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Brady: 'Poor Level Of Execution' By Pats Offense

BOSTON (CBS) – While the New England Patriots defense has received a lot of criticism this season, it was the inept offense that couldn't get it done against the Steelers on Sunday.

"Not our best day out there," quarterback Tom Brady said as he took the podium after the Patriots 25-17 loss in Pittsburgh.

"We just didn't execute very well on offense. I don't think we complimented the defense very well," said Brady, who finished 24-for-35 for 198 yards and two touchdowns. "The first quarter we had an opportunity to answer their score and we went three and out. There were too many three and outs, just poor level execution all the way around."

Read: Pats-Steelers Highs and Lows

"The defense is busting their butts to get them off the field, like I said we have to compliment them as well," said Brady. "If they have a long drive, we can't go in there three and out like we did. We have to do a better job than that."

The Steelers did their best to keep Brady and company off the field, winning the time of possession battle 39:22 to 20:38.

The Pats offense had just one drive in the first quarter, a three and out. They were also just three-for-10 when facing third down on Sunday.

"We get on the football field, that's when we have to take advantage of the opportunities and we didn't do it," said receiver Deion Branch, who had four catches for 36 yards and a touchdown.

Read: Levan Reid's Patriots Blog

"Honestly the defense did a great job. They allowed them to get down the field but not in the end zone. Our job was to go out, get the ball and do the same thing but we didn't," said Branch. "We didn't convert on third down, we didn't score in the red area and had too many flags. That's the game of football."

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