Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Wallace’s performance in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts is exactly what the Miami Dolphins had in mind when they signed him to a big contract in the offseason. If the Dolphins want to be competitive against the explosive Atlanta Falcons in Week 3, it will be Wallace who must step up if Miami wants to be victorious.
Wallace was acquired by the Dolphins not to be just someone who the defense has to take into consideration but to be a player that the offense can build around. The wide receiver has made it very clear that he wants to be that person, which is why he was so upset after only catching one pass in the team’s Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns.
The Dolphins need Wallace to be the deep threat that he is known for while also being able to make every catch on the field. More importantly, he needs to haul in a majority of balls thrown his way, which is exactly what he did in Indianapolis on Sunday.
The 27-year-old grabbed a career-high nine receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown. The way he exploded out of the gates for three catches, 46 yards and a touchdown on the opening drive is exactly what he must bring to every game this season.
“Our plan was to get him involved and get him involved early and I think we did that,” quarterback Ryan Tannehill said, according to MiamiDolphins.com. “He took advantage of it. He showed his athleticism, we had some great calls coming in and he took advantage of it.”
Miami will have to use that same game plan against Atlanta, a team that has already allowed a 100-yard receiver this season. The good news for the Dolphins is that the Falcons have given up plenty of yards through the air. In fact, they have allowed an average of 346.5 yards per game, which is good for 29th in the league.
It is great to see Tannehill and Wallace be on the same page. Hopefully, the two players can use their success in Week 2 as a point to build off of.
