Patriots have made a statement with offensive line in Will Campbell's absence

Will Campbell, the Patriots' No. 4 overall pick and starting left tackle, was placed on IR with an MCL sprain before Thanksgiving. Rookie left guard Jared Wilson suffered a high ankle sprain and missed time until returning against the Bills. Vederian Lowe replaced Campbell and has played 142 snaps as the full-time left tackle. Lowe has not allowed a sack and has been penalized only once, a false start. He allowed seven pressures on 83 pass-blocking snaps, an 8.4% pressure rate. Campbell played 734 snaps, allowing five sacks, seven penalties, and a 5.5% pressure rate. Lowe's reduced penalties under Doug Marrone have improved his performance and could increase his offseason market value.

"Vederian Lowe has been a revelation at left tackle for the Patriots in Will Campbell's absence The Illinois alum has played 142 snaps for the Patriots since he became the full-time left tackle midway through their game against the Bengals. He's yet to allow a sack and has been penalized only once, a false start against the Bills on Sunday. He allowed seven pressures on 83 pass blocking snaps in that time frame, yielding a pressure rate of 8.4%."

"Lowe isn't an elite left tackle by any means, but he's shown that he's a capable spot starter. For as much flak as he got last season, his performance during the play wasn't much of an issue: his pressure rate was 6.6%. His 13 penalties were a far bigger issue, but with Doug Marrone as the new offensive line coach, some of those shortcomings seem to be being cleaned up."

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