Former Viking Mike Wallace Bashes Bridgewater, Saying He Needs A 'Good QB'
By Ryan Mayer
The Minnesota Vikings released wide receiver Mike Wallace earlier this month. The 29-year old wasn't as effective as the team had hoped after bringing him in last off season. Wallace played in all 16 games but caught just 39 passes for 473 yards and 2 touchdowns this season.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer did praise the wide receiver for not complaining about his reduced role immediately after the season ended and said he would like to have him back. However, Wallace clearly had something different in mind as he has since signed a two year deal with the Baltimore Ravens. At his introductory press conference yesterday, he blasted his former teammate and Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater. From the Star Tribune:
"When this process started, I knew that I wasn't going back to Minnesota,'' Wallace said. "I was like, 'I need a good quarterback. I need a quarterback who I know that is proven and can get things done.' And (Baltimore's Joe) Flacco, he's always been that guy. I've always loved his deep ball."
To be fair to Bridgewater, it's not as if Wallace has been a consistent deep threat. After a fantastic first three years in the league, Wallace hasn't averaged more than 13 yards per reception in any of the last four seasons. That number dropped to a career low 12.1 yards per reception during this past season.
