So maybe the Russians are really weak.
Not militarily, especially in a regional setting. If the US and Russia get to shooting at one another, regardless of who comes out ahead (if anyone), the US will get its nose bloodied. And that in itself may be very shocking to the US. The Russians are quite capable of doing that.
I wonder how the US public would deal with the sudden news of a sunken carrier or some other surface ships and maybe several thousand dead and wounded sailors from a single engagement? It would be a stunning blow to the public's perception of the US as the lone superpower.
Now whether Putin is willing to cross that line remains to be seen. I personally think he has reached the point, mentally, to take that step. And if he does, I think China will turn out to be a big ally for him. China could prevent the US from being able to concentrate forces in the Middle East by making threatening moves in the Pacific.
I don't see the US coming out ahead in this unless Putin simply backs off and lets the US have its way. But I just don't see that happening. Putin and the Russians are getting fed up with the US. It is a very volatile situation.