We’re just two weeks away from the kickoff of the 2017 regular season, but those two weeks are going to be jam packed with two more preseason games and plenty of roster moves, at least a couple of which should make our collective heads spin.
The immediate focus though is on week three of the preseason, the most hyped game of the summer where we can expect to see the starters play into the second half. Disclaimer — don’t get carried away with the results. The Patriots have had good week threes and bad week threes and neither result ever really told us anything about how the team would be in the regular season.
However, for individual players, there’s a lot on the line in Detroit.
Let’s take a look at five Patriots who are very much on the bubble and could solidify their position on the roster (or depth chart) based on their showing in this game.
- Cameron Fleming vs. LaAdrian Waddle — Waddle returned to practice this week after missing time with a concussion and it’s a good thing he did. There might only be one spot on the roster for Waddle or Fleming, assuming that rookie Tony Garcia doesn’t end up getting a red shirt IR year. Both tackles have played both sides over the course of this preseason, and while Waddle is a little more athletic, Fleming has more experience on the team and in the system and has done a fine job filling in when called upon. Will the Patriots protect Nate Solder in this one? If they do, expect Fleming and/or Waddle to get a long look against the Lions.
- James O’Shaughnessy vs. Jacob Hollister — Despite making his first preseason appearance since 2012, I wouldn’t bet on Gronk playing extended time (or even at all) in this one as well. That will open the door for the third tight end competition, with guys like O’Shaughnessy and Hollister potentially getting time with the top offense. That’s when we’ll really see if these guys have anything to contribute and if they’re worth a roster spot. I think the Pats would be fine carrying just two tight ends to start the season so one of them will have to force themselves onto the 53-man. Keep a close eye on what they do away from the ball, especially blocking.
- Cyrus Jones vs. Justin Coleman — Yes Jones is a second round pick from 2016, with punt return potential, but Coleman has had far more positive plays on defense in his previous two seasons. Still, Coleman has an uphill battle and he should know it. Jones had some positive plays to build off of last week, but he cannot afford to regress. Should either get on the field with the top defense, a big play would go a long way, but even just steadiness and solid tackling would be reassuring. I fear Coleman will be another one of those very hard cuts who catches on and plays well elsewhere if he doesn’t make the Pats.
- Jordan Richards — Richards didn’t get lit up in week two like he did in week one, but he also saw his playing time on defense decrease which is never a good sign for a player in his position. He’s firmly on the bubble however the Pats could really use a player like him who can back up Patrick Chung and play a chunk of special teams. Richards might not see the field until later in the game, and his true time to shine might not come until the preseason finale against the Giants when he’ll likely play the entire game. Still, this is the game to throw some lower end guys in with the starters to see how they fit. If Richards’ number is called he must deliver (i.e. don’t blow tackles and coverages).
- Kony Ealy — Despite actually showing something against the Texans, I still think Ealy is on the bubble and he should likely play most of then game against the Lions. He needs to play like a starter to win a job, or else he could be looking at playing all of next week’s game against the Giants as well. If he builds off of the success he had in Houston, we should all be excited about Ealy’s trajectory. There’s no question the team badly needs him, but they’re not going to keep a player on the roster just to prove a point if he can’t do what they’re asking him to do. Especially when all he cost was a handful of draft slots to acquire. Ealy might be the most interesting player to focus on in this one. If he proves he’s not an “error repeater” and is picking up the system, he might earn himself a night off against the Giants next week.
[…] Patriots take on the Lions tonight in their third preseason game of the summer. While there are plenty of players to keep an eye on, it’s important not to get too worked up about what happens tonight (outside of major […]