FOXBOROUGH — Any time there are four new starters on an offensive line, there are bound to be growing pains, especially with a pair of rookies side-by-side on the left side.
But that’s the reality the Patriots are dealing with at the moment.
New England’s overhauled offensive line features first-year players Will Campbell at left tackle, Jared Wilson at left guard, as well as new veterans Garrett Bradbury at center and Morgan Moses at right tackle. Mike Onwenu is the only incumbent who Mike Vrabel brought back to the starting group.
Though the Patriots only scored 13 points in the season-opening loss, Campbell believes the group’s chemistry is trending in the right direction.
“It’s good. Obviously we have four new dudes here that are starting,” Campbell said. “Big Mike is the only one that played here before. Each day the relationship and bond is growing on and off the field. It started in OTAs and it’s come a long way and it’s going to keep progressing.”
The rookie said having veterans around has been a great asset for him.
“They’ve helped me tremendously since being here,” Campbell said. “Super fortunate to have them.”
As the Patriots look to get back in track in the South Florida heat in Week 2, Campbell should feel right at home. Though New England teams have faltered in sweltering temperatures in the past, Campbell is a Louisiana native.
“There is no secret. You’re either used to it or you aren’t,” Campbell said at his locker Thursday.
As for his NFL debut in a Week 1 loss, Campbell only has one thing on his mind moving forward.
“We’ve just gotta win,” Campbell said. “The only thing that really matters is winning, so...”
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