Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper has identified a crucial opportunity in the upcoming AFC Championship against the New England Patriots. He believes that the Broncos must take advantage of rookie left tackle Will Campbell as they prepare to face a formidable Patriots offensive line. Following a recent victory over the Houston Texans, Campbell acknowledged his need to improve after struggling against a strong defensive front.
In the Patriots’ previous game, a 28-16 win over Houston, Campbell, the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, faced significant challenges. According to statistics from Pro Football Focus, he allowed four quarterback pressures and two sacks, reflecting the difficulties he has encountered in his rookie season.
Cooper, speaking to The Denver Post, noted, “I mean, he’s a rookie. It’s his first year. So, you gotta exploit that.” This sentiment comes as the Broncos prepare to confront a Patriots offense that has shown some vulnerabilities. Despite being one of the top three offensive units in the league, Campbell’s recent performance highlights a potential weakness that Cooper and his teammate Nik Bonitto hope to exploit.
The Patriots’ offensive line has struggled at times this season, registering a pressure rate of 38.3%, which ranks as the sixth-highest in the NFL, according to Next Gen Stats. This statistic has not significantly impacted the performance of quarterback Maye, a candidate for the league’s MVP title. Yet, Maye has faced the pressure more than most, leading the playoffs in sacks taken and registering a completion percentage below 60% in two postseason games.
As the Broncos’ defensive coordinator Vance Joseph prepares his strategy, he is focusing on maintaining pressure on Maye to limit his effectiveness. Last week, the Broncos’ defense forced Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills into four turnovers during their divisional round matchup. Cooper emphasized the importance of applying pressure, stating, “We want the ball. The ball is the game. And last week proved that.”
Bonitto has also been a key player for the Broncos, recently being named a finalist for the AP Defensive Player of the Year. He has recorded sacks in his last two games, showcasing a resurgence after a quieter period earlier in the season. Meanwhile, Cooper has faced challenges in his own performance, noting, “I haven’t recorded a solo takedown since Week 9.” He attributes part of this to the Broncos’ focus on containing mobile quarterbacks rather than solely relying on speed rushes.
With the AFC Championship on the line, the Broncos are focused on applying pressure to Maye and exploiting any weaknesses in the Patriots’ offensive line. The matchup promises to be a critical test for Campbell as he faces one of the league’s more aggressive defensive units.
As the game approaches, both teams will be keenly aware of the stakes. For Cooper and Bonitto, the opportunity to disrupt the Patriots’ game plan could be pivotal in securing a spot in the Super Bowl. The Broncos’ defensive strategy will hinge on their ability to pressure Maye and leverage any gaps in the Patriots’ protection scheme, particularly those involving the rookie left tackle.
