Mike Dussault

There’s something disturbing about the fact that the Pats are 12-12 since 2009 in games decided by a touchdown or less.

But I think there’s some context needed.

Let’s also point out the Pats have lost just 5 games in that time span by more than 7 points, and that includes an 8-point loss to the Steelers in 2011.

The other four:

2009: Loss to Saints (38-17), Loss to Ravens in playoffs (33-14).

2010: Loss to Jets (28-14), Loss to Browns (34-14)

So yes the Pats are average in close games, but they also haven’t lost by more than one score in almost two years.

We can go round and round with whether the offense or defense bears more responsibility, but what it comes down to is playmakers making plays in crunch time. A single defensive stop or offensive third down conversion could’ve made the difference in any of those 12 close losses.

In past years they got those plays, especially in 2010 when they didn’t lose a single close one until the playoff game against the Jets.

What it comes down to this year is that the Patriots need their playmakers, old and new, to start stepping up at the end of games. If they do there’s no limit to how far this team can go.