Teams aren't "designed" to play up and down to the competition. There are several things at play, IMO, among them...
McDermott plays close to the vest and so do his coaching hires. It's maddening at times, but I guess we should get used to it.
You have a young team at its core. Play was inconsistent on both sides today though it's been more glaring with the offense this season.
I do have to add that the refs made today's game damn near unwatchable. Do we need to clean things up? Yup. Could some of those handkerchiefs been left in the pocket? Yup.