3 Biggest X-Factors For Patriots to Bounce Back vs Lions in Germany

The New England Patriots are entering a tough game this week, as the team heads to Germany to take on the Detroit Lions.

The Patriots will be coming into the game with a record of 5-4 on the year, following a tough loss last week against the Green Bay Packers. New England was completely dominated in the game, with the Packers doing whatever they wanted against them.

As the team prepares for the Lions, this is as close to a must-win as possible at this point in the year. The Patriots are quickly falling behind in the AFC East division, but the wild-card standings are still in reach as the second half of the year starts.

Detroit will be entering into the game with a record of 6-2, after they took down the Miami Dolphins last week. The Lions pose a real challenge for the Patriots, mainly due to their strong offensive attack.

Here are the three biggest X-Factors for the Patriots to pull out the international win against the Lions:

1. Drake Maye Limits Turnovers

Last week against the Packers, quarterback Drake Maye threw three interceptions, limiting the offense again. Maye has struggled heavily this season at times, and it has cost the Patriots on the field.

Against the Lions, Maye has to take care of the ball, giving his team a better chance to win the game. Detroit's defense has been shaky this season, and Maye has to take advantage of that fact.

2. Take Advantage of Aggressiveness From Lions

The Lions under head coach Dan Campbell have been known to be very aggressive in different situations. Sometimes it helps them, and other times, it has come back to hurt them in very bad ways.

For the Patriots, if Campbell takes any major risks, which is very likely to happen over the course of a game, they have to take advantage of the situations. New England can use Campbell's decisions against him, which may give them an edge in winning.

3. Pressure Jared Goff

It's the old cliche that pressuring the quarterback can change the outcome of a game, but with Goff, it's the truth. Over his NFL career, the Lions signal-caller is a very different player when he gets pressured.

The New England defense needs to force him into tough situations, making him turn the ball over. This could be one way for them to make an impact, which could lead to the team getting the victory.