FOXBORO, Mass. (WWLP) - On Sunday the Patriots faced off against the Buffalo Bills on their home turf in the final game of a disappointing season. The Patriots kicked off the 2024 season with a 16-10 win over the Bengals in Jerod Mayo's debut as coach, but the victory was short lived. Coming off a 4-win season, the Patriots didn't have high expectations, although they did think they would improve. Heading into the final game of the season with a 3-13 record against Buffalo Bills, the number 2 seed in the playoffs, at this point, a loss would actually help the team get farther. A loss, solidifying the number 1 pick in the NFL draft in April, would benefit the franchise but likely hurting the coaching staff. Fans are saying there should be staff changes. "People need hope and doing the same thing doesn't give people hope," said Bill Stetson, owner of the Rumbleseat Bar & Grill. "Change of any sort gives people hope." That hope for the future may come from quarterback Drake Maye. "I think he's gonna be a hall of fame quarterback with the right coaching," added Stetson. Maye, the 22-year-old rookie coming from the University of North Carolina, took over as starting quarterback in October, his leadership and control elevating the team's offense, bringing some positive impact to an otherwise frustrating run. Maye was expected to start Sunday's game, with all three quarterbacks officially active. After defeating the Bills on their home turf, it was announced the Patriots fired head coach Jerod Mayo after one season. The news, coming shortly after the game, was confirmed by team owner Robert Kraft. Looking ahead to the draft, picking as high as possible while being in a position to trade the pick would largely contribute to a rebuilding next season. Local News Headlines New cigarette waste containers installed in Pittsfield allow materials to be recycled Hanover woman wins $4 million prize on ticket purchased in Hingham New Hampshire man wins $25K a year for life Brockton man claims first $1M prize of 2025 WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.