Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has run the ball 16 times for 102 yards and two touchdowns over the last two games, the highest two-game total in his career.
Speaking on the NFL Network Sunday morning, NFL reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala revealed the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler gave his players a clear message on how to handle a suddenly mobile Wentz.
"If Wentz takes off (Butler) told his players you remember he's a runner not a quarterback," said Kinkhabwala, via Pro Football Talk. "That means you hit him and you hit him hard enough to dissuade him from doing it more."
The Steelers coming into Sunday's kickoff planning to be aggressive in their shots at Wentz isn't overly surprising, considering all defenses like to get any shot in on an opposing quarterback when they can. The refs, as always, should be on the lookout for any cheap shots on Wentz after the whistle.
Still, the report is a reminder of the risk that comes with Wentz running the ball.
Wentz has been able to avoid any big hits so far running the ball, but considering his injury history, the team can't be too thrilled with the reality that the best way to move the ball on offense has become getting Wentz on the move. Ideally, you would like to see Wentz be a more accurate passer from the pocket, taking away the need to get out of the pocket.
This season, however, that has not been the case. Wentz has made some big plays with his legs and seems more willing than ever to run the ball.
Which means the Eagles' holding their breath each time he takes off — and opposing defenses looking to get a shot in on the team's franchise quarterback.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
