Patriots’ Josh McDaniels Issues Blunt Assessment of Will Campbell Ahead of AFC Championship

Will Campbell has certainly been tested throughout the playoffs this season, having to go up against some of the best pass rushers in the league.

In the Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, Campbell gave up a sack and five pressures to Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh. Then, when facing the Houston Texans, he allowed a sack and four pressures to Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. So now, with the Broncos up next in the AFC Championship, things aren’t going to get any easier for the rookie left tackle, as the Denver roster includes edge rusher Nik Bonitto and defensive tackle Zach Allen.

However, while some in New England are questioning Campbell’s abilities, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels explained how growing pains are expected in a young player, and every struggle serves as a learning experience.

“It’s never a straight line,” McDaniels told reporters on Thursday. “I think Will’s — we have a lot of young players that are playing, and they’re a lot. I think there’s a lot that’s been learned over the last two games by a lot of people, and that’s a good thing. You’re never going to go into the playoffs as a young player and just, like, dominate your matchup the entire time. That’s really difficult to imagine.

“So I think between Drake (Maye) and TreVeyon (Henderson) and Jared (Wilson) and Will and Kyle (Williams) — and I’m sure there’s guys on defense that have learned a lot, too — you’re playing against really good players. You’re playing against really good coaches. There’s going to be some ups and downs in the game that you have to persevere through, and that’s the nature of the National Football League and the postseason.”

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Josh McDaniels Says He’s Excited To Watch Will Campbell Play On Sunday

McDaniels’ final points when speaking about Campbell truly stood out as the offensive coordinator emphasized that he’s excited to see Campbell play on Sunday.

“I’m encouraged by the way all of our guys have taken these experiences and tried to benefit from them and improve so that we might be able to play better this week and beyond,” McDaniels explained. “So (I’m) encouraged. Love the way he’s responded. And again, there’s always going to be some plays that you wish you did a little bit better, but that’s across the board. I’m excited to watch him play on Sunday.”

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Will Campbell Calls Sunday’s Game ‘The Biggest Challenge Yet’

Campbell knows exactly what’s at stake this weekend.

“This will be the biggest challenge yet,” Campbell said. “Go in there, playoff atmosphere, No. 1 seed. They’re a talented team, so we’ve gotta be on it this week.”

“You understand what’s in front of you,” he added. “You don’t take an opportunity like this for granted. There are guys in this locker room that have played in this league for 10, 11 years and this is their first time going to it. So you understand that this is not the norm. So you definitely don’t take it for granted.”

 

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