Thursday, February 28, 2013
Where Wallace fits best
By Tom Carpenter
Back in October of 2011, ESPN Insider KC Joyner noted some surprising metrics that put Mike Wallace not only in the same class as Calvin Johnson but, in some facets of the game, even higher than Megatron. Looking back on that column, Joyner notes that things have changed since then, but Wallace's true upside remains.
"As noted in that article, Wallace had a significant metric lead over Johnson in a wide variety of categories that extended not just through the first six games of that season, but also through the entire 2010 season. That means for a 22-game stretch, Wallace statistically bested arguably the best wideout in the NFL," he wrote.
"That hasn't been the case since then, as Johnson has improved to the point that he is breaking all-time records and Wallace has regressed to well below his former metric apex."
Injuries (to himself and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger) played roles in Wallace's diminishing production since then. However, Joyner thinks Wallace could have a huge impact wherever he lands, be it with a Super Bowl contender like the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos or Chicago Bears, or with a team that is still growing into a contender:
KC Joyner
Five best fits for Mike Wallace"Potential Super Bowl contenders are not the only teams whose fortunes Wallace could help turn around, which is why the Miami Dolphins and Carolina Panthers are both rumored to be strongly considering pursuing him. No matter how one views the situation, however, it is clear that Wallace has the power to choose a path that could alter NFL history -- and drastically improve the passing game of whatever team he is on next."
