DETROIT - Dolphins wide receiver Marty Booker knows all about that feeling, the one that churned through quarterback Joey Harrington's body Thursday as he played for the first time in front of his former team.
Booker knows all about proving his worth to the people who traded him.
''[Harrington] didn't want to make anything big out of it,'' said Booker, who similarly returned to Chicago earlier this month, where he spent the first five years of his career. ``But everyone wants to make a big deal out of playing their former team.''
No, Booker's return to Soldier Field didn't quite yield as much success as he had hoped, finishing with three catches for 14 yards. But the wide receiver certainly seemed prepared to give his quarterback a day worth remembering.
As a result, Booker can remember this Thanksgiving just as fondly, catching seven passes for 115 yards and two touchdowns. The performance marked the first time he scored multiple touchdowns for the Dolphins -- and the third time of his career.
It was also the second time this season he has had more than 100 receiving yards in a game.
''I had a couple of good runs in there, but it was just a matter of getting open,'' said Booker, who also added a 48-yard catch to his two touchdowns. ``Joey did a good job of finding me. I don't get in the [end zone] too much, so I've got to take advantage of it every chance I get.''
Booker said he wasn't going into the game with the mind-set that he needed to make this day special for Harrington. Nor did he give his quarterback any advice on how to handle the situation. After it was over, though, he was certainly pleased to help Harrington's cause.
''Without a doubt,'' Booker said.
Had this day not already been reserved for Harrington -- no matter how he fared in front of the crowd at Ford Field -- the spotlight certainly would have been fixated on Booker.
And considering how he has been playing recently, there is little reason to think he won't become the team's focus in the coming weeks.
Booker's past five games have been highlighted by performances that totaled 110, 84 and 115 yards.
''He's putting up some big numbers,'' rookie wide receiver Derek Hagan said. ``We see it all the time in practice, but sometimes, in certain games, you just don't see what some players are capable of doing.''
Booker's goal remains the same as it has most of his career: To prove he is capable of similar production on a weekly basis.
''Everyone is getting comfortable with everything,'' Booker said. ``The running game is going. The passing game is going. Now, it's a matter of us being consistent. It's a matter of me being consistent, too.''
Booker's recent production has been much needed, especially as deep threat Chris Chambers and Harrington continue to work on their connections. Harrington has been more comfortable throwing shorter passes, which tends to limit Chambers' big-play production.
''We still need to work on some of the stuff outside,'' said Chambers, who had just two catches for 23 yards Thursday. ``But all of the throws underneath, Joey is just great at doing. That's our strong suit right now. That's why we keep using it.''
As a result, the Dolphins have benefited from a player such as Booker, who has the skill sets to be extremely explosive in the kinds of routes Harrington is comfortable throwing.
''You just knew in a matter of time, he'd get that game experience with this offense, get a little confidence behind him and start throwing the ball around,'' Booker said.
