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Posted on Friday, 10.30.09

DOLPHINS NOTEBOOK

Embattled Miami Dolphins WR Ted Ginn Jr. is motivated to improve

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BY JEFF DARLINGTON

jdarlington@MiamiHerald.com

For the first time since Sunday's loss against the Saints -- thus also the first time since his role in practice was diminished -- Dolphins wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. spoke briefly Thursday about his desire to improve.

Ginn acknowledged he has spoken with coaches about his struggles in a discussion that was more focused on motivating him than reprimanding him.

Was he told he was being demoted during the talk?

``We haven't had a conversation like that,'' Ginn said. ``It was more of a motivation talk. Get better. You have to get better. Do what you do but get better.''

Ginn said he still understands that his role is likely to be diminished Sunday against the Jets, something he probably could figure out based on a lesser dose of repetitions during practice.

``It's not the first time I've been through it,'' he said. ``All I can do is play the time they ask me to play and make the plays they ask me to make.''

Whether Ginn has lost his starting job, though, has not been decided. Coach Tony Sparano will make that assessment after the week of practice.

Although unwilling to discuss in depth how that evaluation has gone, Sparano offered a one-word comment that seems to suggest Miami's plan is working.

``Urgency,'' Sparano said when asked what he saw from his group of wide receivers Wednesday and Thursday. ``I've seen that.''

HENNING DEFENDS

Offensive coordinator Dan Henning took his opportunity Thursday to defend his beleaguered wide receiver, noting that Ginn ``made less mistakes in that game than at least nine other players on that offense.

``Ted Ginn is the only player we've had since we've been here that's gotten behind anybody's defense and been able to knock the top off a defense,'' Henning said.

BAD CALL?

In an eye-opening photo displayed across two pages of the most recent issue of Sports Illustrated, it appears referees in Sunday's game erred by rewarding the Saints with a touchdown on safety Darren Sharper's interception at the start of the second half.

Referee John Parry upheld the initial call after Sparano challenged that Sharper lost control of the football before crossing the plane. The photo appears to clearly show Ginn slapping the ball from Sharper's grip before the goal line.

Asked if he saw the photo, Sparano said, ``Yes,'' before adding a ``no comment'' as Thursday's news conference concluded.

INJURY UPDATE

Linebacker Channing Crowder missed his second practice in a row because of a shoulder injury, continuing to rehabilitate on the sideline. Nose tackle Jason Ferguson (foot) practiced fully after limited participation Wednesday.

Running back Ricky Williams, who is listed on the injury report with a thumb injury, has not missed any practice time despite the injury.

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