FOXBOROUGH – It’s not easy being an offensive tackle in the NFL, never mind a rookie starting left tackle.
Through four weeks, however, Will Campbell has acclimated nicely to the Patriots and the star-studded cast of pass rushers he’s seen. The No. 4 overall pick heads into this big matchup against another tough defense coming off an impressive performance.
Against the Carolina Panthers, Campbell didn’t allow a quarterback hit or sack. He also wasn’t called for a penalty in the Patriots’ blowout win.
Campbell has taken a business-like approach to his rookie season.
“I feel like it’s going good. I’m excited we got a win last week. Keep trying to get better,” said Campbell. “(I’m motivated) To do my job. They pay me to do my job. Just go out there and do my job to my best ability. Play hard. Just try to help the team in any way I can.”
It hasn’t been the easiest schedule for the Patriots offensive line. They faced a series of Pro Bowl defensive linemen this season. That included Maxx Crosby, T.J. Watt, and Bradley Chubb.
This weekend, it’ll be the likes of Joey Bosa and Ed Oliver with the Buffalo Bills.
With each week, it looks like Campbell’s confidence grows. He said that comes from practice.
“I think it all starts in the week whenever we’re practicing,” Campbell said. “A great practice in the week leads to confidence on Sunday. Whenever you seen looks throughout the week, guys give us great looks throughout the week on what we’re going to see – it really goes out to them. They get us ready every single day.”
Over the last four weeks, Campbell has shown improvement. He allowed a sack in his first game and was also called for two false starts. In Miami, Campbell didn’t allow a pressure but was called for another false start. The rookie had some struggles in Pittsburgh, allowing two sacks and two quarterback hits.
Then last week, he had a clean sheet with no pressures or penalties.
On Friday, Mike Vrabel said Campbell’s preparation had led him to improve every week.
“Consistency for a young player,” Vrabel said. “I think there’s a unique consistency, professionalism about the time that he shows up and the time he goes and meets with the offensive line coaches and the time that he gets his treatment or lifts, the way that he studies or practices. It just kind of keeps building positive days upon each other and then preparing for his matchups and his job on Sunday.”