1. Great question. They were playing man coverage so in theory you could create the match ups you wanted. As to why, I don’t know. Could be the felt it was a better match up. Could be the expected more help from Hamilton. Could be they are just more comfortable with Crawford not on the outside.
2. Agree, I think Hamilton made a big mistake. I have to imagine Lea wasn’t expecting him to cheat to either side .
I also am not sure why that early they were playing that coverage. To me, seems like you don’t want to give up a big play that early, which that defense leaves you susceptible to. Play two high safety, if they drive down the field, so be it, but make them earn it. Plus it makes them take some time off the clock.