It’s the first of the Throwback games tomorrow as the Pats will don their classic red jerseys and white helmets against the Detroit Lions, who like the Patriots, sit 1-3 on the season, desperate to find their second victory.
Injuries
Patriots To Watch
Bailey Zappe
The rookie is set to start tomorrow for the Patriots as Mac Jones continues to recover from the high ankle sprain he suffered against Baltimore.
Zappe did well in his first game last week when he replaced Hoyer, but, now it looks like he’ll have a complete game for himself to lead the offense. The team will need him to protect the ball, and take some shots downfield to try and get some points on the board against this potent Lions offense.
Tyquan Thornton
Some good news today came as Thornton was activated from IR to the main 53-man roster, to much joy from fans who have been itching to see their new speedster in competitive action for the first time.
Thornton’s 21-day clock to return began on Wednesday, but, he’s been activated already which is hopefully a nod to how well he’s been doing since suffering a fractured clavicle in the preseason.
Even if he isn’t fully fit in the sense of being out and starting as one of the leading receivers, he should offer pace as a deep-threat option to keep the Lions’ secondary honest. One to watch for sure.
Damien Harris & Rhamondre Stevenson
With a backup QB expected to start tomorrow, production from the backs will be key to victory. Both ran well last week in Green Bay under similar circumstances and I think they can do the same tomorrow, especially against a Lions defense that allows 165.5 yards per game on the ground so far this season.
Hunter Henry
With Jonnu Smith unlikely to play through the injury, the onus on Hunter Henry is even greater. The big Tight End has had fewer receptions (5) this season than he did touchdowns for the entire of last season (9) through 4 weeks.
A very disappointing stretch for Henry, who I’m sure will riggle into some form, especially in the RedZone where he was so key for Mac Jones last year. Will tomorrow be the day we see some more production from Henry? We’ll see.
Matthew Judon
The entire defensive front will need to bring a little extra juice tomorrow in the absence of Lawrence Guy, who’s been ruled out with a shoulder injury.
I think Judon will make life uncomfortable for Jared Goff, especially if he can get to him early and often, causing mistakes.
Jake Bailey
Bailey has been disappointing thus far and after securing himself a new contract, he has to be a lot better than what he’s been offering. Against a Lions offense that has been putting up points for fun, giving the defense favorable field position will be a huge boost, let’s see if he can bring that tomorrow.
Lions Den
Jamaal Williams
With no Deandre Swift, Jamaal Williams will lead the Lions’ ground attack once more, having already amassed 276 yards and 6 TDs rushing this season.
Williams is particularly one to watch as worryingly, the Patriots have resembled swiss cheese when it comes to stopping the run so far in 2022.
TJ Hockenson
Hockenson heads into town on the back of a career game last Sunday where he caught 8 catches for 179 yards and 2 TDs. This is a big worry for me as the Pats have struggled already this season against Tight Ends and Hockenson could really bring the hurt tomorrow.
I imagine Kyle Dugger will get the nod to provide coverage on the big playmaker, but we shall see.
Aiden Hutchinson
The blue-chip rookie has shown some sparks of why he was so highly touted out of Michigan in this year’s draft. Be on the lookout for #97 on the edge, he’s a real game-changer, Marcus Cannon will need to be on top form against him, or will it be Isaiah Wynn?