Oct 25, 2012 4 min read

PITTSBURGH – Mike Wallace’s name had become synonymous with big plays in his first three NFL seasons. But with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s emphasis on a short-passing game, the big plays have been few and far between for the Steelers’ big-play wide receiver. That could change Sunday when the Steelers (3-3) host the Washington Redskins. The Redskins (3-4) have given up 17 pass plays of 25 or more yards, which is good news for Wallace, who is averaging only 13.7 yards per catch – far below his career average of 18.7. “Yeah, definitely,” said Wallace when asked if he was looking forward to the possibility of making some big plays against the Redskins. “You take all the big plays you can get. But you also have to look at the plays that they make as well. You can’t just think you’re going to go at them when they’re out there picking the ball off and getting fumbles.” While Washington is giving up plenty of big plays and passing yards (340.4 per game) the Redskins also are forcing plenty of turnovers. Washington is plus-7 in turnover ratio, thanks to a defense that has 10 interceptions, returning four for touchdowns. “I don’t look at them as giving up big plays or the opportunity for big plays,” said Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. “I look at them as being a takeaway machine. They take away the ball. They score on defense. To me, that’s something I have to keep my eyes on more than the big play being available.” Still, the Steelers would like to take some shots deep with Wallace, who has a Steelers’ record 12 touchdown catches of 40 or more yards from Roethlisberger. And coming off a game in which he dropped three passes, Wallace is looking for redemption. “It’s one game. I feel like I’ll come back in a big way,” Wallace said. “I’m not down or anything like that. I had a bad game. “Sometimes I try to run a little too early and take my eyes off the ball. I feel like I have it in my hands and try to turn and run. I just have to make sure I have it in my hands. You can’t run without the ball.” Despite the three drops in Pittsbrugh’s 24-17 win at Cincinnati, Wallace had eight receptions, matching his career high. But those receptions went for only 52 yards – not the kind of production the Steelers are looking for from a receiver who had 15 passes thrown his way. “I don’t shy away from them, even with drops,” Roethlisberger said. “I will always have confidence in them no matter what.” And Wallace says the big plays are coming, if not this week, then in the coming weeks, as the players become more comfortable with the offense. “Of course, I would want more opportunities,” Wallace said of the deep passes. “But we’re doing good as a team doing what we’re doing. As long as we’re winning and build and go in the right direction, we’re fine. “I think Coach Haley is slowly but surely opening it up a little more. It’s still early in the season. He’s still figuring out the players that he has. Even though he saw us on film, you never know the guys until you get working with them. I think every week he’s learning more and giving us more opportunities. I think this week we’ll get a couple more.”

Coming off a career-high 122-yard rushing game against the Bengals in his first career start, running back Jonathan Dwyer was not at practice Wednesday because of personal issues. … Also sitting out Wednesday were running backs Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles tendon) and Isaac Redman (ankle), offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert (ankle) and linebacker Jason Worild (illness). … Center Maurkice Pouncey and linebacker Chris Carter, both of whom missed the game Sunday, were full participants.