[Goose]

KJ has been heroic at times, but his lack of mobility to get 2 to 3 first downs a game with his legs has been a problem.  He also seems slow to recognize coverage or a blitz to get the ball out early or check into a better play.

 
Is it somewhat an unspoken secret that KJ won't run the ball?  They sort of talk about it on the radio broadcast, but not really.  If you are really telling someone "don't run" you are guaranteeing to miss at least one or two first downs per game and as a result, kill drives and lose games.  I have trouble imagining the coaches giving such a directive because it seems so short-sighted, but it really does look that is what is happening.

I have no way of knowing about a directive, but what I do know is the following: In his first two games against Arizona State and UCLA, KJ ran the ball. After that, when he became the starter, he did not. The "reason" for that is presumed to be his hip injury, although I know of no official source that has said that. It also may be because Chryst was the only backup and nobody wanted to go there. This year, he has not run the ball, despite some silly read option plays where the whole defense is running right at Love and KJ gives him the ball anyway, instead of running. So, unless KJ is now afraid to run (which I seriously doubt, give how he stands in the pocket), either he is still not 100% from his surgery and/or he has been instructed not to run no matter what.
I don't buy caution about Mills as the issue. KJ is taking hits as it is out there. Football isn't a safe sport to begin with. Taking a short run to get a first down as the pocket is falling apart is no more risky than standing there and getting blasted. That can't be the reason, IMHO. No zone read plays, fine, but no running makes no sense unless he is still hurt.

[Goose]

KJ has been heroic at times, but his lack of mobility to get 2 to 3 first downs a game with his legs has been a problem.  He also seems slow to recognize coverage or a blitz to get the ball out early or check into a better play.

 
Is it somewhat an unspoken secret that KJ won't run the ball?  They sort of talk about it on the radio broadcast, but not really.  If you are really telling someone "don't run" you are guaranteeing to miss at least one or two first downs per game and as a result, kill drives and lose games.  I have trouble imagining the coaches giving such a directive because it seems so short-sighted, but it really does look that is what is happening.

I have no way of knowing about a directive, but what I do know is the following: In his first two games against Arizona State and UCLA, KJ ran the ball. After that, when he became the starter, he did not. The "reason" for that is presumed to be his hip injury, although I know of no official source that has said that. It also may be because Chryst was the only backup and nobody wanted to go there. This year, he has not run the ball, despite some silly read option plays where the whole defense is running right at Love and KJ gives him the ball anyway, instead of running. So, unless KJ is now afraid to run (which I seriously doubt, give how he stands in the pocket), either he is still not 100% from his surgery and/or he has been instructed not to run no matter what.
I don't buy caution about Mills as the issue. KJ is taking hits as it is out there. Football isn't a safe sport to begin with. Taking a short run to get a first down as the pocket is falling apart is no more risky than standing there and getting blasted. That can't be the reason, IMHO. No zone read plays, fine, but no running makes no sense unless he is still hurt.