There is no doubt Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Mike Wallace is one of the fastest pass catchers in the NFL. This is why he thrived when playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, averaging 17.5 yards per reception over the course of his first four seasons. Wallace’s stats earned him a major paycheck when he signed on with the Miami Dolphins in 2013. However, during his two seasons playing in Miami, Wallace’s yards per catch dropped to 12.2.
A combination of lackluster production, a negative attitude and his inflated salary led Wallace to be traded to the Vikings back in March. Already excited about Minnesota’s vertical offense, Wallace believes it will fit his skill set just fine.
“I think it’s more so (like) my first four years,” Wallace said, via ESPN.com. “It’s a vertical offense, (rather) than a short, West Coast offense. You go down the field a lot more here, more what I’m accustomed to.”
Wallace’s remarks come a day after his former quarterback, Ryan Tannehill, reporting that he feels the Dolphins possess the most athletic receiving unit the team has had since he’s been under center.
Touche’.
Concerning Wallace feeling more at home in Minnesota, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has been working overtime with him on his deep passes. If they can develop chemistry, Wallace could be more productive than he was during his Dolphins career.
The addition of Wallace to an up-and-coming offense that already includes Charles Johnson and tight end Kyle Rudolph could pose some serious threats to opposing defenses this year.
Photo: USA Today Sports