Five big problems for the Patriots

Getty Images Photo / Jonathan Daniel
2. Inconsistent pass rush
It's no secret that the Patriots don't exactly get after the passer. Ben Roethlisberger called pass plays on 50 of Pittsburgh's 78 offensive snaps against the Patriots' 32d-ranked defense, rubbing it the face of a passing defense that they know can't stop the pass. Jermaine Cunningham (pictured), a second-round pick last year, was a healthy scratch, a sign that the future of this team's pass rush might not be stronger than the present.