Starkey: Steelers need Mike Wallace

[Oviedo]

Steelers unveil dink and dunk offense

8/12/2012
by John Steigerwald

Dink, dunk, doze.

For now, and it’s only one exhibition game, call what the Steelers are running the 3D offense. It’s way too early to draw any long term conclusions about what to expect from the Steelers’ offense under its new coordinator, Todd Haley, but it sure looked like just another NFL, close to the vest offense that throws it down the field when you have. But, hey, there is a fullback in there to liven things up.

The Steelers attempted 19 passes (not counting sacks) Thursday night in Philadelphia. According to the official NFL stat sheet, 15 of them qualified as short.

Nothing alarming there. That’s the way it’s done in the NFL these days.

Maybe there would have been one or two more shots downfield if the Steelers’ best deep threat, Mike Wallace, had made the trip.

He’s still holding out and was probably happy about that decision when he saw his teammate, fullback David Johnson, go out with a serious knee injury. More on him in a minute.

Teams never show their best stuff in exhibition games, and nobody should have been expecting any razzle-dazzle or even a noticeable, major departure from what the Steelers had been doing under Haley’s predecessor Bruce Arians. But it would have been OK to expect something a little more exciting than a fullback.

Haley might be willing to lead a resurgence of the Steelers’ running game, but the more he sees of his stable of running backs, the more likely he might be to trade runs for dinks and dunks.

Without Rashard Medenhall, the Steelers have only ordinary backs to count on.

Ike Redman and Jonathan Dwyer are about as ordinary as an NFL running back can be - and I actually think that Dwyer is a better runner.

Mendenhall is a smidgen above ordinary.

The new kid, Chris Rainey, who turned a dink (or was it a dunk?) into a 57-yard touchdown, is going to add some explosiveness and excitement to the attack, but probably more as a dunker and dinker than a runner.

It’s possible that the offensive line is going to include two rookies, neither of whom distinguished himself against the Eagles.

You have to give left tackle Mike Adams and right guard David DeCastro a ton of slack because it was their first game, but you also shouldn’t be counting on them, at least in the early going, to contribute to Haley’s plan to keep his quarterback in the pocket.

And if you’re not very good at running the ball and not confident that your line can protect the quarterback, then you’re probably going to be doing a lot of - ready? - dinking and dunking.

Mike Wallace can fix a dink and dunk fixation in hurry. Remember last year when he was averaging 20 yards a catch?

Actually, it was the first half of the season when he was doing that. In the second half he averaged about 13.

It’s becoming pretty obvious that Wallace isn’t interested in participating in training camp this, and who can blame him? He wants a lot more money than the Steelers are willing to give him as a restricted free agent, and why would he want to risk blowing out a knee in a 7-on-7 drill or in an exhibition game?

Maybe he has an unrealistic opinion of his worth, but it’s his opinion. And you have to give Wallace some credit for putting his money where his mouth is.

Listen to the talk shows and you get the impression that there are quite a few fans and maybe even some cheerleaders in the media who believe that Wallace owes them something or that he should feel honored to be wearing the black and gold of the Steelers.

He’s like every other player on the roster - in it for the cash. Wallace is using the little bit of leverage that was negotiated for him by his union during a lockout last summer. Maybe he hasn’t been around long enough to justify the money he’s holding out for, but he’s also been around long enough to know how overrated training camp is.

[URL]http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/sports11/08-12-2012_steigerwald[/URL]

I love the "dink and dunk" approach because it takes pressure off the OL and keeps Ben upright. I've always said that if ben would take that approach he would would be close to a 70% passer versus trying to force balls down the field. Let the receivers get yards after the catch. We have a group that can do that now.

Steigerwald is right in that our RBs are very ordinary with Mendy out but I think that is a trend in the NFL. RB by committee is the name of the game and there really are very few stars at the position.

[NorthCoast]

Jerome Bettis: Mike Wallace doesn't get Steelers
By Brian McIntyre
Around the League writer
Published: Aug. 9, 2012 at 10:34 a.m.
Updated: Aug. 9, 2012 at 12:33 p.m.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace has yet to sign his restricted free agent tender. Wallace can no longer negotiate with other teams and the Steelers will not trade the deep-threat, leaving Wallace with just two options: Stay home or double his career earnings by signing the $2.742 million tender.

Former Steelers running back and Detroit native Jerome Bettis tells "NFL AM" that Wallace doesn't understand how the organization operates and that the best way to get a long-term deal would be to report to the team.

"I think when you go through the history of the Steelers, they do things a bit differently," Bettis said on Thursday. "And when you look at in relationship to their stars, they still stay one way. They're firm in their resolve and the way they do things. All you have to do is go back to Hines Ward.

"His situation, he had a holdout before his last contract. He wanted x-amount of dollars and they were one way. At the end of the day, they told Hines he needed to come into camp before they would consummate a deal. And Hines had to come in and he came in, and once he came in they were able to work the deal out.

"But the problem is, you know, Mike (Wallace) doesn't really understand the concept of how the Steelers work, and so he's got to kind of figure that out. Once he figures that out and comes in, I think they'll work a deal out."

The Ward and Wallace situations are similar in that they're both receivers who were looking for more money. However, Ward was in the final year of his second contract when he skipped the first three weeks of the Steelers' 2005 training camp. Wallace is not signed, and thus not obligated to attend camp, and is looking for his second contract.

In the end, "The Bus" is right. Wallace (who's agent is James "Bus" Cook) has limited options and his best bet is to return to the fold.

Wallace will miss Thursday's preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, but it would be a surprise if he weren't at least on the sidelines for the Sunday night game against the Indianapolis Colts on August 19.

[URL]http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000047990/article/jerome-bettis-mike-wallace-doesnt-get-steelers[/URL]

I think Jerome is right on. Wallace and/or his agent are attempting to rewrite how the Steelers negotiate contracts.

Guess what....it ain't gonna happen. So they end in a stalemate where no one gets what they want. There is something in economics called Nash's equilibrium where he proves that it is better for both sides to take a little less than for one side to get all they want. Be interesting to see how this all ends....

[Oviedo]

I think Jerome is right on. Wallace and/or his agent are attempting to rewrite how the Steelers negotiate contracts.

Guess what....it ain't gonna happen. So they end in a stalemate where no one gets what they want. There is something in economics called Nash's equilibrium where he proves that it is better for both sides to take a little less than for one side to get all they want. Be interesting to see how this all ends....

"Stupid is as stupid does." That Gumpism pretty much sums up how Wallace and his agent have handled this. The Steelers won't change for Mike Wallace.

[phillyesq]

I love the "dink and dunk" approach because it takes pressure off the OL and keeps Ben upright. I've always said that if ben would take that approach he would would be close to a 70% passer versus trying to force balls down the field. Let the receivers get yards after the catch. We have a group that can do that now.

I really liked the approach to start the Eagles game, but eventually, the Steelers will have to throw the ball down the field. Not as frequently as Arians with all the long developing routes, but enough to back the defense out of a 10-15 yard window and open things up underneath.

Everything in moderation.

[ikestops85]

I love the "dink and dunk" approach because it takes pressure off the OL and keeps Ben upright. I've always said that if ben would take that approach he would would be close to a 70% passer versus trying to force balls down the field. Let the receivers get yards after the catch. We have a group that can do that now.

Steigerwald is right in that our RBs are very ordinary with Mendy out but I think that is a trend in the NFL. RB by committee is the name of the game and there really are very few stars at the position.

Well, that approach sure didn't work against the Eagles. How many times was our QB sacked? Wasn't it 7 times? How many times did Ben get hit when attempting to pass? I think it was 5 out of the 7 times he threw. Not exactly a good start for the dink and dunk if it's supposed to keep the QB upright.

[hawaiiansteel]

Harris: Taylor pitches in to solve Wallace mess

By John Harris
Published: Monday, August 13, 2012



What if I told you that restricted free-agent wide receiver Mike Wallace not only trained last week with speed and conditioning guru Tom Shaw at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports at Disney, he bunked in Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor’s nearby home and drove Taylor’s car?

How many people would welcome someone into their home while they’re away at training camp? Taylor and Wallace are good teammates more than they are best friends, so Taylor clearly took one for the team.

“Mike was supposed to be here three weeks ago,” said Shaw, who has trained many high-profile NFL players and has known Taylor since he was a teenager. “The only way to get him here was to have him stay in Ike’s house and drive Ike’s car.”

The Steelers know all about Shaw, who became regarded as one of the early stars in his profession for his work with Deion Sanders, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Shaw was the conditioning coach when the New England Patriots won three Super Bowls in four years.

Shaw has been a guest at the Steelers’ practice facility, and he is on speaking terms with coach Mike Tomlin. The Steelers are well aware that Taylor, who works every offseason with Shaw and made his home in Orlando, Fla., as a result, didn’t miss a game because of injury in his first nine NFL seasons.

Taylor should receive a finder’s fee when Wallace receives his new contract. Make no mistake, it’s a matter of when, not if, Wallace — who told a Disney official last week he will play in the final preseason game — signs with the Steelers.

Taylor has spoken with Wallace throughout the offseason, in person and on the phone, with Wallace explaining his side of the negotiations while Taylor presented the Steelers’ side.

The New Orleans natives got together in June when Taylor was in town to host his annual football camp.

“It’s a lot of frustration with Mike, seeing a lot of guys getting signed to big contracts,” Taylor said. “Mike feels like he outperformed his last contract. He’s telling me, ‘I miss being around you boys. But I want my (money).’ ”

Taylor, who signed a four-year extension last year making him the highest-paid cornerback in Steelers history, capitalized on his close relationship with chairman emeritus Dan Rooney to become a buffer between Wallace and the Steelers.

Check out Taylor’s avatar picture on his Twitter page featuring him and Rooney striking one of Taylor’s favorite poses, side-by-side with arms folded across their chests. It’s a must-see, and a clear indicator that Taylor, who once fell asleep in Rooney’s office after a practice, shares a special bond with the Steelers’ owner.

“I told him one time that his pants (were) too high,” Taylor said about Rooney on his weekly show on TribLive Radio two weeks ago. “So he had to come down on his pants, and he got a whole lot better over the course of years.”

Given the relationship between Rooney and Taylor, does anyone believe that Wallace worked out with Taylor’s personal trainer while the team is in training camp without the Steelers knowing about it?

“Mike is my guy,” Taylor said. “Mr. Rooney and the organization, they’re my people, so I see it on both sides.”

With the recent departures of James Farrior, Hines Ward and Aaron Smith, Taylor is taking charge. He’s become a mentor to cornerbacks Keenan Lewis, Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown. Allen was a guest in Taylor’s home when Allen trained with Shaw this summer, as was wide receiver Antonio Brown, who tussled with Taylor at the end of Sunday’s practice but considers him a friend.

Taylor’s direct involvement in Wallace’s contract negotiations — while unusual, to say the least — will be worth it when Wallace and the Steelers agree to terms.

[URL]http://triblive.com/home/2403626-74/taylor-steelers-wallace-mike-shaw-rooney-ike-harris-allen-camp[/URL]

[pittpete]

That picture is classic man..

Now to the Wallace situation..
Maybe it's a blessing in disguise that Mikes not here.
With all the dam injuries going on this year in the NFL, I can see his point a little bit.
He has the playbook and he's not a rookie.
We will "pay dat man his munnee" just in time for fresh legs to be back in B&G with his new contract.

[Oviedo]

That picture is classic man..

Now to the Wallace situation..
Maybe it's a blessing in disguise that Mikes not here.
With all the dam injuries going on this year in the NFL, I can see his point a little bit.
He has the playbook and he's not a rookie.
We will "pay dat man his munnee" just in time for fresh legs to be back in B&G with his new contract.

But what is his absence accomplishing in reaching closure on a contract? Nothing!!! There is the Steelers way or the highway. The concern is that he is really wanting to hit the highway.

As far as injuries, I could very easily see Wallace having more issues this season because he is avoiding camp.

[fordfixer]

But what is his absence accomplishing in reaching closure on a contract? Nothing!!! There is the Steelers way or the highway. The concern is that he is really wanting to hit the highway.

As far as injuries, I could very easily see Wallace having more issues this season because he is avoiding camp.

I agree.How many players have returned from a hold out just to pull a hammie (or something) and have to set another 6 weeks?

[papillon]

If he's going to be there for that last pre-season game then why not get to camp and start getting reps? This makes little or no sense. The Steelers don't negotiate during the season, so, coming in a week prior to the regular season and try to negotiate a long term contract. If he gets to camp, signs the tender and negotiates for the next 3 to 4 weeks he's more likely to walk away with his 50 million and some large guaranteed number. Waiting until the regular season is just not the best option here for Wallace.

I'm a Steeler fan, he can stay or go it doesn't matter to me one way or another. I'll root for #17 regardless of the body in the jersey, just like I did for #32, #26 and the few others that didn't see fit to continue their employment with the Steelers.

Pappy

[Oviedo]

If he's going to be there for that last pre-season game then why not get to camp and start getting reps? This makes little or no sense. The Steelers don't negotiate during the season, so, coming in a week prior to the regular season and try to negotiate a long term contract. If he gets to camp, signs the tender and negotiates for the next 3 to 4 weeks he's more likely to walk away with his 50 million and some large guaranteed number. Waiting until the regular season is just not the best option here for Wallace.

I'm a Steeler fan, he can stay or go it doesn't matter to me one way or another. I'll root for #17 regardless of the body in the jersey, just like I did for #32, #26 and the few others that didn't see fit to continue their employment with the Steelers.

Pappy

Yep! Replaceable carbon units. It is the logo on the side of the helmet that matters not the name on the back of the jerseys.

[phillyesq]

Yep! Replaceable carbon units. It is the logo on the side of the helmet that matters not the name on the back of the jerseys.

Perhaps they are repalceable carbon units, but I'd like to see another replaceable unit who can match his production and impact on the defense. Guys like Wallace don't grow on trees, and the Steelers are absolutely better off with Wallace in the lineup this year than they are without him.

[Slapstick]

Perhaps they are repalceable carbon units, but I'd like to see another replaceable unit who can match his production and impact on the defense. Guys like Wallace don't grow on trees, and the Steelers are absolutely better off with Wallace in the lineup this year than they are without him.

Nobody disputes that.

Some just agree with the stance that the Steelers can't kowtow in order just to keep him...

[Oviedo]

Nobody disputes that.

Some just agree with the stance that the Steelers can't kowtow in order just to keep him...

100% yes to this!!!!!

[phillyesq]

Nobody disputes that.

Some just agree with the stance that the Steelers can't kowtow in order just to keep him...

I'm not saying that the Steelers should just bend over and meet his demands. I'm rooting for Wallace to return because I think it makes the team better. If he plays for the tender this year or signs a reasonable deal, I have no objection to either.