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One thing you can count on with the Detroit Lions is that they are never, ever boring. Follow the latest news including injuries, roster moves and more here daily from Oakland Press beat writer Paula Pasche. Plus you'll find regular commentary about the team.

8/15/2014

Detroit Lions — Five things to watch in game at Oakland Raiders


The Lions practiced at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday in part to get them ready for the 10 p.m. kickoff tonight at the Oakland Raiders. Question is: Are you ready?

Here are five things to watch for in the second preseason game:

1. Nick Fairley practiced with the twos all week after he started and played in a dozen snaps in the preseason opener on Saturday. Fairley has gained back the weight he lost, he looks to be in a funk. A good game could give him a boost. He’s still listed as the starter on the depth chart, but wouldn’t be surprised to see C.J. Mosley start.

2. Cornerbacks likely to start are Rashean Mathis and Darius Slay. Bill Bentley could fill the nickel role again this year. Then there are question marks with Chris Greenwood and Jonte Green. Rookie Nevin Lawson could be in the mix, but it’s tough. Tonight play a big role in the decision.

3. Quarterback Dan Orlovsky needs a better game than he had in the win over the Cleveland Browns. He should get plenty of snaps. Don’t expect Matthew Stafford to play much more than the one series he did last week. Kellen Moore had a good game on Saturday, threw the only touchdown. Moore typically plays well in preseason games.

4. Rookie Kyle Van Noy got plenty of playing time in the first preseason game and played well. He needs to keep that up. He’s still second on the depth chart to Ashlee Palmer.

5. Kickers Giorgio Tavecchio and Nate Freese need to perform well. The competition is still too close to call. For kickers game-time pressure plays a big role, even in the preseason.

(The game will be televised on WXYZ-TV in Detroit.)

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)

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