Mike Wallace Electrifies Steelers Offense in Panthers Pummeling
Filed under: Steelers, AFC North
For decades, the Steelers were known for their physical run game and hard-nosed defense as they imposed their will on opponents. Thursday night, the Steelers dominated the inferior Carolina Panthers for a 27-3 victory at Heinz Field with constant pressure and pounding the ball on the ground.
However, the Steelers also displayed an element against the Panthers that can impose an unexpected problem for their playoff opponents — an underrated passing attack.
“It depended on how they (Carolina) chose to play us,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “We knew that potentially they would stack the line of scrimmage in order to stop the run. They used some five-down defensive line personnel groups, and when you see that you have to take what they give to you. Guys got open and Ben distributed the football.”
Other than rookie center Maurkice Pouncey, who has anchored the offensive line at center, the Steelers biggest young hero is wide receiver Mike Wallace. Wallace is one of the premier burners in the NFL and when he’s on a roll it creates opportunities for the other Steelers speedsters in Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders, along with veterans Heath Miller and Hines Ward.
Wallace is still young and is continuing to learn the game, but his speed often makes up for it.
“Well he’s doing a lot of different things and I told him tonight he did something that I have been waiting for him to do, and that was on the deep ball, come back to it,” said Roethlisberger, who set a career-high of 259 passing yards in the first half, finishing with 320 yards off of 22 for 32 attempts and two touchdowns (one rushing). “Make that play on our sideline, on their sideline.
“That’s something a lot of speed guys can’t always do. If it’s short, they kind of let it go. He did a great job; I’ve been on him a lot about doing that. He stopped; he came back and made a play. That’s what I was probably most happy to see from him tonight.”
However, for the Steelers to be considered as a serious threat through the air, Wallace must consistently be able to produce a complete outing like he did Thursday night when he compiled 104 yards off four receptions including a 43-yard touchdown pass.
“This guy has a desire to have a complete game,” said Tomlin. “We kid about it. He’s a young man in development. I like where he is right now, but he is capable of more. I think he’s got the same approach to it and he’s going to continue to work. I like a guy that is producing plays to help us win, but at the same time I understand that there is more out there for him.
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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/12/24/mike-wallace-electrifies-steelers-offense-in-punishment-of-panth/