We’ve all heard the familiar adage that sometimes a player needs a change of scenery, a fresh start to spark their career. Sometimes, it works. Sometimes, it doesn’t.
It’s Mike Wallace’s turn to see which category he will fall into.
Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2009 draft, Wallace shined throughout his first four years in the league. Ravens fans can easily remember how the speedster would give their secondary fits whenever the two teams played.
Wallace’s playmaking ability landed him a lucrative free agent contract in Miami in 2013. He played just two years there before being traded to Minnesota prior to the 2015 season.
With the Vikings, Wallace’s capability as a deep threat never materialized in Norv Turner’s offense. Looking ahead to 2016, the speedy wide receiver is thrilled to be a part of an offense with a need for his strong suit.
“It’s been great,” Wallace said about his time thus far in Baltimore. “Great guys around here, great coaches, a lot of energy, long practices, but it’s been great so far.
“I think I’m picking up things pretty well – I’ve got most of the playbook in so far – so I think I’ve been doing a pretty good job. I’ve got to clean some things up, but I like where I’m at.”
Wallace has been a fixture at the Ravens’ facility since the team signed him this offseason. He knows just how important it is for him to be present for every opportunity to learn the offense.
“It was very important,” responded Wallace when asked about his attendance throughout offseason activities. “I [didn’t] know any of the plays, first of all. If I’m not here, I’m not going to know any plays, because I haven’t been here. And just to get the timing with the quarterbacks [was important].
“Last year, we had a lot of guys hurt here. I wasn’t on the team, but I know they had a lot of guys hurt, so you never know what can happen. You know, you might not be in with Ryan [Mallett]; you might not be in with Josh [Johnson] or whoever.
“You never know – anything can happen. So, you need to be on the same page with every quarterback, every teammate. That’s the importance of being at the OTAs.”
Wallace has caught the attention of several defensive players who have matched up against him thus far in the limited practices. In the small sample size of outings, Wallace has shined. His speed, his routes have all been impressive.
Confidence goes a long way and the wideout feels opportunity is key to help the Ravens offense.
“It’s just a matter of opportunity,” Wallace said. “I was in some different situations, and those are what they are, but I’m looking for a fresh start. I’m here, and this team gives me a chance to do the things that I like to do and the things that I’m best at.
“We have the team, we have the play-calling to do it here – more of an aggressive play-calling style. That’s why I chose to come here, because I felt like it gave me the best opportunity to make big plays like I want to do.”
I assure you Mike, Ravens fans cannot wait for that either….
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