Will Campbell Called ‘Absolute Liability’ For Patriots, Part Of Broncos’ ‘Formula’ For Upset

Jarrett Stidham being thrust into the spotlight has been the biggest storyline on the Denver Broncos side heading into the AFC Championship Game.

With MVP candidate Drake Maye leading the New England Patriots into Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, most are taking the road team to advance to the Super Bowl.

If the Broncos are to pull off the upset though, the Patriots’ offensive line struggles may be the reason.

Chad Graff of The Athletic called New England’s “turnover-prone offense” facing Denver’s “really good pass rush” the Patriots’ “biggest fear” for the matchup.

ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes echoed those thoughts on the latest episode of her podcast — “The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny” — citing rookie left tackle Will Campbell’s playoff struggles as part of the “formula” for a Broncos victory.

She discussed Campbell’s likely matchup with Denver Pro Bowl linebacker Nik Bonitto, who finished his team’s AFC Divisional Round win vs. the Buffalo Bills with two forced fumbles and one sack.

“Will Campbell has been an absolute liability for New England in the postseason, granted he’s faced some pretty difficult matchups,” Kimes said. “So in the last round, Nik Bonitto had three quick pressures, which led the team. He had a 2.38 second time to pressure. He is very fast.”

Kimes added that it’s “very easy” for her to see Bonitto “cornering” Campbell on Sunday.

“That to me, that’s where we start with the formula for how does this, how does this upset (happen.) I think it really starts with Nik Bonitto vs. Will Campbell,” she said.