Patriots’ Will Campbell Braces for Broncos’ Elite Defense in AFC Championship

New England Patriots left tackle Will Campbell is approaching Sunday’s AFC Championship Game with a healthy dose of respect for the Denver Broncos’ defense. Campbell has singled out star edge rusher Nik Bonitto while also acknowledging the collective talent across Denver’s defensive front, linebackers, and secondary.

“They got a bunch of good players across the front, back end, linebackers,” Campbell said on Wednesday. “It’s a good defense. There’s not really any bad things about any team that’s left this late in the season.” His remarks underscore the challenge that awaits the Patriots, as they prepare to face the league’s No. 1 seed in a hostile playoff environment.

Bonitto has been one of the NFL’s most productive pass rushers this season, recording 14 sacks—good for fifth in the league—along with 76 pressures and a 24% pass-rush win rate, ranking second among all edge defenders, according to Pro Football Focus. His presence alone presents a significant test for Campbell, who is still early in his career.

Beyond Bonitto, the Broncos boast a deep and versatile defensive unit, giving Campbell and the Patriots ample reason to prepare thoroughly. The challenge is compounded by the fact that this high-stakes matchup comes with the playoff spotlight and a passionate home crowd in Denver.

1. Broncos’ Defensive Depth

Nik Bonitto may lead Denver’s pass rush, but he is far from the only impactful defender. Fellow linemen John Franklin-Myers and Zach Allen combined for 14.5 sacks, while interior defenders D.J. Jones and Malcolm Roach ranked among the league’s best at stopping the run. Linebacker Alex Singleton contributed 136 tackles across 16 games, anchoring the middle of the defense with consistency and reliability. Meanwhile, cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, maintained elite form with a second-team All-Pro selection. Safety Talanoa Hufanga also earned second-team All-Pro honors and has been a critical component of Denver’s secondary. Together, these playmakers create a balanced unit capable of defending both the run and pass at a high level. This depth and versatility mean the Patriots will face multiple threats on every snap. For Campbell, neutralizing just one star, such as Bonitto, will not be sufficient—he and the offensive line must account for the entire defensive front.

2. Campbell’s Challenge in Context

Campbell acknowledges the task ahead will be the biggest of his young career. “Go in there, playoff atmosphere, No. 1 seed. They’re a talented team, so we’ve gotta be on it this week,” he said. The rookie has already faced elite defenses, including the Houston Texans, who led the league in total defense and ranked second in scoring defense, and the Los Angeles Chargers, who finished fifth and ninth in those respective categories. Even with these experiences, Campbell considers Denver’s unit a step above. The Broncos allowed fewer than 20 points in five games this season, demonstrating both consistency and the ability to dominate in critical moments. The playoff setting and home-field advantage only amplify the challenge. As a rookie, Campbell is acutely aware of the rarity of this opportunity. Facing the league’s top seed in an AFC Championship is not an everyday occurrence, and he knows the stakes extend beyond individual performance. “You understand what’s in front of you,” Campbell said. “You don’t take an opportunity like this for granted. There are guys in this locker room that have played in this league for 10, 11 years and this is their first time going to it.” His perspective reflects a blend of respect, humility, and determination as he prepares to test his skills against one of the league’s elite defenses.

3. Stakes for the Patriots’ Offensive Line

The success of New England’s offense on Sunday will hinge largely on how well the line contains Denver’s defensive threats. Neutralizing Bonitto and managing the other pass rushers will be essential for quarterback performance and the team’s overall game plan. Interior defenders like Jones and Roach pose significant challenges for running lanes, requiring a coordinated effort between tackles and guards to open space and sustain drives. Singleton’s tackling range and Surtain’s coverage ability further complicate the Patriots’ options in both the passing and running game. For a rookie like Campbell, this game represents both a test of skill and a proving ground. The opportunity to play in a championship setting against a well-rounded, high-level defense could accelerate his development while also providing a chance to make a lasting impact early in his career. Preparation, communication, and execution will be crucial for the Patriots’ offensive line. How Campbell and his teammates handle the Broncos’ multiple defensive threats may ultimately determine the outcome of the AFC title game.