FOXBORO — Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels praised the performance of his offensive line during a media session on Thursday. The lineup showcases rookie starters, including Will Campbell at left tackle and Jared Wilson at left guard, who have both made significant contributions to the team.
McDaniels expressed confidence in their pass protection, highlighting its reliability throughout the season. Quarterback Drake Maye also came to the defense of his offensive line, noting that he shares responsibility for the 34 sacks he has faced this season. This sentiment is supported by both player statistics and game film.
Wilson, originally a college center, secured the left guard position this summer, outperforming competitors like Ben Browns, Caedan Wallace, and Cole Strange. Despite allowing four sacks, five QB hits, and 12 quarterback hurries over eight starts this season, Wilson’s performance has been instrumental for a team holding a 7-2 record. At 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, he has the potential to develop further, raising the possibility of maintaining him at left guard while seeking a long-term center to succeed Garrett Bradbury.
The Patriots’ offensive line, recognized for its speed, boasts impressive 40-yard dash times; Wilson clocked in at 4.84 seconds, marking him in the 99th percentile among guards. Campbell’s speed of 4.92 seconds ranks him in the 92nd percentile for tackles, while Bradbury also impressively registered the same time in the 97th percentile for centers.
In addition to pass protection, Boston’s run blocking has shown marked improvement, with the rushing attack surpassing 100 yards in each of the last three games after a slow start. This week, the offensive line faces a challenging test against the blitz-heavy Buccaneers, who rank high in pressure rates.
In a recent Q&A segment, Wilson shared insights about his personal life and football journey. His first memory of football dates back to high school, and he fondly recalls receiving his first scholarship offer from Syracuse. Winning the SEC Championship last season with Georgia stands out as a highlight in his college career.
Off the field, Wilson enjoys video games—particularly “Call of Duty”—and has a keen interest in snakes, indicating he plans to get another pet snake soon. He views his quiet residence in Medfield as a refreshing change and maintains strong bonds with his fellow offensive linemen, whom he considers close friends.
As Wilson continues to find his footing in the NFL, his evolution as a player and teammate is promising for the Patriots’ ongoing success this season. The blend of talent, determination, and camaraderie within the offensive line sets an optimistic tone for the challenges ahead.