The Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed Pro Bowl caliber wide receiver Mike Wallace back to training camp yesterday with open arms, but speculation still remains as to whether Wallace will be ready to start the season opener. Bruce Arians is out as offensive coordinator and Todd Haley is in, implementing a new offense that comes with new terminology and plays. But Haley believes Wallace is good enough—and plays a position not needing much preparation—to be ready to go for Week 1.
“You’re talking about a guy who’s a wide receiver, a pass-catcher,” Haley said. “It’s not a running back or someone who has to be in the action of the game. I think it’s feasible he’s ready to go when we start this thing up.”
I tend to agree with Haley to an extent. Wallace will still need to learn the plays and understand the terminology, but that should not take too long considering NFL players do this for most of their lives, so learning new offenses becomes second nature for most of them.
Wallace is a dangerous weapon and the Steelers are lucky to have him report. He will sign his franchise tender and play this season, but will no doubt still be looking for that long term contract. He is one of, if not the best wide receiver in the game at making plays down the field. Two years ago he averaged a scintillating 21 yards per catch.
Wallace has averaged 1,225 yards the past two years and is entering his prime. He opens things up for the Steelers offense and will be a big part of their success this season.
Jeff is an NFL Featured Columnist for www.RantSports.com. He contributes mainly to the New York Giants and NFL Rumors pages. He also will occasionally touch on the NBA and humorous videos involving all sports.
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