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Detroit Lions at Cardinals: 5 new arrivals to watch

By Steven Mullenax

DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 23: Danny Amendola #80 of the Detroit Lions catches a pass in front of TreDavious White #27 of the Buffalo Bills in the first half during an NFL Pre-season game at Ford Field on August 23, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 23: Danny Amendola #80 of the Detroit Lions catches a pass in front of TreDavious White #27 of the Buffalo Bills in the first half during an NFL Pre-season game at Ford Field on August 23, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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With the Detroit Lions opening their second season under Matt Patricia on the road, here are five new arrivals worth watching in Week One.

The Detroit Lions will officially kick off their second seasons under head coach Matt Patricia Sunday afternoon against the worst team in the NFL last year, the 3-13 Arizona Cardinals.

This offseason, the Lions’ brass opened up their wallets and went about the business of filling the roster with players that fit Patricia’s culture and scheme. Now, it’s time to see that investment pay off with wins.

Here are five of the Lions’ newest arrivals we’ll be watching closely in their Pride debut on the road against the Cardinals in Week One.

Trey Flowers, DE

Without former first-rounder Ezekiel Ansah in the fold anymore, whether the Lions can generate adequate pass rush is a major concern. A hallmark of Patricia’s defense is it uses a plethora of rushers to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Yet, the Lions paid a pretty penny for Flowers this offseason. Now it’s time to see exactly what Detroit got for their $90 million.

T.J. Hockenson, TE

Although it’s unrealistic to expect a rookie to live up to his billing in his very first game, it sure would be nice. Especially for those fans who are worried that Hockenson is simply another version of Eric Ebron … or worse. A great performance in Week One would go a long way suppressing those lingering concerns.

Danny Amendola, WR

We’ve heard about the chemistry between Amendola and quarterback Matthew Stafford this summer. Now it’s time to see if that translates to the regular season. The ex-Patriot is set to become Stafford’s new security blanket and the spiritual successor to Golden Tate. But at 33-years old and entering his 11th NFL season on a new team, that’s certainly not a given.

Jahlani Tavai, LB

With the ankle injury suffered by linebacker Jarrad Davis in the preseason, the Lions’ second-round selection out of Hawaii is expected to pick up the slack. It’s a tall task for a player many didn’t even know about until he was drafted by Detroit. But the 22-year old Tavai has played well this summer and figures to have an important role against the Cardinals.

dark. Next. The Lions best draft picks by round since 2009

Justin Coleman, CB

The Lions dished out a hefty four-year, $36 million contract to Coleman, a player who excels as a slot cornerback. But the 26-year old made little noise this summer recording four total tackles and a forced fumble in three preseason appearances. The Lions figure to be much improved in the secondary with Coleman’s presence. Now fans need to see why the Lions would be willing to pay out that kind of cash for a slot defender.

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