Levi Wallace discusses keys vs old teammates

Former Bills corner says Stefon Diggs the most prepared WR
Levi Wallace defending a pass vs Jets
Photo credit Michael Longo/For USA Today Network-USA TODAY NETWORK

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Last year Levi Wallace was second on the Bills in solo tackles against the Steelers, he also had a couple of key penalties that helped the Steelers late in the game. Now Wallace is a Steeler and said it’s just the next game on the schedule.

Whether he truly believes that or it’s just something he’s saying, Steelers teammate Cam Sutton believes once the juices get flowing it will be a special game for the corner given a chance by the Bills as an undrafted free agent out of Alabama in 2017.

Wallace would play 52 games in Buffalo, all starts, with six career interceptions.  Steelers players have said they’ve asked him questions trying to get more insight into the Bills.  Wallace said he’s told them he never really studied the offense while he played there, but offered up it will be a tough challenge.

Keen analysis by the first-year Steeler.

Josh Allen is a tough challenge, but as difficult is receiver Stefon Diggs.  Only Tyreek Hill and Courtland Sutton (played one more game) have more receiving yards than Diggs’ 406 this year, no one has more touchdowns than his four.  It’s not just athletic ability and a great quarterback that make Diggs.

“I think one of his most underrated skills is that he knows defense,” Wallace said.  “One, he has a brother that plays defense.  He’s one of the smartest receivers I practiced against, played against.  Always asking questions about coverages and stuff like that.”

“His understanding of defense is super underrated.  I think a lot of people try to disguise the quarterback, but you also have to try to trick Diggs to thinking you are playing something different.  A lot of the offense is a lot of option routes, Josh and him are always on the same page.”

It's a chess game not only against the coaches and the quarterback, but the star receiver.  Then Wallace said then obviously there is the handful that is Josh Allen.  What he’s seen in practice mirrors what we’ve seen on highlights.

“Some of his best throws are on the run,” Wallace told 93.7 The Fan.  “He’s always looking to make a big play.  That’s what their offense is.  He’s a playmaker.  He’s a gunslinger and he lives with the results.”

“He’s a super-competitor, which I love about him.  I think everybody in the league appreciates how competitive he is.  It’s fun going against a guy like that.”

Fun is debatable, something he hasn’t done before against Allen before is hitting him.

“It’s my first time really being against him, being able to tackle him,” Wallace said.  “He’s usually in a red jersey (meaning no-contact).”

“He’s a great challenge to us all.  We have to do our best to minimize him, but they are going to make their plays.  We are going to make our plays.  This is football, when you have a high-powered offense like that it’s really tough challenging them for all four quarters.”

They are also dealing with injuries, he was limited with a foot ailment, Cam Sutton had groin and hamstring injuries, Minkah Fitzpatrick with a knee, Terrell Edmunds is out, still in concussion protocol and the spot he’s taking in the starting lineup, corner Ahkello Witherspoon is out.

“Those are guys that are always ready,” Wallace said.  “Guys we trust as well.  When they have a bigger role, try to step up.  We don’t blink an eye.  The do a great job and prepare like everyone else.”

Sutton would say similar things about Wallace stepping into a starting role.  He’s been an immediate fit not only in the secondary, but in the Steelers locker room.

“His style of play, a competitor,” Sutton said. “He finds a way to the ball. Another brother who came in and welcomed himself in. He really just infused himself in like he’s been around the longest.”

“He’s been big for us, communication-wise and his ability to play with other guys and get the job done.”

It’s his second start for the Steelers and first opportunity to show his old employer why Pittsburgh paid him $8 million over two years.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Michael Longo/For USA Today Network-USA TODAY NETWORK