Dinkins dunked the football over the crossbar, enjoying the feeling of a
drive that gave Baltimore the lead and started a string of 30 points before an
answer. Dinkins' first career score came 10 games into his third NFL season.
"When people go down, you have to step up," said Dinkins, playing more because
of tight end Terry Jones' shoulder injury. "When I get the ball, it's just
exciting."
Dinkins caught two passes for first downs from quarterback Kyle Boller on the
third-quarter drive, finishing the game with a career-high three catches for 40
yards. All of his catches were on that drive. He signalled first down a la
Shannon Sharpe after each reception.
Dinkins had toiled on the Ravens' practice squad for a month after being
released by the New York Giants this summer. In college at Pittsburgh, Dinkins
started at free safety for three years, also seeing action at free safety and
linebacker. He came to campus as a quarterback.
"I've never really doubted myself," Dinkins said. "The Giants let me go when I
was injured. I kept working hard and waited for an opportunity to make a team.
Thank God, they put me in there.
"We all get paid to make plays in this league."
Aaron Wilson writes for ravensinsider.com and the Carroll County Times.