The Miami Dolphins successfully won their season opener against the Cleveland Browns. Miami put up 23 points against the Browns as their offense and defense looked improved from last season. While some like Ryan Tannehill might be feeling pretty good after getting the first victory, someone is still unhappy. Wide receiver Mike Wallace thinks the win just was not enough.
Wallace was one of the offseason's biggest free agents. After several successful seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the wide receiver signing one of the biggest contracts this year to play for the Dolphins. The $60 million contract was meant to make Wallace the quarterback's top target on the field. However, in Week One, Wallace was only targeted five times. He was not too thrilled.
"I don't feel like talking," Wallace told reports after the game. When the media pressured him more to discuss the game plan, he simply responded by saying they should ask the head coach about that one. Wallace finished the game ranked fifth on the receivers list with one reception for 15 yards. That is not exactly what a $60 million receiver does.
Wallace was supposed to be the one with all of the touchdowns this year. Instead, Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson combined for 16 catches, 221 yards and a touchdown, overshadowing Wallace on the field. Of course the receiver drew a lot of attention from the defense. Opponents expect Tannehill to be looking for Wallace on every play, making it hard for the receiver to make an impact. The second-year quarterback notes that really was the biggest issue.
"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."
Coming into the game, Wallace anticipated the double coverage by the Browns. He knew defenses would be all over him, but the receiver was certainly expecting a few more balls to be thrown his way.
"It's going to be a battle all day long," Wallace said in anticipation of his coming match against Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden. "I'm excited about it. I'm going to sleep early, so I hope he's going to sleep early because it's going to be a long day. I'm going to have my swagger up."
Wallace's targets are certain to increase throughout the season. Miami certainly wants to keep their money-maker happy, but Tannehill wants the win and if that means throwing more to Hartline and Gibson then he will.
