The Boston Globe's Mike Reiss offers a feature on rookie running back Patrick Cobbs. The 5-foot-8-inch, 210-pound Cobbs, who was the all-time leading rusher at the University of North Texas with 4,050 yards, is likely battling Heath Evans for a spot behind Corey Dillon, Laurence Maroney, and Kevin Faulk.
*The Boston Globe* also has a feature on backup quarterback Matt Cassel. Part of the Patriots approach has been to get Cassel experience. The 2005 seventh-round pick has completed 35 of 54 passes for 484 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions during the exhibition season. The Patriots decision to not bring in a veteran backup is a vote of confidence for Cassel.
Boston Herald writer John Tomase offers his best guesses about who's going to make the final 53-man roster. The cut date is Saturday and everyone on the edge is going to be trying to show his worth to the team tonight at Giants Stadium.
Wocester Telegram & Gazette writerRich Garven takes a look at the most competative roster battles and previews tonight's game.
The Herald's Tomase also has a story on why starters will likely be seen very little in tonight's game. Coach Bill Belichick traditionally rests his standouts in the final preseason game, and compounding matters is that the Pats are working off a short week. That means little, if any, of Tom Brady, Corey Dillon and Richard Seymour when the Patriots kick off against the New York Giants at the Meadowlands (Ch. 5, 7:30 p.m.).
Shalise Manza Young, of The Providence Journal offers a similar story, as does Hartford Courant writer Alan Greenberg, though his story speaks more to the idea that some players will make the cut, despite a lack of "Wow" moments in preseason games.
The Republican's Tom Canavan explains why few starters will play tonight for either of the teams.
For a different view on the lack of time alloted to starters, Mark Farinella of The Sun Chronicle offers a story on the strategy behind the final preseason game.
NFL.com also has a short piece on the Patriots after their last game against the Redskins.
Don't forget to check out The Globe's blog, written by Mike Reiss, for all the most current happenings at tonight's game.
