If you don't have the offense to keep up with the horses than you hire a D minded guy as keeping games close always and easier way to win. See the 2017 Buffalo Bills under D minded coach Sean McDermott.
I think Phillips feeds off fans/teammates and why been his best here. As he is a skilled player (see 2nd round drafting). Shaq I think is just one of those guy that fit in the Clemson D and just a guy in the NFL sadly.