The Prodigal Son Returns! aka - Steelers WR Mike Wallace



The "Prodigal Son" - Mike Wallace

 Don't worry, I'm not going to dig back into my Catholic HS education and dip into the New Testament to discuss the parable of the Prodigal Son.  What I am going to talk about is much more serious (probably shouldn't have used that joke...my apologies Father).  The Steelers welcomed back WR Mike Wallace as he returned to the South Side facility.  This morning on Twitter it almost was "Favre-esque" as people were tweeting things like: "Steelers Mike Wallace en route to South Side Facility" & "Wallace FINALLY ARRIVES".  Ahhh to be a fly on the wall in Kevin Colbert's office as Mike sits down to sign his 2 million dollar tender.  Do you think there will be much talk after the Steelers dropped the iron fist in training camp and made their business very public about not negotiating with players not in camp...THEN they go ahead and give a big chunk of change to fellow "Young Money" member, Antonio Brown.  Not only do they give him the cash, but they hold a fancy press conference with his son in attendance and Coach Tomlin.  Last  year when Lamarr Woodley got his cash flow increased there was no press conference.  Some view these signs as direct slaps in the face of Mike Wallace. 

Do I think they is bad blood between Wallace and the Steelers? YOU BET THERE IS!  Wallace has to be pissed off about the lack of respect he has been given.  This is a player who came in under the radar and has been a big difference maker on the team.  The way the Steelers handled the situation has to have him holding back some fierce words.  I can't say I wouldn't feel the same if I were in his shoes, but then again I thought the Steelers played their hand the best that they were able.  The biggest question is will Wallace have any malice towards the organization to the point where it affects his play?  I don't think that is the case based on the fact that he is going to be entering a contract year (if the Steelers don't get a long term deal with him in the next 2 weeks) and will need to showcase his talent for the next possible suitor who desires his services.

Will Wallace be able to enter the fold without missing a beat?  No, but he can still be affective.  What is Mike Wallace's best route?  The 'Go' route.  Someone with his speed its easy to say "Go Deep" and if anything just to take the top off of the defense.  There has been alot of speculation about Wallace and potential injuries to part of the body like hamstrings, groins, and quads for players who have held out of training camp.  Sure the muscles won't be totally accustomed to game speed cutting and acceleration, but that doesn't mean its a guarantee that he gets injured either.  The last holdout for a position player of great skill (cornerback) was Revis for the Jets.  He ended up with a nagging hamstring injury that had him miss some time.  This is a mute point if you ask me based on the fact that Wallace has reportedly been training at a high level and he will still have 2 weeks to get into "game shape".  Wallace should be a game changer for the Steelers in week 1 even if he only knows 50% of the offense.