Will Campbell is playing at a different level right now, and it's not hyperbole. The offensive line has been a consistent weakness for this franchise, but Campbell's development from prospect to legitimate starter represents the kind of foundational improvement that compounds over time. When your right tackle is playing like a top-50 player at his position instead of a project, that changes everything about how you can deploy your offense.
Drake Maye, though, still has a coverage recognition problem. It's not about arm talent or decision-making in structure—it's about pre-snap reads and identifying what he's looking at before the ball is snapped. This is coachable, which matters. But it's also the kind of thing that can't be ignored. If the coverage adjustment comes, Maye makes another leap. If it doesn't, you'll see drives stall in the red zone and third-down situations where the underneath stuff should be open.
Here's what tells you everything about Mike Vrabel's confidence in this team: they're not panicking if losses pile up soon. That's not arrogance. That's a staff that sees the trajectory and understands that September football doesn't define September teams. The foundation is being built—Campbell proving he can play tackle, Maye working through his progressions, Vrabel establishing his system. The wins will follow once the execution tightens.
The Patriots aren't asking you to believe in potential anymore. Campbell is showing it. Maye is showing the ceiling. If the early results disappoint, patience isn't naive. It's earned.