QB Run Game Overuse? Analyzing Play-Caller Mistakes and Protecting Franchise QBs in 2025
The modern NFL quarterback is a multifaceted athlete. No longer are they confined to the pocket, statuesque passers waiting for receivers to get open. Today’s QBs are mobile, athletic, and often integral parts of their team’s rushing attack. However, this increased reliance on quarterback runs has sparked a debate: QB Run Game Overuse? Analyzing Play-Caller Mistakes and Protecting Franchise QBs in 2025. Are teams putting their prized possessions at unnecessary risk? Are play-callers making mistakes that could jeopardize their quarterbacks’ long-term health and the team’s Super Bowl aspirations?
The Rise of the Mobile Quarterback
The evolution of the quarterback position is undeniable. Players like Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and Josh Allen have redefined the position, showcasing their rushing prowess alongside their passing abilities. In the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Lamar Jackson led all quarterbacks in rushing yards, accumulating 915 yards. Jalen Hurts led all quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns with 14. These quarterbacks aren’t just scrambling for extra yards when a play breaks down; they are designed runners, key components of their team’s offensive scheme.
This trend is also reflected in the college ranks, with many of the top quarterback prospects showcasing their dual-threat abilities. This effectiveness on the ground, either through designed runs or impromptu scrambles, is a valuable dimension for a quarterback.
The Allure of the QB Run Game
The benefits of incorporating the quarterback into the run game are clear. It adds an extra dimension to the offense, forcing defenses to account for another potential ball carrier. This can create mismatches, open up running lanes for running backs, and make the offense more unpredictable. According to a 2025 analysis by Underdog Network, Josh Allen led all QBs in EPA per carry overall. Jalen Hurts was second in EPA on QB sneaks.
Furthermore, a mobile quarterback can extend plays, escape pressure, and turn potential sacks into positive yardage. This elusiveness can be a game-changer, especially in critical situations. Baker Mayfield, for example, set a career high in rushing yards per game in 2024, doubling his career average.
The Dark Side: Overuse and Injury Risk
However, the increased reliance on quarterback runs comes with significant risks. The most obvious is the increased chance of injury. Quarterbacks are not built to withstand the constant pounding that running backs endure. Exposing them to unnecessary hits can lead to injuries that sideline them for extended periods, derailing a team’s season.
The 2023 season saw a concerning rise in quarterback injuries, sparking debates about the NFL’s existing rules designed to protect quarterbacks. In 2025, several quarterbacks have already been dealing with injuries in training camp, including Justin Fields (toe), J.J. McCarthy (knee), Anthony Richardson (shoulder), Dak Prescott (hamstring), and Matthew Stafford (back soreness). While some of these injuries may be minor, they highlight the inherent risk that quarterbacks face, especially those who are heavily involved in the running game.
Play-Caller Mistakes: A Delicate Balance
Offensive coordinators face a challenging task: maximizing the quarterback’s rushing ability while minimizing the risk of injury. This requires a delicate balance and a nuanced understanding of game situations, opponent tendencies, and the quarterback’s physical limitations.
One common mistake is overuse. Some play-callers become too reliant on the quarterback run, especially in short-yardage situations or near the goal line. While a quarterback sneak may be effective, repeatedly exposing the quarterback to those hits can take a toll.
Another mistake is a lack of creativity. Defenses will eventually adjust to predictable quarterback run plays. Offensive coordinators need to be innovative, using different formations, motions, and play designs to keep defenses guessing.
Protecting Franchise Quarterbacks: A Multifaceted Approach
Protecting franchise quarterbacks requires a comprehensive strategy involving coaches, players, and the organization as a whole.
- Smart Play-Calling: Offensive coordinators must be judicious in their use of quarterback runs, prioritizing the quarterback’s long-term health over short-term gains. They should also design plays that minimize the quarterback’s exposure to big hits, such as read-option plays where the quarterback has the option to hand the ball off or slide.
- Quarterback Awareness: Quarterbacks themselves need to be smart runners. They should know when to slide, when to run out of bounds, and when to protect themselves. They also need to be willing to give up on a run if they see a defender closing in.
- Offensive Line Protection: A strong offensive line is crucial for protecting the quarterback, both in the passing game and the running game. Linemen need to be able to create running lanes and prevent defenders from getting to the quarterback.
- Organizational Support: The organization needs to provide the quarterback with the resources and support they need to stay healthy, including a strong medical staff, a comprehensive training program, and a commitment to player safety.
The Future of the QB Run Game
The quarterback run game is here to stay, but its future depends on how teams manage the risks involved. As the game evolves, offensive coordinators will need to find new and innovative ways to utilize their quarterbacks’ rushing abilities while prioritizing their safety. The teams that can strike this balance will have a significant advantage in the years to come.
The emphasis on protecting quarterbacks has also led to rule changes in the NFL, but some argue that these rules have been inconsistently enforced and haven’t necessarily reduced injuries.
Ultimately, the key to success lies in smart play-calling, quarterback awareness, and a commitment to player safety. The teams that can master these elements will be best positioned to protect their franchise quarterbacks and compete for championships.