Detroit Lions Vs. New England Patriots: Game Preview

Aug 15, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions enter the third game of the preseason with a number of questions that need to be answered. Those questions can only be answered by the players on the field who are battling for key roles on the Lions roster. Cuts will start happening next week as teams try to narrow down their roster to 75 ahead of the final preseason game.

So who should fans be watching for in the first preseason game?

Matthew Stafford and the passing game

Matthew Stafford had a lack luster performance against the Cleveland Browns during last Thursday’s preseason game. Granted Calvin Johnson wasn’t in the game but at some point you have to expect your franchise Quarterback to make some of the other receivers better. Calvin Johnson may not play against the Patriots either so it will be up to Stafford to get the most out of the Receivers he has on the field. Look for Stafford to do just that and have a better game against the Patriots in front of the home crowd.

Larry Warford and the battle at right guard

Larry Warford has separated himself from the competition for the starting right guard position. His main competition for the role is veteran guard Dylan Gandy who has been taking the majority of his reps with the second team. Larry Warford has had plenty of opportunity to win the position. The time for him to step up is now if he would like to start for the Lions in the season opener.

The Running Game And The Offensive Line

Reggie Bush is the highest profile free agent the Lions have had in some time. He was signed to help reenergize and anemic Lions running game. Bush has shown he is capable of gaining yards in the open field but struggled gaining yards between the tackles against the Browns. Running Back Mikel LeShoure and Joique Bell also failed to impress but some of the responsibility falls on the offensive line. Riley Reiff and company must open up some holes for the running game against the Patriots.

Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow is fighting to make the New England Patriots final roster. He is third on the depth chart behind Tom Brady and Ryan Mallet and the Patroits have typically only carried two QB’s on their roster. This game could be the last chance for Tebow to impress the coaches and survive the first round of cuts on August 27th.

You can catch the game at 7:30 pm on Channel 7 and log on to Detroit Jock City after the game for all the latest Lions news and views.

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