, Sanchez again brought his team back

This time he hit Dustin Keller from 16 yards out.

But it wasn't enough, thanks to Ginn's day. The Dolphins led almost the entire way thanks to Ginn's returns and seem to be gaining some momentum in the division. He became the first player since 1967 to return a pair of kicks for touchdowns in the same quarter.

He was dogged all week by former NFL-greats like Mercury Morris, Mark Duper and Bob Kuechenberg. He was called an embarrasment with little professional ability and alligator arms. He shut all of those players up, weaving in and out of traffic and stopping on a dime when he needed to.

The New York Jets, who appeared to be an upper-level team early in the season, are now 4-4 with losses to the Bills and Dolphins. Their only divisional win was against the leading New England Patriots in Week Three.

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