When the New England Patriots take the field against the Houston Texans in Sunday’s AFC Divisional Round, keep your eyes locked on the left side of the Patriots’ offensive line. That’s where the game could tilt - especially with the Texans’ pass rush coming in fast and furious.
Two rookies, left tackle Will Campbell and left guard Jared Wilson, will be in the spotlight. And not just because they’re young - but because they’re about to face a Houston front that’s been relentless all season.
Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, who combined for 27 sacks during the regular season, are waiting on the other side. That’s not just a test - it’s a trial by fire.
Campbell, the No. 4 overall pick, had a solid rookie campaign, but his postseason debut was rough. He allowed six pressures and was part of an offensive line that saw quarterback Drake Maye go down five times against the Chargers.
Now, he’s got to regroup - and fast - because Anderson and Hunter are a different kind of challenge. They’re quick off the edge, they finish plays, and they don’t give you second chances.
Analysts have pointed out that Houston will likely target this side of the line. And why wouldn’t they? It’s a natural pressure point - two rookies still adjusting to the speed and complexity of NFL playoff football, up against two of the league’s most disruptive edge rushers.
But Campbell isn’t backing down. Earlier this week, he brushed off criticism and made it clear he’s focused on what’s ahead, not what’s behind.
“I can’t be worrying about last week, because quite frankly, the second after it happened, it doesn’t mean (expletive) anymore,” Campbell said. “There’s not anything I can do about it, the people in the stands can do about it.
You just have to move on and keep playing. You can’t let one play turn into 10.”
That’s the right mindset - especially in January. Mistakes happen.
What matters now is whether Campbell and Wilson can settle in, communicate, and hold their own when the Texans turn up the heat. If they can, it gives Maye a fighting chance to make plays.
If not, it could be a long day in Foxborough.
This is playoff football - where every snap matters, and every matchup gets magnified. And few will be more important than what happens on the Patriots’ left side.