Ginn Scared To Take A Hit?

After reading Mike Berardino’s Q&A in the Sun Sentinel, I began to wonder is Miami Dolphins wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr scared to take a hit. First here’s the question and answer.

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Q: Ted Ginn may have had 108 yds but what about yards after catch? He plays way too soft. His first failed attempt at a catch in the end zone seemed like he had “alligator arms” and legs.” Are the yards after catch so poor because of the receiver? Is Pennington not putting the ball in a spot that they can’t run after the catch or is it the design of the play? Dennis, Huntington, N.Y.

A: Dennis, some receivers religiously turn the ball upfield after each catch and some go looking for the safety of the sideline. Ginn, at this stage of his career, clearly remains in the latter camp, and that’s not a good thing. Ginn actually ducked out of bounds one yard shy of the first down, with no defenders within three yards, on a 9-yard grab on first and 10 from the minus 35 with about 1:40 remaining. Yes, you want to make sure you get out of bounds in that situation, but is it too much to ask to pick up the first down too?

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There’s not much there saying Ginn is scared to take a hit but it does make you wonder, doesn’t it? With under two minutes remaining there are plenty of players whose first thoughts are get out of bounds and save time, then pick up an extra yard or two first.

I’m not going to lie, I haven’t seen either Dolphins game this season but looking at the numbers there is a disturbing trend. Since Ginn’s rookie season his YAC (Yards After Catch) average has dropped every single season.

2007 he caught 34 balls and averaged 5.1 yac.
2008 he caught 56 balls and averaged 3.8 yac.
2009 he’s already caught 13 balls but is averaging only 0.5 yac.

Yes that was a 0.5 yards after catch average. Do the math, he’s only gained 6.5 yards after catches this season. That can mean one of two things.

1. Chad Pennington is throwing the ball into too much coverage and Ginn is being tackled as soon as he catches the ball

or

2. Ginn makes the catch and looks for the sideline, or goes down himself immediately.

I’m thinking its a little bit of both this year, but you have to wonder if Ginn is looking more for the sidelines then the end zone. If that minuscule yac average was just this year you may go ok, its been two games he’s just doing what he can to help the team win.

BUT, seeing a considerable drop each year over three seasons you really have to think he’s looking for the sidelines.

Regardless, Ginn is turning into a major player in the Dolphins offense. Pennington is looking his way A LOT, against the Colts he had 16 balls thrown his way. Even with the lack of yardage he’s a must start for any fantasy team and a player every defense has to worry about.

If you’re a Dolphins fan or in San Diego for this weeks game let me know what you think of Ginn’s performance and if he really is looking to avoid the big hit.