Galloway Continues Stepping Up His Game Anwar Richardson, The Tampa Tribune, published 17 October 2005 Joey Galloway's career has always been defined by steps. Galloway's remarkable speed always left him one step away from the end zone. Entering this season, Galloway had hauled in 54 touchdown receptions through 10 NFL seasons. He earned the reputation as a burner, averaging one touchdown every 8.65 receptions throughout his career. Though he has speed, Galloway's consistent injuries have kept him one step away from being regarded as an elite receiver. It is one reason why the Dallas Cowboys traded him to Tampa for Keyshawn Johnson in 2004. Galloway suffered a torn ACL in his left knee while with Dallas in 2000 and missed all 16 games; a foot sprain in 2001; and a left quad injury in 2003. A groin injury in 2004, his first season with the Bucs, caused him to miss six games. With his performance during Tampa Bay's 27-13 home victory against the Miami Dolphins (2-3), Galloway showed why he is a step above most NFL receivers when healthy. Galloway finished with nine receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown, tying his career-high reception mark. The last time Galloway had nine catches was against the Carolina Panthers in 2004. He now has 498 career receptions. His biggest contribution for Tampa Bay (5-1) occurred on the opening drive when he hauled in three third-down passes, including a 7-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Brian Griese on a quick slant pattern. Galloway has 10 TD receptions in his past 11 games. "He's done great. There has been a lot of feedback I've been given to give the ball to somebody else a little bit more, but when you got a guy playing the way he's been playing, an idiot wouldn't throw [somebody else] the ball a little bit more," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "If he continues to do what he's doing, he's going to see a lot more balls coming his way." That would seemingly affect receiver Michael Clayton, who had 1,193 receiving yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie last season. Some observers questioned why Gruden has not utilized Clayton more this year, but Galloway had clearly become Griese's favorite target. On eight third-down passes in the first half, Griese threw to Galloway six times, converting four into first downs. What could hamper Galloway's production after the bye week is the severity of Griese's second-quarter knee injury. Griese and Galloway combined on eight passes for 92 yards before the injury, but backup Chris Simms completed only one pass to Galloway in the second half. Galloway side-stepped the media after the game, but his play -- especially in the clutch -- left an impression on the Dolphins. "I think that was the difference in the game. The Buccaneers were 8-for-17 and they must have converted two or three third downs in their first scoring drive. We were 3-for-14 and that is a big difference," Dolphins coach Nick Saban said. "It gave them opportunities to make plays." And left the Dolphins one step behind Galloway. "I think that was the difference in the game."