Will Campbell was a key factor in Drake Maye being sacked six times in Super Bowl LX.
Will Campbell did not have a good game during Super Bowl LX. Even he knows that.
The first-round pick last offseason for the New England Patriots out of LSU vowed to “fight and die to protect” his starting quarterback, and for part of the season, he did just that more or less. In the postseason, after being placed on IR due to an MCL tear, he didn't.
Campbell did not speak with the media after the 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Why would he? He knew he didn't do his job all game, and frankly, he didn't want to hear any questions about it.
There's a very good chance Campbell put his headphones on and kept them on for the entire trip back to the airport and the flight across the country back to New England.
Now the narrative has been circulating for the last 36 hours, from credible sports news outlets to angry fans on Instagram: should the Patriots consider moving Campbell out of left tackle to guard? Or even move him out of the starting lineup next season in general.
In the regular season, Campbell only really had one bad game, when he was lined up against one of the best to play defensive end, Myles Garrett, in the win against the Cleveland Browns.
Outside of that, pre-MCL injury, Campbell played generally well and was a fan favorite all season long. Upon his anticipated postseason return, the hype around Campbell stepping back onto the field generated excitement. It became clear that the 22-year-old was a shell of himself.
NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry noted that rookies at the tackle position have a hard time in their first season. Then brought up Andrew Thomas with the Giants, going from a disaster to one of the best at the position.
"Andrew Thomas in New York is a great example," Perry said. "Early round pick out of Georgia. Had an awful, awful rookie season for the New York Giants. He's now considered one of the best tackles in the NFL.
Campbell could benefit from offseason rest and healing of whatever residuals he has from his injuries, and another shot next year before any decisions are made on his future, either at that position or with the team in general.
The Patriots' left tackle finally spoke to the media upon returning to Foxborough after the trip home.
"I apologize about the other night and not be available to talk," Campbell told reporters in the locker room. "Just having a lot of emotions, obviously, going after a tough loss, a long year. I just wanted to make sure I had my head on properly before I said anything.
Campbell then made reporters aware that he was well aware of his performance in Super Bowl LX. Campbell brought up his rookie contract and compared it to the expectations placed on him.
"People expect a certain thing, and I expect more of myself. So whenever I don't perform, I don't expect everyone to be like, 'It's okay, buddy.' Obviously, it sucks, but it doesn't suck for anyone more than it sucks for me."
Regardless of what decisions are made about the Patriots' plans for Campbell this offseason, the team does need an overall examination of how to improve its offensive line next year and better protect Drake Maye.
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