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

#4 Cyrus Jones

Cyrus Jones was much better against the Texans than he was in the preseason opener. After allowing three catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns in coverage against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jones gave up a single three-yard reception in Houston.

One solid performance in the preseason won’t erase all the bad plays he’s made over the last year, but it was a step in the right direction. Malcolm Butler, Stephon Gilmore, Jonathan Jones and Eric Rowe are all locks to make the final roster at cornerback. The battle picks up after those four with Cyrus Jones, Justin Coleman and Kenny Moore fighting for position. The Patriots kept six corners on the roster for the majority of last season, so the odds of Jones making the team is better than 50 percent.

What could keep Jones off the roster are the mental mistakes that have plagued him since arriving in New England. Whether it’s blown coverages or miscommunication in the secondary, or mishandling punts in the return game, Jones has drawn the ire of coaches and fans alike. If he can avoid those mistakes and continue to develop as a cornerback, Jones will continue his career in New England for another season.