I think there is a level of, maybe deliberate, misunderstanding regarding the '5 passes'. If you want players to be comfortable passing the ball, and particularly defenders, then they have to practice passing. I suppose it's a bit like learning a musical instrument. You learn scales. That doesn't mean you only play scales, but to be proficient you have to be able to play them. Defenders need to be able to pass the ball unless all you want them to do is belt it up field. Therefore, they must practice.