I don't disagree with most of your thoughts...

But, don't forget Chris Ash has a boss who has a pretty good defensive mind.

I think it's important to note MF laid several comments in different settings using the words "we can't panic" when speaking about the 1st half of the Navy game. This is kind of a open way to call out the DC. This suggests to me that Freeman is injecting himself into the defense. I hope this is the case.