I honestly don't think there is anyone to "blame". Both plays; 1 yard run or the 1 yard slant pass are both low risk high reward plays on the goal line. I almost say it was more risky to run ML if you feared losing yards. I mean the Pats had just stopped him on 1st down from what the 4 yard line?
ML could have have easily done this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5rQmdKKQgI
PLUS NE has a top ten rush defense anchored by Vince Wilfork
2014 NFL Team Rushing Stats - National Football League - ESPN
It was by no way the worst call ever made in NFL history as some say.