The Denver Broncos are preparing to face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship, and linebacker Jonathon Cooper sees a potential advantage in the matchup against rookie left tackle Will Campbell. After New England’s recent victory over the Houston Texans, Cooper expressed the need for his team to capitalize on Campbell’s inexperience.
Coach Mike Vrabel welcomed Campbell in the tunnel post-game with an encouraging gesture, signaling the importance of resilience. Following the 28-16 win, Campbell acknowledged his performance, stating, “I need to play better,” as reported by MassLive. The fourth overall pick in the 2025 draft has had a challenging rookie season, facing a tough learning curve that has seen him both deliver and receive significant hits.
In the last two games, Campbell has allowed nine pressures, tying him with the Buffalo Bills’ Dion Dawkins for the most pressures surrendered by any tackle during the playoffs, according to Pro Football Focus. This vulnerability could provide the Broncos with an opportunity to disrupt the Patriots’ offensive rhythm.
New England’s offensive line has shown some weaknesses throughout the season, allowing a pressure rate of 38.3%, the sixth-highest in the NFL as per Next Gen Stats. While this has not notably affected quarterback Maye, who is a candidate for the league’s MVP, he has taken the most sacks among playoff quarterbacks. His completion percentage dipped below 60% in two postseason outings, and he has fumbled six times.
As Cooper and his edge-rushing partner, Nik Bonitto, prepare for the game, they reflect on their recent success. The Broncos’ defensive coordinator Vance Joseph praised Bonitto, who has been pivotal in forcing turnovers, including two crucial strips against Bills quarterback Josh Allen in the AFC Divisional Round. Bonitto has also been recognized as a finalist for the AP Defensive Player of the Year.
Despite his impressive start to the season, Cooper has struggled to maintain his sack production, with his last solo sack recorded in Week 9 against the Texans. He finished the regular season with eight sacks after a strong beginning that saw him achieve seven in his first nine games. The shift in the team’s defensive strategy, focusing on containing mobile quarterbacks, has influenced his performance.
“I feel like – almost every time,” Cooper said when asked if he could have achieved more with speed rushes. “You can run upfield and look pretty, but you’re just opening up lanes for the quarterback.”
The Broncos’ defensive strategy aims to keep quarterbacks in the pocket, making it difficult for them to complete passes. Cooper emphasized the importance of pressuring Maye and limiting his options during the upcoming match. “We want the ball,” Joseph stated, highlighting the significance of turnovers in determining the game’s outcome.
As the AFC Championship approaches, the Broncos are poised to capitalize on any weaknesses in the Patriots’ offensive line, particularly targeting the rookie Campbell. This could be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of the game, as both teams vie for a chance at the Super Bowl.
