I'd hate to say it and you never want to pin someone down for a loss, but there's something to this. Bernie is not quick, too cute and just not as much of a piercing kick anymore. What he offers or is meant to offer is the experienced head (currently down back). These were moments that needed that experience, bang it down the line with that trusty roosting kick, out it at very least into space in forward 50 instead of blazing down their throat.
For an experienced head he did not seem too sharp today. Not the only one of course but the game need him to show it.