The Patriots kick off the 2019 pre-season tonight with a visit to Detroit to battle the Lions. The two teams held joint practices all week leading up to tonight. The practices were organized by Bill Belichick and Lions coach and former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
The practices served as a reunion of sorts. Besides Patricia and Lions general manager Bob Quinn, several former Patriots now play for the Lions. Defensive end Trey Flowers, wide receiver Danny Amendola, Running back LeGarrette Blount, safety Tavon Wilson, Quarterback Matt Cassel, cornerback Justin Coleman, defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois and outside linebacker Marquis Flowers are all on the Lions and should all make the team.
Do not expect many if any of the starters to play tonight. This game is designed to evaluate back ups, third stringers and guys trying to make the team.
Here are five thoughts on tonight’s game.
1. No starters: Do not expect many of the starters to play tonight. If any of the starters do play, they will play one to two series and that is it.
2. Watching the wide receivers: The revamped receiving corp will get a lot of attention tonight particularly rookie first round draft choice N’Keal Harry. Harry has struggled at times in training camp but has also popped at times and shown big time upside. Rookie free agent Jakobi Meyers has had a great camp and will also garner a lot of attention.
3. New look coaching staff: The Patriots coaching staff was hot hard when Brian Flores took the Miami Dolphins job. Four coaches went to Miami with Flores and defensive line coach Brendan Daly left for the Chiefs.
There are several new position coaches on the defensive side of the ball including former Patriots inside linebacker Jerod Mayo who will coach the inside linebackers. The pre-season will be a good way for these coaches to get acclimated to their new roles, the schemes and the players.
4. Winovich Watch: All of New England is looking forward to seeing rookie defensive end Chase Winovich. Winovich returns home to Michigan and look for him to make an impression. Winovich is versatile in that he can rush the passer and be a drop backer on zone pressures. The Patriots are looking forward to seeing Winovich in game action and so are the fans.
5. Evaluate Stidham: Rookie quarterback Jarrett Stidham has had a good training camp. Now he has a chance to take what he’s done in camp and apply it in a game. Stidham has the physical tools. He needs to prove he can play in a pro style offense.
Final Thoughts: Game one of the pre-season is all about evaluating talent. That is what Bill Belichick and his staff will do tonight. It’s all about evaluating the rookies and veterans and if they can make the team and contribute.