When New England Patriots left tackle Will Campbell departed last Sunday’s game early with a knee injury, rookie Caleb Lomu was tasked with protecting Drake Maye’s blindside.
Lomu’s first significant NFL experience at tackle went well, as the rookie allowed just one hurry in pass protection and flashed strong traits.
“I don’t think it was too big for him. I think he was able to settle down,” head coach Mike Vrabel said. “You didn’t really notice him a lot, so I think that’s probably a good thing. He
was able to anchor at times on some power and allowed Drake [Maye] to be able transfer up into the pocket. I thought it worked together well with [Alijah Vera-Tucker] when he got in there.”
Despite Campbell dealing with a right knee injury, the tackle spent this past week limited in practice and has not been ruled out for Sunday against the Jets. In fact, it reportedly is “likely” that he will appear in the game. That leaves it to be determined if Lomu will be called on.
If he is, Patriots fans have belief in his ability. In the latest SB Nation Reacts survey, 54% of participants are largely confident that Lomu can fill-in for Campbell.
Much of the comment section agrees:
Tonyto39
When it comes to pass blocking I’m not sure there is a difference. Campbell is probably stouter in the run game and that would be a real drop.
KissBillsRings
He was a 1st rounder for a reason…he’ll get a good test come Sunday & looking forward to see how he handles the opportunity… at least this week he’s getting all the 1st team reps & knows he’s starting & not just getting thrown in there
Bajer
he layed pretty well for a half– instilled some confidence– still a rook, and we have to see how he will hod up before signing off as “very confident”– wonder how he will look against some pretty good DL/edge guys on the nyj D– we shall wee
Dick McPherson
I am as confident with him as I am with Campbell, which is not very.
ed.liebfried
The guy’s a first round talent. He may not be ready to be a star just yet but should be just fine.
Mosi_Tatupu
Jets have good pass rushers, Lomu will have his hands full and probably struggle but he needs the experience. Hopefully WC just out 1 game.
Mojobag666
I am Sooo confident that I believe even when Cambell comes back, his metrics will be so good that they have Campbell (no knock on him) take over the right side for the struggling Moses and both will have pro bowl careers at said positions!
All in all, this week’s survey results look as follows:
To go along with the 54% of voters that are somewhat confident, another 43% of voters are very confident in the first-round pick. Meanwhile, just 3% of voters are not confident in Lomu’s ability while 0% of participants believe the Patriots should look elsewhere at left tackle.
As Patriots fans are confident in Lomu, they also continue to be confident in the team’s direction in the midst of a two-game winning streak.
After fan confidence reached a low of just 9% following the Jaguars loss, 93% of fans now believe the team is headed in the right direction.
The Patriots will hope to keeping trending in a positive direction with the ultimate goal of getting back to the Super Bowl. They currently have the 12th best odds to hoist the Lombardi trophy on FanDuel Sportsbook — tied for sixth best in the AFC.
