Patriots left tackle Will Campbell knows his playoff debut was not perfect.
He does not, however, pay attention to those who say so online.
“Honestly, I don’t give a [expletive] what anyone says,” Campbell said Wednesday. “It’s easy to type behind a Twitter account that is fake. I hold myself to the highest expectation of anybody. I want to be perfect.”
Against a talented Chargers defensive front, Campbell allowed five pressures and a sack. The third quarter sack resulted in a strip sack of Drake Maye with the Patriots in scoring range.
“The Chargers, obviously, I didn’t pitch a shutout,” Campbell said. “I had two or three plays that I wish I could have back. But that’s $300 million in defensive ends and I’ve got a ton of respect for those dudes. It’s going to be like that every week in the playoffs.
As the Patriots move on to the divisional round, they will welcome another talented group up front. A top ranked Texans defense is anchored by elite edge rushers Will Anderson, who set a career-high with 12 sacks this season, and Danielle Hunter which will mean New England will need a strong showing from the No. 4 overall pick in pass protection.
“They’re two of the best in the game at what they do. They play extremely hard — high motors,” Campbell said. “And that’s their entire defense. Their linebackers fly around, DBs fly around. This is a physical group. I think their coach kinda preaches the same thing Vrabes does. It shows on tape the way they play the game on offense and defense. We’ve got to have a good week in practice and be prepared because it’s going to be a challenge.”
Campbell has past experience matching up against Anderson, who primarily rushes over the left side, from their time at college, as the Alabama pass rusher was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in Campbell’s freshman year at LSU.
The Patriots left tackle knew back then a rematch would come down the line.
“My freshman year, I played some really good players. Played him, Jared Verse and Jalen Carter, all when I was 18 years old. It’s a great experience for a young player,” Campbell said. “I had a feeling one day I would get to see him again. He’s an extremely talented player. Plays the game really hard. Ton of respect for him and what he’s been able to do.”
