New England Patriots: 5 Things to Watch in Matchup Against Detroit Lions

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Trey Flowers Patriots /

#1 Defensive End Rotation

After a season-ending injury to top draft pick Derek Rivers, the Patriots opted to play it safe at defensive end against the Houston Texans. Starter Trey Flowers was a healthy scratch and Deatrich Wise and Geneo Grissom were held out as well. That left Kony Ealy and Harvey Langi to take a majority of the snaps off the edge.

Langi’s playing time isn’t a surprise as he’s an undrafted rookie who needs every opportunity to showcase his talents in an effort to land a spot on the final roster. Ealy’s snap count, on the other hand, can be viewed in a variety of ways. /

The defensive end acquired via trade with the Carolina Panthers has struggled since joining the Patriots, but has seen extensive playing time this preseason. One way to look at that is simply a lack of bodies the Patriots have at the position. Another is that he’s still fighting for a roster spot even after the injury to Rivers. The lack of depth the Patriots have on the edge should clinch Ealy’s spot on the final roster, but how long he plays after the other starters have finished will be worth monitoring.

Will a trade bring an edge defender to New England before the season begins or will the Patriots wait until rosters are reduced to pick someone off the waiver wire? There are very few holes on the roster, but depth at defensive end is certainly one of them.

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