Patterson concerned about recurring drops by TCU receivers

TCU quarterback Kenny Hill is having a strong statistical season. Through his first four games as the Horned Frogs’ starter, he ranks fourth nationally in passing yards (371.8 per game) and fifth in total offense (413.2 avg.) while completing 66.1 percent of his attempts.

But things would be even better, coach Gary Patterson acknowledged Tuesday, if Hill’s receivers would do a better job of making routine catches. The website Pro Football Focus counted 17 drops by TCU receivers on Hill’s passes through the first four games. That’s an average of 4.25 drops per contest. TCU does not track that statistic for public consumption.

“We have to catch the ball better, there’s no doubt,” Patterson said. He said most of the drops in Friday’s 33-3 victory over SMU came on slants and shorter routes.

“Those are the things you have to have to keep drives alive,” Patterson said. “Especially if they’re going to line up and bring everybody (to rush the passer) and have man coverage. You have to be able to beat the one-on-ones.”

TCU had 12 different players catch passes against SMU. Four Frogs have caught at least 16 passes through four games, including running back Kyle Hicks (20) and receivers Taj Williams (19) and John Diarse (16).

This story was originally published September 27, 2016 at 3:26 PM with the headline "Patterson concerned about recurring drops by TCU receivers."