Playoff Stakes Raise the Heat: 5 Players to Watch in Patriots-Lions Germany Matchup
Gonzalez Faces St. Brown
After a difficult outing against Green Bay, cornerback Gonzalez faces another major test against Detroit. He gave up 11 catches for 192 yards to Packers receivers Matthew Golden and Christian Watson.
Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown ranks fifth in the NFL with 61 receptions and 11th with 657 receiving yards. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said Gonzalez and the team need more from their best players.
Elliss Must Slow Gibbs
Linebacker Elliss could be central to New England’s effort to contain Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs. The 24-year-old Gibbs ranks among the league’s top three in rushing yards, with 847, and rushing touchdowns, with nine.
Elliss leads the Patriots with 65 tackles and ranks second on the team with 5.5 tackles for loss. The article says a strong performance from him could help New England contend for a win.
Kiner Could Get More Work
Injuries have left the Patriots’ running back situation uncertain. Starter Rhamondre Stevenson is listed as questionable with a knee injury, while backup TreVeyon Henderson was placed on injured reserve Saturday.
New England did not elevate a practice-squad player for the game, which could indicate Stevenson is available. Still, the article expects Corey Kiner to have a substantial role if Stevenson is not fully healthy. Vrabel praised Kiner’s work while noting areas he needs to improve.
Ponder And Guard Challenge
Edge rusher Ponder leads New England with 7.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. He has also forced one of the Patriots’ six fumbles and leads the defense with two fumble recoveries.
At left guard, Ben Brown is set to miss the game after being injured against Green Bay. Greg Van Roten was activated from injured reserve Saturday and could start instead of Walter Rouse. Detroit has recorded 27 sacks, the third-highest total in the NFL.
Key points
- The Patriots and Lions meet in Munich on Sunday morning, with playoff positioning at stake.
- Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs present major challenges for New England’s defense.
- Injuries could give Corey Kiner more work and open the left guard job to Greg Van Roten.
- Detroit has 27 sacks, while New England’s Ponder leads the Patriots with 7.5 sacks.