Patriots have no heart

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

OK, I'm sick and tired of sticking up for the Patriots. After today's gross performance, I've completely had it.

Yes, I'm still a huge fan, but I also call it as I see it.

This team has a lot of weaknesses, but I thought I'd never say a Bill Belichick-coached team doesn't have heart.

There, I said it.

Who wants to step up and be that go-to player that is a playmaker and one that everyone feeds off of? I call that heart, and no one -- and I mean no one -- has shown to be able to do that, at least consistently.

Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Corey Dillon, Asante Samuel, Ty Law, Lawyer Milloy and Adam Vinatieri aren't walking through the door people.

Those are some of the former Patriots that always made plays, including when the game was on the line.

Tom Brady has done that in the past, but not enough this year. He's still outstanding, but he's not carrying this team. How about Randy Moss and Wes Welker? Do they want the ball with the game on the line? Of course they do, so they need to elevate their game in crunch time and start making more plays.

Actually, you can call out everyone on this team, including the coaching staff.

And how about that defense?

They are a pitiful bunch of nobody's. I'd start building a defense around Jerod Mayo, Brandon Meriweather and Vince Wilfork, but there's just not enough talent on that team.

And the secondary is downright sad. Miami's Chad Henne picked them apart for over 300 yards today. And those were all easy yards. Come on, Chad Henne? Really?

Soft coverage, sometimes no coverage and a lack of tackling is just not acceptable.

Everyone is to blame. How about a pass rush, too? Those down linemen don't get any heat on opposing QBs. They allow them to sit back, survey the field and, of course, find the open man.

It's like taking candy from a baby.

How about a little more fight in the trenches? Play like you're playing for your next contract.

Again, where's the heart?

Who's the inspirational leader on this team that makes big plays in big situations?

This franchise has taken a major step back (tears as I type). And in a hurry.

Until these players start playing with more heart and start making a lot more plays, especially in the fourth quarter, this team in nothing more than a Wild Card team (maybe not even a playoff team unless they win the AFC East) that will get bounced in a hurry because we all know they can't win on the road.

Patriots, where's the heart?