Pats Pulpit
The Minnesota Vikings might be as tough an opponent as Will Campbell and the New England Patriots offense are going to face this season. The unit may not be the most talented overall or filled with star players across the board, but defensive coordinator/mad scientist/ex-Patriots assistant Brian Flores always seems to have something special up his sleeve.
On Wednesday, during the first of two Patriots-Vikings joint practices in Eagan, MN, Flores’ unit gave the Patriots all sorts of fits. The team’s rookie left tackle in particular found himself on the short end of the stick on multiple occasions.
For his teammates, however, it is all part of the learning experience.
“Next-play mentality,” said edge K’Lavon Chaisson when asked about the lessons he wants Campbell to take away from practices like Wednesday’s. “I think it’s easy to get caught up in your head when something doesn’t go right your way, especially when you’re a premier tackle from your past level. So, that’s just a huge thing: next-play mentality and just finding a way to fight every single play.”
Coming off a standout three-year career at LSU, which also is Chaisson’s alma mater, Campbell joined the Patriots as the fourth overall selection in this year’s draft. New England did nothing to hide its intentions for the 21-year-old upon his arrival: he was installed as starting left tackle in the spring and has not looked back since.
The arrow has been pointing up ever since, despite the occasional bump in the road. On Wednesday, that bump took the form of two would-be sacks given up in team drills.
And yet, Chaisson does not want to hear anything about his young teammate not being on the right path.
“There’s this weird note that’s kind of going around about Will having like an up-and-down camp, but Will’s doing a great job,” he said.
“I feel like we all watched the game last week and he responded pretty well, and he’s been handling business. I don’t think Will is having a problem; I think Will is doing a great job in camp. We’re both giving each other great work out there. I’m getting good looks, and I’m trying to give him great looks. That’s the ultimate goal. Honestly, I want to be the best player that he ever goes against. So, whenever he plays on Thursdays, Mondays or Sundays, it’s easy for him.”
Also joining the Patriots this offseason, albeit as a veteran free agent, Chaisson has had his share of 1-on-1s with Campbell this summer. So did Keion White or Harold Landry. Going up against your teammates time and again in camp can in itself be a challenge for a young player, the former first-round draft pick explained.
Wednesday’s joint practice, just like last week’s with the Washington Commanders, broke up the monotony. It also provided more data points for Campbell to work on in the future.
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