I think a competent kicking game like you said, combined with a QB who doesn’t piss down his leg in crunch time and better play calling will lead to an 8 win season this coming year.When you consider that even a remedial kicking game would’ve won us at least 3 more games, your narrative really doesn’t hold up either.
The answer is somewhere in between and both. It takes a well coached complete team effort. Fact is we’ve been deficient in all areas. ALL.