Will Campbell’s rookie season hasn’t exactly been a smooth ride-but if the AFC Championship was any indication, the Patriots’ young left tackle is starting to turn a corner. And just in time, too.
Head coach Mike Vrabel sees the signs. After taking his lumps throughout the season, Campbell held his own against Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto, one of the more disruptive pass rushers in the league.
That’s no small feat, especially on a stage as big as the conference title game. Vrabel acknowledged the progress, but made it clear: there’s still work to do.
“I thought he played better against a really good rusher,” Vrabel said this week. “We’ll need to keep improving, and we’re excited he has another week to do it.”
That “another week” is, of course, the lead-up to Super Bowl LX. And Campbell’s role? Absolutely critical.
The Patriots didn’t use the No. 4 overall pick in the draft on Campbell just to ease him into the league. They threw him into the fire, naming him the starting left tackle from Day 1.
His job? Protect the blind side of rookie quarterback Drake Maye-a tall order for any lineman, let alone a 21-year-old still adjusting to NFL speed and power.
But that’s what makes his performance against Denver so encouraging. Bonitto brought pressure, but Campbell didn’t flinch.
He stayed disciplined in his sets, used his hands well, and-most importantly-gave Maye the time he needed to work through progressions. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a step forward.
And at this point in the season, that’s what matters most.
Now, the spotlight gets even brighter. The Seahawks’ defense is fast, aggressive, and loaded with talent off the edge.
Campbell will be tested early and often, and how he responds could swing the outcome of the game. If he can keep Maye clean, the Patriots’ offense has a real shot to find its rhythm and control the tempo.
For New England, this Super Bowl isn’t just about chasing another ring-it’s about ushering in a new era. Campbell and Maye are two of the cornerstones of that future. And while there’ve been bumps along the way, the Patriots are betting that the growth we saw last week is just the beginning.
Campbell’s development isn’t just a subplot. It’s a headline. And come Super Bowl Sunday, all eyes will be on No. 73 to see if he’s ready for the biggest challenge of his young career.