What you're saying is not wrong. I also tried to state that you can't have play action without fear of the running game. However, see @rossihunter2 reply to me above. We had far more success throwing on first down than running it.
We all know that the RBs are limited. But we are still looking for ways to improve. My very naive fan thought is to try and use the passing game to set up the run. Because right now as you said most teams know on first down, more likely than not we're running it. They're not afraid of either one up the gut and they really aren't afraid of either bouncing outside. So they know if they just play disciplined against Lamar we're talking about a 1 yard gain at most.
I think as uncomfortable as it may be and especially so for Roman, this has gotta be a pass first team. We just don't have the resources to justify trying to be a run first team.
The only way would be if we went back to having Lamar carry it 4 times a drive. If there was a greater threat to Lamar running each running play, it might help out the running backs. But we all know the consequences of doing that.
But that's what I see. Start passing more or start running Lamar more.
Also it’s been proven for years that you don’t need a good running game to be a good play-action team... obviously it makes it easier if you do but it’s by no means required to be successful