The Detroit Lions will officially kick off their 2015 season on Thursday evening when they welcome the New York Jets into Ford Field for week one of the NFL preseason.
While some may down play the importance of the Lions first exhibition game of the year, excitement is in the air nonetheless. It’s been a long offseason for fans across the NFL, and seeing their favorite teams back in action is certainly a welcomed site.
Who: Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets
Where: Ford Field – Detroit, Michigan
When: 7:30 p.m./ET
Channel: FOX 2 WBJKD (Locally)
Live Stream: NFL-Live.com
What To Watch For
When the Lions and Jets take the field Thursday evening, there will be no shortage of things to keep your eye on — despite it being the preseason.
All aboard the @Ameerguapo hype train! #OnePride pic.twitter.com/7UWQyTU1xv
— Just Nate (@Nate_FFL) August 12, 2015
For the Lions, all eyes will seemingly be on rookie second round pick, Ameer Abdullah who has been all the talk at Lions training camp over the last week. With Joique Bell still sidelined while recovering from offseason surgery, Abdullah, Theo Riddick, George Winn and Zach Zenner will all likely have plenty of opportunities on the field.
There will also be good competition for the number two defensive position. Caraun Reid and Tyrunn Walker are expected to battle throughout the preseason for the starting job next to perennial all-pro Haloti Ngata. Ngata is not expected to play much, if at all, during the preseason due to a nagging hamstring. Other than the defensive tackle spot, the Lions have battles for kick and punt returns as well as the second string quarterback. Former Boise State star Kellen Moore is looking to follow-up a great 2014 preseason. Moore starts the preseason as the Lions third string quarterback with veteran Dan Orlovsky as the second string.
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As for the dysfunctional New York Jets — where do we begin. News broke earlier this week that assumed starting quarterback Geno Smith would miss an estimated six to ten weeks with a broken jaw, suffered at the fist of a teammate whom Smith owed $600.
You can’t make this stuff up.
Taking his place will be Harvard graduate and NFL journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick who appears to have a four-leaf clover hidden somewhere in his uniform.
No matter where Ryan Fitzpatrick goes, he ends up being the starter. Buffalo, Tennessee, Houston and now New York.
— Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano) August 11, 2015
No one will punch Ryan Fitzpatrick. He's helping all players' kids prep for the SATs.
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) August 11, 2015
The Jets will get their first look at rookie defensive end Leonard Williams. If Williams shows an ability to produce he could be the favorite to start in place of the suspended Sheldon Richardson.
Nate Williams is an editor and columnist for SideLionReport.com of the FanSided Network. For continued Detroit Lions news, rumors and analysis, be sure to follow him on twitter at @SLR_Nate.
Next: Detroit Lions: First Depth Chart of 2015
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