5 New England Patriots players who must roar in Week 5 vs Detroit Lions

Two 1-3 teams square off on Sunday as the New England Patriots host the Detroit Lions Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

With the biggest story leading up to the game being whether Mac Jones will play, the Patriots are facing a must-win situation no matter if it is Jones or Bailey Zappe under center.

A lot of the attention will be on the Patriots’ offense, but it is the defense that must step up against a Lions’ offense that has been the best in the league when it comes to points.  Patriots head coach Bill Belichick knows the challenge ahead of his team in this Week 5 battle.

"“Those guys are explosive,” Belichick said on Wednesday.  “There’s a lot of big plays.  They can run it and throw it.  They have good backs.  Obviously, a great tight end, [T.J.] Hockenson.  They have good core receivers.  It’s an explosive group of players.”"

The New England Patriots have to be ready for a battle vs Detroit Lions

The key is obviously limiting the big plays as the New England Patriots will want to avoid getting into a shootout with the Lions, especially with the possibility of a rookie quarterback starting the game.

Playing in their classic throwback uniforms, the Patriots are hoping Sunday is the start of the team coming together in all three phrases of the game.

Defensively, they need to focus on stopping the run and putting the ball in the hands of Jared Goff who Belichick has had success against.  Offensive, the focus is on running the ball and taking pressure off whoever, the quarterback is.

With a clear gameplan, here are 5 New England Patriots players who must roar on Sunday and tame the Detroit Lions.