After yesterday's disheartening 22-21 loss to the Dolphins, the Patriots have lost three of four to drop to 7-5.

Patriots fans should thank their lucky stars their team plays in the dreadful AFC Least, ah, East.

At this point, there are more questions than answers. Here's a few:

1. Who's calling the offensive plays?

With Josh McDaniels off to Denver, there is no offensive coordinator on staff, although it's widely believed that quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien has assumed McDaniels' role.

The Patriots' offense has been awful in the second half of almost all of their losses. How can an offense with Tom Brady at quarterback, Randy Moss at wide receiver, and Wes Welker at wide receiver be so easy to stop during the fourth quarter of games?

The offense certainly had its moments against the Dolphins -- Welker was, as usual, outstanding -- but when the Patriots need a fourth-quarter first down, their offense has been going three-and-out.

Anybody have Charlie Weis' number?

2. Why can't they win on the road?

Not counting the Patriots' win over Tampa Bay -- and I don't, the game was in London and the Patriots certainly had more fans there than the pathetic Bucs -- New England has gone 0-5 away from Foxboro.

Wow. That's a number I never thought I'd see from a Bill Belichick-coached team.

They have four games left. Two are on the road -- at the Bills (Dec. 20) and at the Texans (Jan. 3). Would two more losses in those games surprise anyone?

3. Why can't they pressure the quarterback?

It's one thing to be shredded by Drew Brees. Brees is playing at a divine level. But Chad Henne? Miami's second-year quarterback looked like Dan Marino yesterday -- and I don't blame New England's beleaguered secondary.

Henne had all day to throw, so it's no surprise he passed for 335 yards. Where was the pass rush? While we're on the subject, has Derrick Burgess -- who the Patriots acquired from the Raiders for a draft pick prior to the season -- made a single play all season?

Anyone remember it? Just one? Didn't think so. While Miami was popping Tom Brady all afternoon, Henne was barely touched. If the Pats can't generate a pass rush, they're going to miss the playoffs for the second straight season.

4. What does Belichick have against field goals?

In Stephen Gostkowski, the Patriots have one of the best field-goal kickers in the NFL.

Gostkowski has been a tremendous find for New England since he took over for Adam Vinatieri. But lately Belichick has been acting like the Patriots have Scott 'Missing' Sisson again instead of the reliable Gostkowski. The Patriots should have taken the easy three points instead of going for it in the third quarter.

Normally I like when Belichick gambles, but he's going overboard. Take the three, Bill.

5. Why did they trade Ellis Hobbs?

Yeah, Hobbs wasn't the greatest cornerback in the league, but I would have kept him for his kick-return abilities. When the ball was kicked to Hobbs, the Patriots usually began an offensive possession at about their own 35-yard line.

A skill not valuable enough to justify his salary? Not for my money.

This year? The Patriots have tried everyone except for Vince Wilfork back there. There's no continuity and the sight of Matthew Slater returning kicks is not a comforting one.

The bottom line? The Patriots' special teams are far from special.