FOXBORO — As if having a 3-13 record wasn’t bad enough after the New England Patriots lost to the Los Angelas Chargers Saturday afternoon 40-7, but things began to look a little worrisome even for the future in New England.

That’s because starting rookie quarterback Drake Maye was getting obliterated out there on Saturday. The Patriots allowed four total sacks compared to the Chargers not allowing any. Maye was out there running for his life. Starter-turned-backup Jacoby Brissett even played for a drive in the first half due to Maye being assessed for concussion protocol.

We’ve already seen what we needed from the former North Carolina Tar Heel, he’s the guy for the foreseeable future, now it may be time to get him out of there. Because at this point, the offensive line is only going to shorten his career with every game they play. The Patriots are fifth in the NFL in sacks allowed (51), and there’s no sign of slowing down.

As far as the head coaching goes, Robert Kraft clamped down on Jerod Mayo being the guy he’s sticking with at the helm. I was the one who said when the hire was announced that Mayo didn’t have much to work with and is put in a position to fail, so far I’ve been proven right. But I do think now that he knows that Maye can play is tail off that putting the right pieces around him should be fairly easier. It’s not like the Patriots are complete punks on defense, but they are ranked 23rd in the league. The departure of Matthew Judon before the regular season definitely hurt the Pats, but it’s the offensive line that’s the largest concern at the moment.

On Saturday, Maye showed toughness, grit, and throwing talent. His 36-yard touchdown throw to Demario Douglas was impressive on a free play, and would be the Patriots only score. Maye finished throwing 12 for 22, 117 throwing yards, and 32 rushing yards.

I know that the only way a young quarterback is going to get better is through experience, but Maye took some tough shots Saturday. Whether it was being knocked down, tackled while rushing, or just sacked — it didn’t look good. He’s tough, but it may not be worth to play Drake in their last game Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.