Most of the guys who'll be on the 53-man roster didn't step on the field Thursday night in the Patriots 17-12 victory over the Giants in the preseason finale in New York.
Still, it was an exciting, big-play filled final game of August action. And for the guys that did play, it could be a factor in their football futures.
The Boston Globe writes that rookie quarterback Danny Etling’s 86-yard touchdown run was the highlight of the night. The Globe notes that New England may have found its next undrafted gem of a player in cornerback J.C. Jackson, who had a pair of interceptions against the Giants. The Globe looks at third-year corner and return man Cyrus Jones fighting for a roster spot in New England.
Prior to Thursday's game the Globe notes that tight end Rob Gronkowski got a retooled contract that added incentives to his deal for this season. The Globe also has 17 thoughts from the finale in New York.
With preseason action in the books, the Boston Herald offers up a final roster projection for the Patriots on the eve of Saturday’s cut down to 53. The Herald notes that Gronkowski has an incentive-laden contract for the second straight season. The Herald writes about Jason McCourty’s final shot at a roster spot, which included more work at safety against the Giants. The Herald has rookie punter Corey Bojorquez just hoping for a shot after not getting a single chance to punt in preseason action.
The Providence Journal writes about Jackson shining in the finale. The ProJo notes that Jones is happy to be back after a long recovery from last season’s torn ACL. The ProJo says McCourty was happy with his performance against the Giants as the veteran awaits his roster fate.
ESPNBoston.com breaks down Gronkowski’s new deal.
WEEI.com wonders if the contracts that Tom Brady and Gronkowski got this summer were what the stars wanted or deserved. WEEI.com also has Jones not worrying about the 53-man roster deadline. WEEI.com passes along Nate Solder talking about an emotional reunion with his former teammates before last night's preseason game.
NBC Sports Boston notes that McCourty seems comfortable on the roster bubble heading toward final cuts. NBC Sports Boston wonders if the fact that Mike Gillislee and Riley McCarron sat out the preseason finale means they are on the final roster. NBC Sports Boston offers up the best and worst from the game against the Giants.
MassLive.com has 10 things we learned in the preseason finale.
