Doug Pederson: More Carson Wentz Runs As Season Progresses
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Carson Wentz is 6'5", 240-pounds and runs a 4.77 40-yard dash. The 23-year-old quarterback has the uncanny ability to make plays with his feet.
However, in three games this season, Wentz has rushed for just 21 yards. Fortunately, he hasn't needed to run as the Eagles are 3-0 and Wentz has the NFL's sixth best quarterback rating (103.8).
Head coach Doug Pederson says you can expect some more rushing attempts from Wentz as the season goes on.
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"One of the things that I think defenses sometimes forget -- I'm not saying they forget it completely -- but is the quarterback's ability to run," Pederson said on Wednesday. "I think that was an advantage to us in Kansas City with Alex Smith -- and his strength was the ability to run the football. As we got deeper into the season, we dialed up a few more of those for him. It could be the same type of formula for Carson. Obviously you want to get him through the full 16-game schedule and I think the deeper you go, you increase it a little bit more."
As an offensive coordinator in Kansas City, Smith -- who is 6'4" and also runs a 4.7 40-yard dash -- ran for 498, 254, and 432 yards in each of the last three seasons. The Chiefs had winning seasons in each of the last three years, reaching the playoffs in 2013 and 2015. Smith has missed just two games since taking over as Kansas City's starting QB in 2013.
At North Dakota State, Wentz ran for over 1,000 yards including 642 and six touchdowns as a junior.
"As a staff we have to be very smart about how we handle that aspect of the game," Pederson said. "Probably the deeper you go into your regular season and if you are in a position to make the postseason, you might increase that a little bit."
94WIP Morning Show host Angelo Cataldi is worried Wentz, who missed the preseason with a rib injury, could get hurt.
"If you want to put Alex Smith at risk, that's fine," Cataldi said. "You're not losing that much. But when you put Carson Wentz at risk, you are making a ridiculous decision. It's not logical.
"You want to possibly hand the job to Chase Daniel? Really?! Al, do you realize the moment that kid gets hurt all of this ends. All of it! For a first down? No! Do not let that kid run."
