I broke down the film last night and found some amazing observations that in my mind lay the defeat squarely at the feet of the Patriots Coaching staff.
Prior to the last 2 drives of the game when the Patriots had to throw on 1st down, the offense threw on 16 of 26 first downs against the 28th ranked rush defense in the league on a rainy and mucky day, where it was virtually impossible to plant and pass, or run routes crisply. 62.5 % pass vs 37.5 % rush on first down. This is absolutely horrible play calling in my opinion, especially when considering the weakness of the opponent.
Also on 5, 3rd downs in which the Patriots threw and failed to convert, the receiver never received the ball at or beyond the 1st down marker, effectively killing the drive. Why bother calling the play, running the route or throwing the pass. The coaches have got to tell the receivers to get beyond the yard marker. This has got to be drilled into everyone?s head. That many guys not executing is a result of bad coaching and a lack of communication and stressing fundamentals. Some of the blame goes to the players here, but I have to question wheter McDaniels is stressing the small things.