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

3. Safety Adrian Phillips is the X-factor in this Patriots vs. Lions matchup

With the New England Patriots going up against a potent Detroit Lions offense with an explosive running game and dominant tight end, the team is going to need a big game out of safety Adrian Phillips.

In fact, with less than stellar play out of the linebacker position, all the Patriots safeties will need to have a big game in this one.  Kyle Duggar, Devin McCourty, Jabril Peppers and Phillips should be all over the field in this one.

Whether it is helping in the box against the run game or covering the tight end talent of T.J. Hockenson, the Patriots safeties will be called on to do a lot, particularly Phillips who has stepped up in situations exactly like this.  The main purpose for the veteran safety will be containing Hockenson who is given vibes as a mini Gronk.

Coming off a game in which he caught 8 passes for 179 yards and 2 touchdowns, the Lions young tight end can have an explosive game.  The Patriots defense can’t allow that to happen, or it will turn into a track meet at Gillette Stadium.

Phillips, who typically covers tight ends and will be called upon to help defend Hockenson, knows his team is in for a dogfight.

"“You know it’s going to be another dog fight,” Phillips said.  “We just have to make sure we’re locked in on every detail.”"

Typically, Phillips does a great job at doing whatever Belichick and the coaches ask him to do.  In this game, he will need to emerge as the versatile safety he has been over the last couple of seasons.  This could gear up to be his best game of the season.