So stop waiting for the Patriots to unveil a reliable pass rush, a consistent secondary, a dependable run game, a steady third receiver and, most importantly, an unwavering killer instinct and unfailing resolve. If it hasn't happened after 12 games, it isn't happening in the last four.

Despite having arguably the best coach-quarterback combination in the NFL, the Patriots have a roster with more holes than Worcester Country Club. And Bill Belichick will be the first to tell you success is predicated on 11 players doing their job on each play, not just Tom Brady.

Although it's a quarterback-driven league, Brady is a Jaguar minus a couple of spark plugs. And while defense wins championships, Vince Wilfork is the only local defender playing at a Pro Bowl-caliber level. As for special teams, try ordinary with the exception of Stephen Gostkowski.

It was on display for all to see Sunday as the Patriots absorbed their worst loss of the season, a 22-21 setback to an ordinary Dolphins outfit in Miami.

This was worse than falling to the Jets in Week 2, worse than tripping up against the Broncos in Week 5 and worse than failing to finish off the Colts in Week 10. Hell, it was worse than getting jambalaya'ed by the Saints last week on national television.

Even worse, it's not as if a twist here or turn there is going to straighten the Patriots out.

"I don't see it as one particular thing," Belichick said yesterday of his team's knack for coming up small in big games. "Ultimately, it comes down to playing your best Football at critical times in the game and (Sunday) was an example where we weren't able to do that."

Well, they have had a lot of practice at it.

The Patriots once again failed to hold a lead, once again failed to win on the road, once again failed to convert in the red zone, once again failed to make a late-game stand and once again failed to make a last-minute comeback. Worst of all, they did so while being revealed as nothing more than bullies.

The Dolphins were giving away a lot of weight to the 800-pound gorilla the Patriots are supposed to be, but they weren't scared to take a punch if it meant being able to give one back. And when they swung, the Patriots buckled and then folded after discovering it's not fun to be hit in the head.

"When things don't go your way, you've got to fight back," Brady said afterward. "That's a challenge for all of us. At times I think we do, and other times I don't think we fight very hard."

Seriously Tom, tell us what you really think about your teammates.

If you're looking for someone to blame - because that's the way it works when you're talking New England and pro sports - start with Belichick. Robert Kraft owns the Patriots . The team, though, belongs to the Great Gray Hooded One.

It was Belichick who decided to trade out of the first round in April's draft. It was his decision to ship Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymour out of town. He determined Jabar Gaffney wasn't worth retaining and Shawn Springs and Derrick Burgess were worth obtaining.

It was Belichick who decided to replace Josh McDaniels from inside the organization, opting to have Bill O'Brien serve an internship rather than hire an actual offensive coordinator. And it was his choice to give Dean Pees a fourth chance as defensive coordinator.

The poor decisions aren't limited to the offseason.

Belichick, renowned for his flexibility, innovative thinking and ability to adapt to each opponent, is now being done in by his stubbornness. How else to explain his continued insistence to go for it on fourth down rather than letting his kicker or punter earn their pay.

Maybe it wouldn't have mattered, but it's worth noting the Patriots passed on three points right before halftime Sunday and ended up losing by one. You do the math.

So the Patriots are 7-5 and hold a one-game lead over the Dolphins and Jets in the AFC Least with four to play. Barring a complete collapse, they will receive a postseason invite.

There are two games remaining at home, where the Patriots are 6-0 and have won 21 straight with Brady in the lineup. There are two road games, one being in Buffalo where the Patriots win more often than the Bills.

Considering the non-competition, they might even finish with 11 wins. The Chargers and Bengals are both 9-3 and fighting for the second playoff seed behind the Colts.

The Bengals play the Vikings and the Chargers the next two weeks. The Chargers have the Cowboys before hosting the Bengals, so the opportunity for losses abound.

The Patriots could actually enter the playoffs in great position. However, that doesn't change the fact this is an ordinary team.