Which would mean players are actually aware of gaps and their gap responsibilities on a play - is that there?
That would indeed be a good start, defense actually playing actual defense. Imagine that, trying to close gaps and big NTs and DTs fighting to dominate their gaps and force double teams and speed rushers trying to run their arcs and dip aggressively and use leverage and bull rushers pounding hard, fighting to get the OL's hands off them and disrupt the O-lineman's foundation.
Meanwhile HB reacting to the changing landscape of the point of attack, making hard, sharp cuts that let them get into space while the LBs respond and run support tries to re-contain. QBs climb the pocket and shift around to buy more time for their blockers, OL pass off threats to stop a hard-charging blitz and keep their QB clean. High RTE wide outs make sharp routes with quickness that the DB can't keep up with.
Yes, that would show much more "effort" on the field for sure - and be more like what we actually see on Sunday.