Coach Jim Schwartz’s theme in preseason games is to let the players win, not the scheme. After all it’s the preseason and he is going to have some tough decisions to make when it comes time to cut the roster.

What will he be looking for on Saturday night at Denver?

“It’s a lot of the same things, a lot of the same areas we were looking before. I think special teams are going to be very important, including the returners -- kickoff and punt return,’’ Schwartz said.

Even though Derrick Williams called a fair catch on the 3-yard line last week, he has been returning kicks and punts in practice during the week along with rookie Tim Toone.

Also, expect cornerback T.J. Rushing to get a chance at returns. He was signed this week because of the number of injuries at corner. He returned kicks for the Colts last year and has also returned punts in the NFL.

The Lions know that Nate Burleson can do the job, but they want to see who else can get the job done.

(Follow me on Twitter @paulapasche.)