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Which Mike Wallace Will The Baltimore Ravens Get?

By Chris Schisler

Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mike Wallace Can Still Put Up Solid Numbers

There is no doubt that Mike Wallace has been a good NFL wide receiver. While he is coming off a down year, Wallace has always had big play potential. That suits the Ravens, who really only need Wallace for his speed down the field. Can the Ravens resurrect Wallace’s career?

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Wallace is still one of the fastest targets in the league. He can blaze past cornerback. Joe Flacco is an ideal quarterback for Wallace. Wallace had his career peak in Pittsburgh; eating up Ben Roethlisberger’s need to throw the deep ball. He then struggled to do what he does best with Ryan Tannehil and Teddy Bridgewater. Flacco is an attack mode quarterback with a rocket launcher arm. If quarterback play was the problem, Flacco could be the solution.

Wallace put up numbers in Pittsburgh that got him a massive deal from the Miami Dolphins. In four seasons with the Steelers he scored 32 touchdowns. He had back to back seasons with 1,000 yards from 2010-2011. The Dolphins and Vikings were hoping for Wallace to duplicate his Pittsburgh success.

The Ravens know they’re buying a used car. They paid a low price. With a little work they can get the machine roaring again. This at least is the mindset of John Harbaugh and company.

Wallace really has never been a great wide receiver. He’s been very good, a game changer even. Wallace though, has never been a superstar like Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald. Because he has such a flashy skill-set, lofty expectations have always been set for him.

In Miami, he actually put up decent numbers. In 2013 he 73 receptions, 930 yards and 5 touchdowns. In 2014 he had 67 receptions for 862 and 10 touchdowns. These are solid seasons that stick to the big play making theme of his career. The Dolphins overpaid. They were hoping for a step up that Wallace was never going to take.

Last season with the Vikings was the worst season in Wallace’s career. 39 receptions, 473 yards and two touchdowns is an underwhelming stat line. Is Wallace on the decline? Or was he just not a fit with the Dolphins?

I think the answer is a little of both. The Vikings deep passing game was non-existent last year. The Ravens will let Wallace play to his strengths; they would not have signed him if that was not the case. Wallace is two years removed from very solid production. You have to think he’s still got that in him.

Next: Justin Forsett Is An Easy Player To Root For

He may never get back to the peak of his career, but the Ravens don’t need him to. Expect Wallace to be a solid veteran receiver who gives the offense a deep threat.

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