Patriots v Giants - last chance to make the roster

Well this week has been full of interesting roster moves as the Patriots cut a few veterans like long snapper Nathan Hodel and youngsters QB Kevin O'Connell and living legend Tedy Bruschi retired. The Patriots also have rookies LB Tyrone McKenzie and WR Brandon Tate on IR and OL Mark LeVoir will start the season on PuP. Keeping this in mind and there are a few players definitely making the final roster (Tom Brady, Vince Wilfork, etc...) tonight's game versus the Giants will be the last tryouts for 17 players as the roster is trimmed on September 5th to 53. This will not be an impressive game as back-ups versus back-ups will not be handling too many difficult plays, but it will provide a good look at the depth on the Patriots roster. And yes The Law Firm does look good running versus other teams 2nds and 3rds! Anyway, I am looking forward to see how the defensive front seven lines up, 4-3 or 3-4, with the backups. This may give a hint at the 2010 roster if Vince Wilfork and Richard Seymour are not re-signed. Mike Wright, Myron Pryor, Ron Brace, Stephen Williams and Rob Ninkovich have all done well so far this preseason and some tough decisions will need to be made here. Or maybe there could be another trade in the works. With Bruschi no longer with the team who makes the roster in his place may be at inside or outside linebacker. Shawn Crable has been too injured to really assess him so maybe he is cut and makes the practice squad, while Paris Lennon has some versatility at linebacker and special teams, Erik Alexander is limited as a special teamer rather than as a back-up linebacker. One of these players now seem to have a better chance to make the team now that Bruschi has retired so tonight may make the difference on collecting a paycheck or clearing out their locker. Another battle seems to be along the offensive line as the Patriots have done well drafting this year with Sebastion Vollmer and Rich Ohrnberger looking to hold roster spots, while all the back ups from 2008 - Wesley Britt, Billy Yates, Ryan O'Callaghan, Dan Connelly and Ryan Wendell are hoping to stick with the team. Connelly and Wendell are eligible to make the practice squad. Rookie George Bussey has been injured most of the time through camp and is a practice squad candidate. Like the defensive line, this is another rich are for the Pats and maybe there are also trade opportunities here as well. Others looking to try remain with the team includes special teamers Ray Ventrone, Matt Slater and Eric Alexander. Sam Aiken seems to have replaced Larry Izzo as special team captain and ala Kelley Washington also comes in on a few sets at wide receiver. IN BILL WE TRUST!!