I agree execution was a problem. It was most evident to me in the final series. Brady's first play was a short out to Welker. He either missed Wes badly or the ball was tipped, as claimed by the play by play. So there were multiple errors on the play, either Brady was off, or the OL didn't get it done, or both.
Second down was the Gronk hold. No need to break that down, we've all seen it.
Third down pass went to Wes, who moved the ball to the 18. The eighteen! This was probably to best and only executed play of this drive. It's not lost on me that Wes was the receiver.
New set of downs, Brady centers the ball with :44 to go. This lack of execution is on McDaniels. It was an ultra-conservative call by JM. Instead of putting the ball in the hands of his best player, Brady, he opts for setting up the kick. Play doesn't matter due to a false start by Gronk, and we move back five yards and put :46 seconds back on the clock. This down was maddening to me. Brady, while no doubt not having his best day, is still the best option. There was time to run at least 2 plays in the middle of the field and then spike the ball.
Replay first down, and McD calls the same play, ditto above, minus the knucklehead false start by Gronk.
Next play, Brady spikes the ball with :06 left. 40 seconds wasted. Then Ghost pulls it left. If Gronk, McDaniels or Ghost execute, game over.
Maddening.