Mike Wallace was upset with his lack of usage in the Miami Dolphins’ 23-10 Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, according to a report.
Wallace, who was signed to a five-year, $60 million deal by the team in free agency, only caught one pass for 15 yards. He was targeted five times and was upset that he was hardly a part of the team’s offensive gameplan.
The Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero says Wallace was escorted off the field in Cleveland by GM Jeff Ireland, and that the receiver was among the first to get dressed and exit the locker room. Salguero also says Wallace was not in the mood to talk after the game.
From Salguero:
“I don’t feel like talking, man,” he said, as he walked past me.
He was asked about not being targeted in the first half.
“Ask coach,” he said. “It’s not my game plan.”
Wallace apparently complained at halftime that he wasn’t even targeted by quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill explained the issue from his perspective.
“I think they did a lot of things to take [Wallace] away,” Tannehill said. “They clouded him and put a guy over the top. It’s frustrating for him and our offense, as well. We want to give him the ball, and he’s going to play a big factor in this offense the rest of the year. Today just wasn’t the day for him.”
It’s great that Wallace wants to be involved, but it’s pretty poor of him to have an attitude after his team won. Tannehill went 24-of-38 for 272 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Brian Hartline had 9 catches for 114 yards and a touchdown, while Brandon Gibson had 7 catches for 77 yards. Wallace’s presence clearly made things easier for his teammates.
This is so typical of a wide receiver. They’re often the biggest divas on the team. They always think they’re open, that they should be getting the ball, and they’re pissed when they don’t. Lose the attitude, Wallace, and realize you helped your team win, which is why they signed you.
