Jerod Mayo challenges Pat’s offense to improve in these areas originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers marked another dismal performance for the New England Patriots offense.

Jacoby Brissett was sacked six times behind an injury-riddled offensive line. The veteran quarterback went 19-for-32 with 168 passing yards, one touchdown and an interception that was returned for a touchdown by 49ers linebacker Fred Warner.

That was one of three turnovers in New England that day. Brissett lost a fumble, as did running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who fumbled for the fourth consecutive game.

“We don’t have a team that can lose the turnover battle and expect to win a football game,” Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said after the 30-13 loss. “We have to do better with sales; we have to do better with negative actions.”

Aside from turnovers, which haven’t been as problematic through the first three weeks, Mayo believes the Alex Van Pelt-led offense needs to improve in two key areas.

“Schematically, we now have to do a better job of getting the ball out of our hand,” he said. “And secondly, I would say the offensive line needs to do a better job at protection.”

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Brissett has been hit 40 times (15 sacks) in four games. While some have called for Mayo to turn to rookie signal caller Drake Maye, a change would likely be ineffective behind the Patriots’ porous offensive line.

Making matters worse, New England lost veteran center David Andrews (shoulder) and exposed Caedan Wallace (ankle) to injury in Sunday’s loss. The o-line was already missing left tackle Vederian Lowe and guard Michael Jordan.

Despite the gloomy start to the campaign, Mayo preached optimism ahead of week 5.

“What I told the guys is it’s a long season,” he said. “We’re wrapping up the first quarter of the season. I don’t think any of us are happy with where we are right now. I think when we go back and watch the film, it will be easy to identify so we can place it ourselves in a better position to win football games.”

The Patriots (1-3) will look to get back on track when they host the Miami Dolphins (1-2) next Sunday.