I agree that the defense being unable to make a clutch stop in the second half was disappointing. But I question if it was because they were just simply gassed at that point. Football is the ultimate team game - not just for the 11 players on the field on a play, but in regards to complimentary football.
Take a look back at the first half of the last game, for example. Other than the second drive that resulted in a TD, here is how New England's offense performed:
1.) 3-and-out, Bills take over on their 39.
3.) 3 plays, one first down, interception; Bills take over on the NEP 32.
After the Pats D stops Buffalo on a 4th-and-one:
4.) 3-and-out, Bills take over on the NEP 42.
5.) Pats offense gets a 1st down on a 3rd down roughing the passer call - then blow a chance for points on an unsportsmanlike penalty.
With the exception of the one scoring drive, the Patriots had just 22 YARDS OF OFFENSE! Including the TD drive the Patriots ran just 27 offensive plays. The lack of offense was constantly giving Buffalo excellent field position. That is where the game was lost - in the first half.
The previous week against Indy the game was lost in the first half as well: a blocked punt returned for a TD, and an interception in the red zone. As for the final non-stop/TD, that came with two minutes less when it appeared as though the Pats were selling out to stack the line of scrimmage to stop the run. In other words, they were indeed taking a chance on defense. In this case it didn't work out - but a loss is a loss regardless whether it is by 3 or by 10.
In the loss to Dallas, the Pats gave up a pick-six with just over two minutes to play; they also had the ball first in overtime. The offense also began the second half with three straight punts on drives that gained a combined total of 30 yards.
Against New Orleans the Yards per Play and First Downs were nearly identical. The game was decided by another blocked punt for a touchdown, an interception returned inside the ten yard line, and then a pick-six to start the second half. Hard to blame that loss on the defense.
