Were they simply overpowered? Did the Ravens uncover a weakness? Or was it something else?
Finding the answers, and correcting the problems, seemingly takes on added importance because the Steelers, who invade Gillette Stadium Sunday, have run the ball more than any team in the NFL (405 carries).
If run defense is suddenly a chink in the Patriots' armor, the Steelers and running back Willie Parker (No. 2 in the NFL with 1,093 yards) pose a huge threat.
After Patriots defenders concluded film review and met with the coaching staff this week, the most prevalent answer was a lack of discipline. They were caught out of position too many times and didn't always play their gap responsibilities and technique correctly.
It came down to a lack of execution in what Bill Belichick often refers to as "run fits." A run fit is defined as the gap a player is assigned to fill at the line of scrimmage - and when each defender has the proper fit, it can create a wall that is tough to break through.
"With any run defense, it has to deal with gap control," said inside linebacker Junior Seau. "If there is someone in a gap, there won't be any vacancy that a running back can run into. We have to hone down on those gaps and make sure we're in the right position to make a play whenever it's asked to be made. It's really as simple as that.
"There is no hidden science method you can go about to learn about gap control. There are the A, B, C, and D [gaps], and someone has to be in those gaps. So be there."
The A gap is between the center and guard, the B gap between the guard and tackle, the C gap between the tackle and tight end, and the D gap between the tight end and outer edge of the field.
A review of the four longest runs allowed by the Patriots Monday night - gains of 15, 11, 18, and 17 yards by Willis McGahee - reinforces Seau's point.
