The Detroit Lions opened their preseason against the reigning Super Bowl Champs—the New England Patriots. After the game ended, Matt Patricia was glad that the game didn't hold meaning after he witnessed his team lose by the score of 31-3.
Patricia enters his second season as the head coach of the Lions. In his first season, Detroit ended the year with a record of 6-10. Their 6-10 record was good enough for last place in the NFC North and landed them a top-10 pick in the draft.
After reloading this offseason, the Lions are hoping to remove the shtick that they are one of the teams who can't get over the hump. It's been nearly 20 years since the fans in Detroit can say they witnessed their football team win a playoff game.
Detroit's journey to having a successful campaign in 2019 continues with their second game of the preseason. The Lions will travel to Houston to take on the Texans. Here are three players to watch for when Detroit takes the field on Saturday.
3. Amani Oruwariye
Most teams in the NFL use the preseason to get a better look at the rookies that joined the roster. One name that Lions fans may want to get used to saying is Amani Oruwariye. To some, it's a tough name to pronounce but he's also expected to be a future starter for the team.
Detroit drafted Oruwariye with their fifth-round pick out of Penn State. At 6-foot-2, the rookie cornerback has the size to be a phenomenal prospect in the secondary.
In the Lions' preseason opener against the New England Patriots, Oruwariye showcased his talent with six tackles and a pass deflection. Currently, the 23-year old cornerback is slated to be the team's fourth cornerback on the depth chart.
This week, the Lions take on the Texans in their second preseason game. Oruwariye will have another chance to prove his worth to the coaching staff on Saturday night.
2. Ty Johnson
One player who has been a pleasant surprise during the offseason programs and training camp is Ty Johnson. Johnson was selected by the Lions in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Maryland.
Before the draft, Johnson wasn't invited to the NFL Scouting Combine but impressed at his Pro Day with his blazing speed. In 2016, the Lions rookie running back set the single-season record for yards per rush at Maryland with 9.1 yards per carry.
During his preseason debut, Johnson displayed his big-play potential with a 17-yard run. Johnson would finish the game with just three carries for 22 yards.
What was most noticeable was that Johnson was the second running back to come into the game to relieve C.J. Anderson. With the departure of Theo Riddick, Johnson could carve himself a role in the offense this year with more reps in the offense.
1. Josh Johnson
After Tom Savage went down with an injury in their preseason opener, Detroit knew they'd need to scout the market for a reliable backup quarterback. Soon after, the team announced that they signed veteran Josh Johnson to join the roster.
Of course, Matthew Stafford will man the offense as the starter but every team needs insurance on their starting quarterback. Last year, Johnson became the starter for the Washington Redskins after injuries to Alex Smith and Colt McCoy caused him to be thrust into the offense.
In three starts in 2018, Johnson had 590 yards and three touchdowns as a passer. He also added another 120 yards and a touchdown with his legs. Considering the circumstances, Johnson played fairly well and led the team to a 1-2 record down the stretch.
By joining the Lions, Johnson is signing with his ninth team in the NFL in his 11th season. When Detroit takes the field against the Texans on Saturday night, we should see the first of Johnson in a Lions uniform.
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