It fucks with the mindset of the offense, especially the offensive line when your Coach says 'I don't trust you to get a yard'. Especially on 4th and goal at the 2 yard line. You have to go for it when you're that close, and when scoring touchdowns is a struggle.
That said, it was a horrible play call. They knew it was coming up the middle, they had their defense set up perfectly. Somebody has to call a timeout and audible that play.
We missing Jenkins an McloudThis team does not have an offense suited for shootouts, but it appears every game this year will be just that. Defense has regressed at an unbelievable rate.