My theory is multifaceted. As a disclaimer this is all my opinion.
First, Dorsey is bad at his job. Period. Playcalling is an art, not a science, and he’s not an artist. He doesn’t know how to set up a game flow, his adjustments are scattershot, and the offense lacks any sort of identity as a result. People who know more than me are saying we need more play action and motion, which sounds right. Dorsey is just bad.
Second, McDermott has absolutely meddled in the offense. We all know how much he would run a fullback dive 15 fucking times per game if he could. We know how much he loathes an explosive passing attack (just ask Brian Daboll). In my view, he strong armed Dorsey into running 12 personnel and the “bland” offense we’ve seen. He’s scared Allen shitless about running and has undermined a crucial part of our offense.
Third, as a result of the above, morale has dipped and play has suffered. Josh doesn’t trust his progressions, doesn’t work through them, and instead plays hero ball like 2018 Josh. Players DO NOT trust the coaching and it shows. Throw in the crap like benching Cook but not Gabe (last night) and any remaining trust is gone. And this is all against the backdrop of 13 seconds. The players have no faith in the coaches and it’s boiling over. It started mid last season and culminated in the Diggs sideline fiasco against Cincy.
That’s my theory, what’s yours?
Looks like the coaching staff picks “favorites” based on if they are a culture fit and not actual skill and how they are playing (e.g., Grape Davis). Your players aren’t going to “trust the process” when the coaching staff picks their culture favorites over players who are out performing them (Shakir > Davis).
Throw in the number of games where your coaching staff has lost the game for you (Hail Murray, 13 seconds, 12 men of the field) and you have a roster of players who have lost belief that their coaching staff can take them to the promised land.