It's not even a matter of individual value, but the fact that a team can be reduced from having 3 major weapons at receiving position down to 1. And 3 is not merely 3 times better than 1 in a team game. 3 is like 6 times better than 1, because the threats compound in tandem.

And this is not to suggest that Westbrook cannot be a weapon either, but teams need time to develop chemistry and until you develop that, you aren't realizing the weaponization of your talent. I really like what I've seen from Westbrook so far. He will be a weapon soon. But it is true, the experience of Hurns is sorely missed. Even if available and for whatever reason he is not targeted many times this game, his presence compounds the threat force of all receivers.

We win this game handily if any of the following:
1. Hurns is available
2. Either of our injured starting O-line was available
3. Most obviously, if we don't shoot ourselves in the foot with bad decisions in the final stretch.

Really, it is that 2nd point that was most critical. Struggling O-line means entire offense will struggle. It means dramatically diminished run game, and protection. Teams live and die by the O-line.

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