5 Detroit Lions in Need of Big Preseason Week 2 Performance

The Detroit Lions' focus next week will be getting the starters on track for the regular season. This week? Those first-teamers are looking at maybe two drives.

Instead, all eyes will be on the players fighting for depth-chart priority and roster spots.

Some of those guys helped themselves out against the New York Jets. Some did not.

This slideshow features those in the latter group. While there will be two games left to turn it around, the longer they wait, the further down the roster they'll be buried—they hope.

LB Kyle Van Noy

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

Detroit's recent track record with second-rounders hasn't been stellar.

If we throw out 2015's pick (Ameer Abdullah looks all right), the Lions have hit on just one of their last five second-rounders. Darius Slay can't elevate this group by himself. He'll need Kyle Van Noy to help replace the memories of Titus Young and Mikel Leshoure.

But he's still thinking too much out there. He needs to string a few plays together and build his confidence.

Last week's tape showed one play where Van Noy smartly ignored a play-action fake to put the quarterback under immense pressure. That's the type of smart, aggressive play defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is hoping can add another dimension to the defense.

Unfortunately, those plays have been few and far between.

DT Gabe Wright

Duane Burleson/Associated Press

The defense is also looking for a more balanced performance upfront. Rookie defensive tackle Gabe Wright is hoping to have a lot to do with that—and he very well may—but his first NFL game action wasn't particularly special.

The New York Jets rudely welcomed Wright to the NFL. After the fourth-rounder rotated in for starter Tyrunn Walker, Breno Giacomini kicked him out of the club, escorting him seven yards down the field.

The next play wasn't much better. He charged off the line quickly but came in high and was easily uprooted.

Things did get better for Wright. There was a nice middle-of-the-line stop where he spun off the guard and brought down the back. 

Consistency will be an issue for all rookies. It's a testament to how well last Thursday went for the Lions that Wright landed on this list. Still, there's an opportunity for him to put together a better performance this week.

OT Corey Robinson

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

That same opportunity exists for offensive tackle Corey Robinson but in a much bigger way with much bigger consequences.

The seventh-rounder didn't look comfortable in his professional debut. Some of that is to be expected, yet the chief concern was his lack of speed and aggression.

It should be noted he did make it through all 59 snaps without giving up a pressure, however, per Pro Football Focus.

Unfortunately, his length didn't help him generate much in the rushing game. He did better using straightforward power schemes but struggled when asked to get to the second level or handle an outside zone.

His OK opener would be fine for a late-round pick if it weren't for Michael Williams. The latter played quite well against the Jets, putting the pressure on Robinson to perform now or make practice-squad plans.

RB George Winn

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

We've been over this probably once a week since May: Special teams play will determine the last running back spot—mostly.

And that last bit is why George Winn needs to improve heavily. He rushed for three yards on five carries against the New York Jets. Zach Zenner, his chief rival, obliterated that mark with 55 yards on 13 carries.

Winn finished with the third-lowest grade on the team because of that effort, behind only Al Bond and the last player featured here (no spoilers!).

He did, however, run with the first-team punt- and kick-coverage units. That gives Winn the edge since Zenner isn't a strong enough rusher to make this team on that merit alone. But Winn's early leg up won't last long if he can't at least fall forward on carries.

QB Kellen Moore

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Last week's game gave Kellen Moore the opportunity his supporters demanded. Moore rewarded that faith with a 38.1 quarterback rating and sparked a serious debate about whether he should make the final roster.

It was that bad.

Granted, it was one game, and the offensive line didn't do much to aid the cause. But the turnover on his final throw of the first half—floated short on a fading back-shoulder throw—can't happen. Ever.

Now it appears his struggles have carried over to practice. Pride of Detroit's Alex Reno made mention of one particular instance at training camp where Moore had trouble taking a snap and dropping back. It doesn't get any more elementary.

For whatever reason, Moore hasn't been able to do the simpler things, resulting in poor throws and fumbles. Moore needs to stop the bleeding quickly. Otherwise, it's hard to justify the Lions keeping him on the 53-man roster with what we've seen so far.

All advanced statistics, grades and positional rankings are courtesy of Pro Football Focus.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist who has written about the Lions on multiple sites. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter about how wrong he is @BrandonAlisoglu.