New England Patriots: 6 Players Who Must Step Up in Preseason Week 3 vs. Lions

The last time the New England Patriots faced the Detroit Lions, I nearly passed out in a turkey-induced coma. Fortunately, I was able to stay awake as New England's pilgrimage to the Motor City proved a successful voyage, as they battled the odds back from a 14-3 second-quarter deficit to win 45-24.

Of course, this game likely won't carry the same high-adrenaline drama of that Thanksgiving showdown, but it's equally important for several players on the Patriots roster bubble. These guys need to have a strong game on Saturday night to stay safely on the right side of the bubble.

Erik Frenz is the co-host of the PatsPropaganda and Frenz podcast. Follow Erik on Twitter @erikfrenz.

Jonathan Wilhite

According to ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss, Wilhite didn't get on the field at all in the first half of Week 1 against the Jaguars, and was only on the field for nine out of 31 possible first-half snaps in Week 2 against the Buccaneers.

This is a problem, because Darius Butler was in for every single defensive snap in the first half against the Jags and 17 out of 31 in the first half vs. the Bucs. It's clear Wilhite's not getting the same opportunities that Butler is getting, so he needs to make the most of it when he's on the field.

One way he could really help himself is by making his presence felt on special teams, although Butler gets the majority of those reps as well.

Taylor Price

Five catches for 105 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 against the Jaguars was promptly followed by an injury which kept Price off the practice field for just over a week, and kept him out of last week's game against the Bucs.

The Patriots seemed devoted to letting him prove himself in that first game, as he played 31 of a possible 34 snaps in the first half against the Jags.

Whether they play it safe with him against the Lions remains to be seen, but Price has to prove he is capable of being productive on a consistent basis to prove his worth to the team. 

Gerard Warren

With Albert Haynesworth back, one of the biggest losers in the whole ordeal might be Gerard Warren. The veteran defensive tackle had just one tackle in 15 snaps against the Buccaneers, after not suiting up against the Jaguars.

He was effective in the 3-4 last year with 26 tackles and 3.5 sacks, and was utilized primarily in a four-man rotation at defensive tackle against the Bucs, but with so much talent at the position, he will need to have a big game to separate himself from the middle of the pack. 

Lee Smith

Brought in as the potential fill-in for the Alge Crumpler role of a blocking tight end with some abilities as a pass-catcher, Lee Smith has been outplayed at times by rookie free agent Will Yeatman. They nearly split time in the first game against the Jaguars, with 48 and 46 snaps respectively. 

Against the Buccaneers, it was a much different story. Yeatman had 20 snaps in the first half, and it took Smith until the fourth quarter to even get in the game.

With the pass-catching prowess of Aaron Hernandez and the well-rounded versatility of Rob Gronkowski, it seems logical that the third roster spot at tight end will go to whoever is deemed the best in-line blocker.

In that respect, Smith has to live up to his pre-draft hype and play up to his weight if he wants to make this roster. 

Eric Moore

The Patriots have had an influx of talent on the defensive front over the past few weeks, with the additions of guys like Mark Anderson, Andre Carter, Shaun Ellis and more.

That has left 2010 midseason pickup Eric Moore in a tough spot, stuck between the veteran talent brought in this offseason and the young talent in Jermaine Cunningham.

It's not that Moore has played poorly, but he hasn't stood out for his solid play like Anderson and Carter have. His roster status could really benefit from a big performance on Saturday night to help put him in the same conversation as those guys at the top.

Rich Ohrnberger

The competition for roster spots at the bottom of the depth chart on the offensive line is going to come down to the nitty gritty.

There are many capable offensive linemen on the roster, even at the bottom, and Ohrnberger is just one of a list that includes names like Ryan Wendell, Steve Maneri and others.

It should work in Ohrnberger's benefit that he's received a long look in preseason games, having taken every first-half snap during the Patriots game against the Jaguars.

Although, his opportunities dwindled in the first half the next week, when it was mainly the starters out there in the first half.

Just like everyone else, he'll have to make the most of his minimal opportunities to solidify his spot on the roster.