Jerod Mayo calls on Pat's offense to improve in these areas

Jerod Mayo calls on Pats offense to improve in these areas. It originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

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

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

That was one of three New England turnovers on the day. Brissett lost a fumble, as did running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who recovered a fumble for the fourth straight time.

“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 a better job with turnovers; We have to do a better job with the negative plays.”

Aside from turnovers, which haven't been as much of a problem in the first three weeks, Mayo believes the Alex Van Pelt-led offense needs to improve in two key areas.

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

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Brissett was hit 40 times (15 sacks) in four games. While some have urged Mayo to turn to rookie signal-caller Drake Maye, a move behind the Patriots' porous offensive line would likely be ineffective.

Making matters worse, New England lost veteran center David Andrews (shoulder) and tackle Caedan Wallace (ankle) to injuries in Sunday's loss. Left tackle Vederian Lowe and guard Michael Jordan were already missing from the O-line.

Despite the campaign's dismal start, Mayo preached optimism as week five began.

“What I told the guys, it’s a long season,” he said. “We are completing the first quarter of the season. I don't think any of us are happy with where we are. But I think if we go back and watch the film, it will be easy to identify it so we can put it in perspective. “We're 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.