A Theory about why we struggle to score TDs til the end.

[Captain Lemming]

I was just being shown Kennys relatively poor red zone numbers. Someone else mentioned his modest percentage.

However, Kenny ended 8 of 9 and a score last week. 5 of 6 and a score this week.

I don't think our early lack of scoring has ANYTHING to do with Kennys skill. I don't think his modest game percentage last night are about accuracy.

Looking at red zone numbers are bad. Kenny has a few legit red zone misses.

But how often is Kenny throwing it away? Just think about how often he throws out the back of the end zone and we are kicking field goals?

Then with time running out Kenny is hitting people with laser accuracy?

Kenny is being told to avoid risky passes at all cost people.

Then when we have no choice, Kenny is hitting on passes he won't attempt earlier in the game. He shows his incredible accuracy and his percentage goes through the roof.

Think about those game winning drives. Several of those passes don't happen earlier in the game. Those same drives would stall.

I don't hate it, Kenny is young and it is winning.

But at some point the training wheels gotta come off.

[NorthCoast]

In the RZ the field is compressed, windows smaller. Most passes will be risky unless there's a mistake by the defense. QBs aren't rewarded for passes they throw away. Whether it's Tomlin's voice or his own it's something KP has to overcome.

[WindyCitySteel]

Easy, the O is designed to execute plodding, 12-15 play drives. When it's desperation time, they scrap it and ask the QB to bail them out.

[feltdizz]

He's a rookie.. playing with rookies and a young OL.

[Captain Lemming]

In the RZ the field is compressed, windows smaller. Most passes will be risky unless there's a mistake by the defense. QBs aren't rewarded for passes they throw away. Whether it's Tomlin's voice or his own it's something KP has to overcome.

This is true. But the good news is it is not about ability but about approach which is an easy fix.

[T.Ferguson]

I'm sure some of it is bad throws, every QB has them, some of it is KP being told to protect the ball over and over again and being overly cautious with throws and part of it is simply conservative play calling where the QB is then put into an obvious passing situation, ie, less chance of converting. I don't think it's that mysterious what the issues are, it's not like KP simply becomes a bad QB inside the red zone. Just look at last night Steelers inside the red zone, second and 8, hand off for no yards, 3rd and 8 don't convert, FG. How many QB's are consistently converting a 3rd and 8 in that situation?

[Captain Lemming]

Easy, the O is designed to execute plodding, 12-15 play drives. When it's desperation time, they scrap it and ask the QB to bail them out.

Like Dizz said, he is a rookie. I'm sure finishes like this build confidence in both QB and coach.

Remember, he was an interception machine to start, so a gradual approach is reasonable.

[feltdizz]

Kenny is fine. I think more passes on early downs in the RZ would help but at the same time Najee was eating last night.

[WindyCitySteel]

Like Dizz said, he is a rookie. I'm sure finishes like this build confidence in both QB and coach.

Remember, he was an interception machine to start, so a gradual approach is reasonable.

Same thing with Mason, Ben, Mitch...

[Captain Lemming]

Same thing with Mason, Ben, Mitch...

Ben? Really?
Like I said before- trust.

How conservative was the play calling when Ben was in his prime?

Who was the head coach THE ONLY TIME IN HISTORY the Steelers lead the league in passing? Hint? Same guy holding his rookie QB back right now.

Year before he got hurt Ben LEAD THE LEAGUE in passing... Mahommes MOST BEAT SEASON EVER was 2nd to Ben in attempts and yardage.