I'm just trying to figure out why you guys feel making stopping the run a priority so erroneous. From what I gathered from all your post is you either completely shut them down and stop the run and pass or you get blown out. I've been in this area all my life and I haven't ever seen a passing game that is just pitch and catch like your making Russell out to be. The only time I've seen a passing game succeed is off play action or set up by the run.
I also played for Maynard for 4 yrs and have all the respect in the world for him but he'd be the first to tell ya just bc he seen something in the defense and made adjustment s doesn't mean we always executed.