Bears wide receiver Ted Ginn has always been known for one thing: speed.
Even at 35 years old, Ginn is considered one of the NFL's most dangerous vertical threats. He's been that guy since the Dolphins selected him in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft, and while he hasn't been the most productive receiver from a catches and yards standpoint, he's entering his 14th season in the league for a reason. Speed matters on offense, even if it's just to serve as a decoy.
"You know he's still a 4.3 and he's still got it and so that's that fear factor that he still has and we're glad to have it," Bears wide receivers coach Mike Furrey said last week. "And when he lines up DBs are going to be scared to death that he's going to take the top off on them but I think you can add his route running into that, that he's a very veteran route-runner."
The Bears could use Ginn's speed after cutting ties with Taylor Gabriel earlier this offseason. Aside from Allen Robinson, Chicago's wide receiver room is full of what-ifs and maybes. Anthony Miller might evolve into an exceptional playmaker this season, or he could continue his pattern of inconsistent and frustrating play. Riley Ridley and Javon Wims are bigger and more physical catch-point guys. Darnell Mooney is a speedy rookie who has to beat the odds stacked against a sub-180-pound wideout.
So that leaves Ginn, who at the very least will force cornerbacks and safeties to pay attention to him on third-level routes. As a result, he'll open the second level for players like Robinson and tight ends Jimmy Graham and Cole Kmet to make plays in the intermediate passing game.
Don't expect Ginn to light up the box score in 2020, but he could help Chicago light up the scoreboard on offense.
Bears confident Ted Ginn still has speed to burn at 35 years old originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
