I'll agree with the 2nd half of your sentence........the 17-0 lead should have been more than enough. I can't totally get down with the notion of a free pass due to being a rookie, at least not in this particular instance. When you are chosen over a veteran kicker who was already in the building, the rookie excuse only goes so far. If he's truly better / more clutch than the guy we already had, then that's a kick he needs to make.
Anyway, moving on......hopefully he hits the next game-winner and many more.