When Will Campbell left last Sunday’s game early with a knee injury, the Patriots had to turn to rookie Caleb Lomu to protect Drake Maye’s blindside. For a first real NFL stretch at tackle, Lomu held up well. He allowed only one hurry in pass protection and showed enough to leave a strong impression.
“I don’t think it was too big for him. I think he was able to settle down,” head coach Mike Vrabel said.
“You didn’t really notice him a lot, so I think that’s probably a good thing. He was able to anchor at times on some power and allowed Drake [Maye] to be able transfer up into the pocket.
I thought it worked together well with [Alijah Vera-Tucker] when he got in there.”
Campbell’s status remains up in the air, though not alarmingly so. He has been limited in practice this week because of a right knee injury, but he has not been ruled out for Sunday against the Jets.
In fact, it reportedly is “likely” that he plays. That leaves the Patriots waiting to see whether Lomu will need to step in again.
If he does, fans are ready to trust him.
In the latest SB Nation Reacts survey, 54% of respondents said they are largely confident Lomu can fill in for Campbell. The comment section backed that up with a mix of optimism and cautious curiosity about how the rookie will look against the Jets’ front.
“he layed pretty well for a half-- instilled some confidence-- still a rook, and we have to see how he will hod up before signing off as “very confident”-- wonder how he will look against some pretty good DL/edge guys on the nyj D-- we shall wee”
“he layed pretty well for a half-- instilled some confidence-- still a rook, and we have to see how he will hod up before signing off as “very confident”-- wonder how he will look against some pretty good DL/edge guys on the nyj D-- we shall wee”
“he layed pretty well for a half-- instilled some confidence-- still a rook, and we have to see how he will hod up before signing off as “very confident”-- wonder how he will look against some pretty good DL/edge guys on the nyj D-- we shall wee”
Other fans were even more direct in their support.
Tonyto39
When it comes to pass blocking I’m not sure there is a difference. Campbell is probably stouter in the run game and that would be a real drop.
KissBillsRings
He was a 1st rounder for a reason…he’ll get a good test come Sunday & looking forward to see how he handles the opportunity… at least this week he’s getting all the 1st team reps & knows he’s starting & not just getting thrown in there
Bajer
he layed pretty well for a half-- instilled some confidence-- still a rook, and we have to see how he will hod up before signing off as “very confident”-- wonder how he will look against some pretty good DL/edge guys on the nyj D-- we shall wee
Dick McPherson
I am as confident with him as I am with Campbell, which is not very.
ed.liebfried
The guy’s a first round talent. He may not be ready to be a star just yet but should be just fine.
Mosi_Tatupu
Jets have good pass rushers, Lomu will have his hands full and probably struggle but he needs the experience. Hopefully WC just out 1 game.
Mojobag666
I am Sooo confident that I believe even when Cambell comes back, his metrics will be so good that they have Campbell (no knock on him) take over the right side for the struggling Moses and both will have pro bowl careers at said positions!
The numbers around the survey were lopsided in Lomu’s favor. Along with the 54% who were somewhat confident, another 43% said they were very confident. Only 3% said they were not confident in his ability, and no one said the Patriots should look elsewhere at left tackle.
That confidence in Lomu is part of a bigger wave of belief around the team. The Patriots are riding a two-game winning streak, and fan optimism about the direction of the franchise has jumped sharply. After falling to just 9% following the Jaguars loss, confidence in the team’s direction is now at 93%.
For now, the Patriots’ immediate focus is keeping that momentum going. Their bigger-picture goal remains the same, with New England currently holding the 12th-best odds to win the Super Bowl on FanDuel Sportsbook, tied for sixth best in the AFC.
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Still, this is the kind of test that can expose young quarterbacks quickly. The Jets bring one of the leagues better defenses in both total defense and points allowed, so the Patriots cannot afford to give them extra chances with turnovers. New England should have a slightly different look on offense with reinforcements available, while the Jets will be without Breece Hall, which could alter how they try to answer back. For Maye, it is the sort of matchup that can either steady the momentum or make the next step feel a lot farther away. [Read more 🡒]