The New England Patriots opened their home schedule with a 20-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but head coach Mike Vrabel still singled out second-year center Jared Wilson for a below-standard afternoon.
Wilson, 23, is in his first season as the starting center after spending his rookie year at left guard. Vrabel made clear Monday that the performance did not meet the standard he has seen from the former Georgia lineman.
“I don’t think that was one of Jared’s better games yesterday,” Vrabel said. “I think he can protect better. I know he can protect better. I’ve seen him protect better.”
The Patriots defense limited the damage. New England finished with 327 net yards, converted four of 12 third downs and allowed three sacks of quarterback Drake Maye for a total of 17 yards.
Wilson’s assignment grew more demanding this offseason. The Patriots drafted him 95th overall in 2025 as a center but played him at guard because veteran Garrett Bradbury held the middle. After trading Bradbury to the Chicago Bears, New England signed Alijah Vera-Tucker to play left guard and moved Wilson back to his college position.
At Georgia, Wilson started 12 games and logged 810 snaps at center in his final season, earning second-team All-SEC honors. The Patriots expected that experience plus his athleticism to translate once he no longer had to adjust to guard.
The center job carries extra communication duties. Wilson must diagnose fronts, make protection calls and handle twists and stunts. Those elements were inconsistent against Pittsburgh, particularly on the right side of the line.
Through two games Wilson holds a 67.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, eighth among 32 qualified centers. His 70.5 pass-blocking grade ranks 13th at the position.
The evaluation now carries extra weight because starting right guard Mike Onwenu suffered a broken ankle late in the first quarter when T.J. Watt and Derrick Harmon combined on a sack of Maye.
Veteran Greg Van Roten replaced Onwenu for the final 40 offensive snaps. Vrabel credited the 36-year-old for handling the sudden change, while noting that replacing Onwenu’s consistency will take time.
Whoever starts at right guard next week will work directly next to Wilson. The pair must recognize pressure packages together and keep the exchange with Maye clean.
New England visits the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3. Jacksonville’s defense has produced five sacks and two interceptions through two games. Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker each have 1.5 sacks.
Wilson started 13 regular-season games and all four playoff contests at guard as a rookie. The move back to center was intended to put him in a more natural role. Vrabel’s comments indicate the adjustment is still incomplete.
The Patriots will look for cleaner protection and better communication up front as they try to build on the 20-3 result.
