Twenty-four thoughts on the Patriots’ 27-24 loss to the Dolphins . . .
1. So much for the hope that the Patriots’ offense solved its problems last week against the Bills. So much for the certainty that the defense will pick up the slack when the offense is struggling. So much for any hope that the Patriots would play their best football heading into the postseason. So much for Stephon Gilmore’s case as the front-runner for defensive player of the year. So much for securing a first-round bye for the 10th straight season, getting a much-needed respite next weekend, and making things as easy as possible for themselves going forward.