PITTSBURGH -- Carson Wentz will try to do to the Pittsburgh Steelers what Jacoby Brissett and the New England Patriots just did to the Houston Texans in prime time.
But the Steelers rarely let that happen.
The Associated Press had good information on the Steelers' success against rookies over 12 seasons, forcing 25 interceptions compared to 12 touchdowns allowed during that span. The Steelers -- who face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in Lincoln Financial Field -- didn't face a true rookie quarterback last season.
Turns out the Steelers' 18-2 record in their last 20 meetings against rookie quarterbacks is the league's best since 2004, edging the Broncos (7-2), Chargers (9-3) and Falcons (15-7), according to ESPN Stats & Information. The two rookies to beat the Steelers are Troy Smith in 2007 and Brandon Weeden in 2012.
The Steelers know they can't rely on history against Wentz, who has 438 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions through two games. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler knows Wentz has been well-trained to handle the nuances of the NFL game.
“That’s a good coaching staff over there,” Butler said. “The head coach used to be a quarterback. That position is vital in the NFL. Everybody knows that. They’ve done a good job of preparing him.”
Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley studied quarterbacks extensively during the NFL draft process and rated Wentz "clearly the best." What stood out to Haley was his "understanding of the game. They put a lot on his shoulders and you saw him operate almost every play."
Playing rookies doesn't always go so smoothly. The Texans got trounced 27-0 by New England and Brissett, a third-round pick last spring and the Patriots' third-stringer. Speaking of Brissett, the Steelers are hoping Zach Mettenberger can serve that third-string role as effectively for Pittsburgh. With Landry Jones on this week's injury report with a back injury, Mettenberger could be the proverbial "one play away."
As for Wentz, linebacker Jarvis Jones says the Steelers won't change their style of play against a rookie. Lately, the Steelers have been willing to drop linebackers into coverage, sacrificing sacks as a result. The Steelers have one sack through two games, but they like the way they are getting stops in pass coverage, allowing two touchdowns through the first two games.
"We're going to dictate the tempo and the game plan," Jones said. "He's a really good quarterback. He has started strong. For us, we don't want to say rattle him, but get him off the spot, make him make some hard throws, give him some stuff he hasn't seen."