Oh, the humiliation.

Sunday’s 22-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins puts the Pats at 7-5. By way of comparison, this is the same record at Week 13 from 2008 when Cassel was QB and we all knew New England wasn’t going anywhere.

This week’s loss solidifies my opinion about this year’s team. There are too many holes, and too many weak spots for New England  to be a serious contender. The Pats will make it into the Playoffs, but will go out as soon as they face a decent team. We’re in a weak division, and the important games, and today’s seeming cake walk, prove that the ‘09 Pats are not getting it done.

The problems:

• Mentality

This is not a team with a lot of consistent mental toughness. From top to bottom the team does not show the intensity it takes to get into the Playoffs and make a run.

Brady said it himself after today’s loss:

“I think that’s the most important thing, being mentally tough to overcome adversity. And when things don’t go your way you have to fight back. That’s a challenge for all of us. I think at times we do. And at times I don’t think we fight very hard. We have leads in the second half and leads in the fourth quarter and we’re just not closing the game out when we have the opportunity to.”

And where does this problem hurt the most? At the end of games and on the road. The ‘09 Patriots are winless on the road this season.

So…what the hell? Does Bellichick need to pitch a fit? Do the wives and girlfriends need to show up with golf clubs? Whatever it is, the game needs to be stepped up, and especially at problem number 2:

• Secondary

It looks like a piece of cheese cloth back there. There’s no leadership and the Saints provided a blueprint on scoring against the Pats’ defense. Jared Mayo not withstanding, that’s some weak sauce.

• Second Half Offense

And let’s be honest, Pats have sucked in the second half…they can’t close the deal any more than those guys from the “Twilight” movies.

Brady threw for 350 yards today, but that’s worthless if it’s not for TDs. He couldn’t convert on the 1st and goal and threw for a 2 INTs in the 4th quarter. It’s one team in the first half or three quarters and the B Team for the rest. Way to go Channing Crowder.

4 games to go and the Patriots are going to have to put on a clinic to make it anywhere in the Playoffs.