WR Brian Hartline (Miami Dolphins)

[Buckskin86]

HARTLINE IMPROVING

At the beginning of the week, the staff already decided Hartline would see increased playing time in the wake of solid progress over the past few games. But how the entire load of snaps would be distributed -- including who would start -- remained unknown.

It still does.

To formulate that answer, Sparano said he is ``shuffling some things'' to see how his wide receivers respond. And while the coach also noted that his decisions about who plays on Sundays are ``always'' dictated by the week of practice, it seems this week's workouts might carry even more meaning.

Some might argue the shake up strictly is because of Ginn's struggles against the Saints, which included two critical drops. That is partly true. But it also has something to do with the increased amount of parity within the group during the past several weeks.

Unlike the situation involving an underachieving player such as safety Gibril Wilson, who doesn't have anyone giving him enough of a challenge to overtake him, Ginn has several wide receivers beginning to catch him.

``One of the things I keep saying to coaches and keep saying to players is you cannot ignore the signs,'' Sparano said. ``You just can't. Even when you win, you have to be critical of how we play, what we do, how we do, how we coach, any of those things.''

So does Sparano notice a depletion of Ginn's confidence in the wake of the past few weeks?

``I think that is natural in this situation,'' he said.

Nonetheless, Sparano noted the coaching staff must continue to address the situation, even if it means rattling them with those constant messages. While the coach never directly criticized Ginn for his performance, Sparano spoke in general terms about the tough-love approach that Miami's coaches take in any of these scenarios.

Miami Dolphins reopen competition at wide receiver - Miami Dolphins - MiamiHerald.com

[Buckskin86]

Brian Hartline to start for Dolphins
Posted by Josh Alper on November 1, 2009

Ted Ginn may not have been formally told that he was being demoted as a result of his poor recent play, but he'll get the message when Miami lines up for its first offensive play at the Meadowlands.

According to multiple sources, rookie Brian Hartline will start at receiver in place of Ginn against the Jets. Ginn is active, however, so he hasn't fallen quite as far down the depth chart as it appeared at times during this week's practices. The other change to the starting lineup is on defense where Reggie Torbor will start at linebacker in place of the injured and inactive Channing Crowder.

Brian Hartline to start for Dolphins | ProFootballTalk.com