New England Patriots rookie offensive lineman Will Campbell was under scrutiny during the first half of Sunday’s AFC Championship, and he did not exactly acquit himself well.
After a strong regular season, Campbell has struggled in the playoffs when facing several top pass rushers. He allowed nine pressures in the first two playoff games, and many fans were concerned about him going up against the Denver Broncos’ potent pass rush.
Those concerns appeared well-founded. Campbell again struggled in the first half, with Denver’s Nik Bonitto blowing past him multiple times early in the first half.
Will Campbell got beat here.
— Boston Buzzer (@TheBostonBuzzer) January 25, 2026
Drake was forced to get rid of the ball quickly.
Almost resulted in a pick.
pic.twitter.com/bSC1L4hBOe
Will Campbell pic.twitter.com/3mrHbu5btP
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 25, 2026
Many on social media were quick to pass judgment against Campbell for not giving Drake Maye enough time to work.
Will Campbell trying not to allow a pressure/sack challenge pic.twitter.com/v5CzNRjZfG
— Martínez Chiefs🙏🇺🇸🇲🇽 (@Martinez050408) January 25, 2026
Will Campbell pic.twitter.com/LTm9YU5v6x
— sports enthusiast 🫥 (@imspenser_6) January 25, 2026
Will Campbell is not fighting and dying to protect his quartback
— brandon* (@brndxix) January 25, 2026
Who told Will Campbell to do this? pic.twitter.com/HPzvBZ0Umj
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) January 25, 2026
Will Campbell pic.twitter.com/ZlgqBllShi
— Bradley (@BradIey98) January 25, 2026
Live look at will campbell in the locker room rn pic.twitter.com/g7Q9wUYeMF
— John Schreiber Enjoyer (@cousin_john4858) January 25, 2026
Campbell was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, so he came in with high expectations. He spent most of his rookie year meeting them, but elite pass rushers have given him a lot of trouble in the playoffs, where the importance of the games are magnified.
The Patriots obviously are not going away from Campbell now. By all accounts, they love him as much as they did when they drafted him. However, these moments are becoming quite noticeable, and they are happening at the wrong time.
