I think it comes down to KOC and the on-field culture of the team. KOC has said (in preseasons) that he wants the team to be tougher/edgier. He stated the changes to the interior of the offensive line was a commitment to that. What does he do up 10-9 with a 3rd and 1 at the 50? You guessed it - YOLO. A nearly 4:1 pass to run ratio.
Why did we sign Fries and Kelly, trade for Mason, and draft Jackson if we are allergic to running? I heard Mackey say it and I'm 100% with him - this team is SAWFT. The worst kind of offensive culture you can possibly have.
It's why I was such a big advocate of Skattebo. This team needs to add someone on the playmaking side (preferrably in the backfield) that just wants to purposely run through walls to pick up 2 yards. Someone who can force KOC to change his own mentality. I'm starting to think Mason's deficiencies in the passing game (and fumbling) have caused KOC to lose confidence in him and, by extension, the run game.
A team that isn't soft wins that game Sunday.