FOXBOROUGH- Patriots offensive tackle Vedarian Lowe is embracing his moment in the spotlight as he prepares for his first start of the season on Monday night against the New York Giants. Getting his new found opportunity has come at the expense of rookie left tackle Will Campbell getting injured but despite that, Lowe expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity and super excited, I feel like, just being in the role I’ve been in the entire year and being able to learn from the coaches, Keying on my role every week, just being the backup and being ready.”
Accepting the role of being a back up is not always easy, especially when you have been a starter. Lowe however has embraced his new role and been the consumate professional. Most guys would have had a problem with a demotion and made their feelings public. Lowe did not do that. Instead, he showed up to work everyday and prepared as a starter.
“I just want to do my job, man. I’m I’m not trying to do nothing more or less than what I’m expected to do. I know what I’m doing in preparing myself to play. I just went on doing my job, being productive, and just instilling some trust in this coaching staff”
When asked about the adjustments needed to acclimate to the current offensive system, Lowe downplayed any major differences, highlighting minor shifts in technique and focus. He stated that the most significant change involved shaking off habits from his previous staff.
“It’s really just tendencies I developed from playing a lot last year and having that staff and what that they wanted me to do. The big difference now is the changing of tendencies that I have and learning the protections and blocking schemes in this system. Otherwise, it hasn’t been much different. They want you to play hard, play fast and be prepared.”
Lowe is set for a formidable first test, matching up against athe New York Giants talented defensive front, specifically outside linebacker Brian Burns. Lowe has accepted the challenge posed by the Giants defensive line, noting their explosive potential:
“The athleticism, man like every single guy can get one at any given moment. They have a lot of speed. That definitely jumps out.”
Despite the daunting matchup, the tackle is leaning on his fundamentals and trusting his preparation and technique to succeed.
“We prepare to win. I just got to stick to my roots in terms of protection, hand placement and feet. Just continue to do the same things and put myself in a good position… Like I said, not do anything more or less than do my job. and know what I’m doing every single play.”
Lowe is ready to play and now he has to hold things down left tackle until Campbell is ready to come back. The Patriots are counting on him and he is counting on himself as well. This could be his last shot to prove he can start in this league.