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Players to Watch: Patriots at Giants
Patriots.com's Mike Dussault shares his players to watch ahead of the Patriots Preseason Week 3 matchup against the New York Giants
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
Mac Jones, QB: After getting three-straight practices with all the starter's reps, Jones now has one final preseason chance to show what he's learned this summer and state his case for the starting job. After solid appearances in his first two outings, the rookie will be looking to put an exclamation point on his preseason.

Cam Newton, QB: Things were going well for Newton after a solid performance in preseason action against the Eagles where he looked poised to be the opening day starter. Did this week's COVID complication offset the momentum Newton was building? Is he dealing with an injury that required him seeking outside attention? Newton was solid in limited action during the final joint practice against the Giants, but there are a lot of questions around him right now, questions that could be mostly answered with a solid extended appearance.

J.J. Taylor, RB: As expected, Taylor was Mr. All Everything against the Eagles last week and now he should get plenty of touches once again vs. the Giants. His hard-charging style is sure to capture attention, but it will be in the smaller, critical areas like special teams, pass protection and special teams that determine his roster chances and role.

Gunner Olszewski, WR: Olszewski has shown a growing rapport with his quarterbacks, despite a notable drop on a deep pass from Mac Jones during Thursday's session. With N'Keal Harry out, Olszewski has made some noise filling in as a slot receiver. His quickness continues to stand out, and while his roster spot is likely secure because of his return abilities, could Gunner be in line to contribute as a receiver this season? He will get a fair share of targets on Sunday.

Yodny Cajuste, OT: One of the most pleasant surprises of the summer, Cajuste has pushed for a roster spot with his solid play and continued availability this summer. After missing his first two seasons, the former third-rounder could find himself as the top backup at a critical position. Against the Giants he'll have a chance to solidify his spot.

Akeem Spence, DL: Spence has flirted with the top defense all summer but with excellent defensive depth up front, he remains a roster question mark. Is he an early-down space eater? A third-down penetrator? He should be in line to play a number of snaps against the Giants and could use some splash plays to state his roster case.

Anfernee Jennings, LB: It's easy to get enamored with the Patriots linebacker group, especially at the top with four proven veterans. But how does second-year player Jennings fit in? He's big and strong and has some inside/outside versatility but appears a bit buried on the depth chart now and has battled a late start and an injury during the summer. He should be one of the defensive stalwarts in the finale.

Joejuan Williams, CB: Williams has had a good summer and, due to injuries to Stephon Gilmore and Jonathan Jones, has seen an expanded role on defense. He's been a fixture at cornerback for the last couple weeks and that could carry over into the regular season. Every bit of experience helps but balancing that out with keeping the top cornerbacks left healthy should be on the minds of the coaching staff. A short night for Williams is a good sign for him.

Shaun Wade, CB: The Patriots traded for the rookie cornerback on Thursday, will he be thrown right into the fire against the Giants? He had an interception for the Ravens already this summer and could turn some heads with a similar play immediately after arriving in New England. He won't have many chances to make an impression with cutdowns looming.

Quinn Nordin, K: Will the rookie kicker get another chance in a game to show what he can do after missing two kicks against the Eagles? Nordin's inconsistency continued into the week of practice against the Giants, albeit kicking at the small goal posts that have long haunted the dreams of New England kickers, while Nick Folk has remained consistent. This will be Nordin's final opportunity to make his case for at least a practice squad spot.