I've been doing more thinking about Carmichael. He was intricately involved in the play design phase for the last decade and a half. Sure, it's easier to design plays when it's Brees out there to execute them, but I doubt he's forgotten everything about that aspect of the job. I see his problem this past season as being far too conservative in the actual playcalling. Looking back over the years there have been occasions where he had those duties for one reason or another and was surprisingly aggressive and quite effective in making his calls.

What has changed? Is it perhaps the responsibility is too large? Is he concerned about screwing up? Did he not trust the QB's or the line? Did Allen, as was mentioned earlier, tell him to be conservative?

Like Dennis Allen, Carmichael is also in over his head. Although, when he called plays previously he was still calling plays for a team built by Sean Payton. If I remember correctly he did not want to be offensive coordinator last year and had to be talked into it.

I wouldn't be surprised if Dennis Allen told Pete Carmichael to play not to lose. Just keep doing what you're doing.