[Edge34]

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Dumb question, but why not:

Is it possible that the Pats defense is losing gas? They've been on the field a long time, and they aren't used to actually having to go 100% this late in the game.

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Its definitely possible, but I don't think that has as much to do with it as the fact that this is only the second time they've actually had to face a legit threat to the run, and the first time they've had to do it in the friendly confines of Gillette Stadium.