Thursday, November 27, 2008
Miami receivers eager for chances with Camarillo
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- Miami's receiving corps say they are ready for the chance to contribute to the Dolphins playoff push, an opportunity created by the season-ending injury to Greg Camarillo.
A knee injury has ended Camarillo's breakout season and put a kink in Miami's longshot plans for a playoff berth. If the Dolphins -- who haven't reached the postseason since 2001 -- want to end their playoff drought, the rest of their receiving corps will have to pick up the slack.
"Greg was a staple in our offense," quarterback Chad Pennington said Wednesday. "He was a guy that was extremely reliable. So its a tough loss for us. What it does do, it gives someone else an opportunity a step up. That's what this league is about -- its about opportunity and being able to take advantage of it however it comes your way."
With five games left, the Dolphins (6-5) are trying to keep their chances of an improbable playoff appearance alive. Miami, which went 1-15 last year, faces the St. Louis Rams (2-9) on Sunday, one of the four remaining games it will play on the road.
The Dolphins rejuvenated offense this season has featured two talented running backs, an upgrade at quarterback and the surprising Camarillo, who led Miami with 55 receptions for 613 yards and two touchdowns this season. His injury will be a test for the rest of Miami's receiving corps, which has been considered perhaps the team's biggest weakness.
"It's going to be big. You're losing your ace receiver, and the things he was able to do this year and the catches he was able to make," tight end David Martin said. "That's the thing about football, someone goes down, someone's got to step up."
Davone Bess had five receptions for 87 yards in the Dolphins 48-28 loss to New England on Sunday. Ernest Wilford, a $6 million offseason acquisition who has been inactive for eight games this year, has one reception for 15 yards this season.
"You've seen what Davone Bess has been doing over these last couple weeks, he's really stepped his game up," said receiver Brandon London, who also has one reception this season. "And me and Earnest have been hungry for a shot. You've got a bunch of hungry guys out there."
Then there is Ted Ginn Jr., Miami's first-round draft choice in 2007. The selection drew boos from Dolphins fans on draft day, but Ginn has shown improvement since his rookie season. Ginn has 43 receptions for 596 yards and one touchdown this year.
"Ted is getting better and better. That, to me, has been very obvious," coach Tony Sparano said. "With his speed and his presence, he can splash water in a lot of different ways. He runs the ball for a touchdown, he's in the slot for a touchdown. That's important."
Camarillo endeared himself to Dolphins fans last season when he turned a short completion into a 64-yard touchdown in overtime against Baltimore for Miami's lone victory. Although he's out for the rest of this year, he still looks to be a big part of Miami's future; He signed a $6 million, three-year extension last week that will keep him under contract through 2011.
"Greg was a hard worker, came in and did his job," Martin said. "He was always there. He always made plays when we needed him. And its hard missing him. But he's gone now, and there's nothing we do."
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
