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Burnell Michael Wallace is the Pittsburgh Steelers new third string receiver. What about Limas Sweed though? Looks like he’s been replaced, and effectively replaced, as Wallace doesn’t seem to drop as many passes as Sweed. We all know that’s what Mr. Sweed is best known for. Well, that and that crushing block on Corey Ivey in the AFC Championship game last year.

The Pittsburgh front office and coaching staff obviously were not comfortable with the realization that Limas Sweed would be one of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s prime targets, and thus Wallace was drafted in the third round, number 84 overall.

Sweed has been in the league a year longer than Wallace, and Wallace’s career stats are still better. In fact, He’s doubled Sweed’s receptions and nearly tripled his reception yards.

It’s extremely obvious as to why Head Coach Mike Tomlin made the decision to change the depth chart and drop Sweed below the talented rookie.

Wallace had the game of his career against the Cincinnati Bengals, catching seven passes for 102 yards. He has yet to score a touchdown, but should get plenty of opportunities against the Detroit Lions this Sunday. Then again, Limas Sweed had a sure touchdown in his hands and dropped it.

Look for the rookie to cement his spot on the depth chart very soon, if he hasn’t already. As long as he can stay healthy, he is most definitely the better receiver of the two. With him in the game, he gives the defending champions two deep threats and the always sure handed Hines Ward.

This brings up another point, in essence Wallace ‘lucked out’ by being drafted by a team such as the Steelers. Looking at the receiving corps, you’ll see two very established receivers in Ward and Santonio Holmes, both are Super Bowl MVP’s. Ward won his in 2005 in Super Bowl XL, Holmes in 2009 in Super Bowl XLIII.

Ward is the perfect mentor for a young receiver. He’s arguably the best blocking receiver to ever play the game, and makes his living across the middle of the field and on third downs. Holmes on the other hand has mastered the art of the deep ball. Something the speedy Wallace will need to learn.

On a weekly basis, Ward and Wallace are working on blocking and admittedly Wallace is progressing as far as blocking goes, but in his own words ‘has a lot to learn.’

As most NFL fans know, blocking is perhaps the most important thing for a receiver in the Pittsburgh offense. The offense centers around the running game, or at least is supposed to. Admittedly they are getting away from it and relying more on the passing game than in years past.

Perhaps the best part of adding Wallace to the team is the fact that he seems to be in it for the right reasons, he seems to be a humble and respectable young man. Per Steelers.com he said this:

“I want to go out and be the best player I can be. It’s about not wanting to let anyone down. Everything goes hand in hand, if people are willing to lend a hand and help me, I don’t think I should let them down. I try to learn things as fast as I can.”

Wallace is a sign of great things to come for the Pittsburgh offense. He has the right mindset to play receiver for the team, almost a player made in the mold of Hines Ward as far as attitude goes. When Ward is ready to pass the torch, the Pittsburgh aerial attack will remain consistent with the rookie and Holmes leading the way.

As long as he continues along the same path, he will be a very pivotal part of the Steelers offense in the very near future.

http://fanhuddle.com/pittsburghsteelers/2009/10/08/rookie-mike-wallace-stepping-up-for-the-steelers/