opponents.

That is why we run such conservative plays on 3rd and long (doing safe runs rather than passing into coverage). We're telling the other coach, "you are not going to win by us throwing a needless pick."

That is also why we only have 6 (or even 5!) in the box. We're telling the other coach, "you are not going to win by getting behind us on a big play. You will have to 4 yard run us to death and we don't think you have the horses or the discipline to do it."

This is super frustrating as a fan to watch, but it is basically a "we are not going to lose, you will have to beat us" gameplan. It is deliberate, no matter WHATEVER SMOKESCREEN KALANI BLOWS AFTER THE GAME.