New England Patriots: 3 Players to watch vs. Lions in Preseason Week 1

As the preseason for the New England Patriots kicks off against the Lions, it’s an opportunity for three big names to assert themselves atop the depth chart.

The NFL preseason is where players leave their lasting impression on the coaching staff and front office to try and claim a job for the upcoming season. And when it comes to the New England Patriots, they are open to accepting anyone on the team who gives it their all and cutting anyone who doesn’t exemplify the “Patriot Way”.

There have been plenty of notes out of training camp to this point for the Patriots. The offense is trying to find their groove, certain rookies are standing out and positional battles are heating up and getting much clearer already.

Fans want to see a lot of of certain guys in the preseason. While it isn’t necessarily the place to expect the key starters from a season ago to ball out, it’s still a good place to see if any improvements in the game have occurred.

As for the rookies, this is the first opportunity to see them perform on the biggest stage of their careers to this point and make an impact. Finally, it’s a place where certain veterans have a chance to show they have plenty left in the tank.

For the first preseason game, the New England Patriots have all of these factors that will be well worth the watch in Week 1 of the preseason. For their first matchup, they head to Detroit to take on the Lions and a familiar face, Lions head coach Matt Patricia. But who are the Patriots players to keep an eye on?

First up, the leading rusher and first-round selection from last season, running back Sony Michel.