1. The next one counts.
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For the 11th consecutive year, the New York Giants and New England Patriots will end the preseason against one another when they meet on Thursday night at Gillette Stadium.
After that? Big Blue has just 10 days until lining up against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 at AT&T Stadium.
2. Starters will play.
While on a pitch count, coach Tom Coughlin said his starters will play "very little" in the preseason finale.
In three preseason games, Eli Manning is 20 of 38 for 159 yards with no touchdowns and one interception that was returned for a touchdown last week against the Jets.
3. First round of roster moves.
In advance of Tuesday's NFL deadline for teams to reduce their rosters to 75 players, the Giants made 14 roster moves. Offensive tackle Will Beatty (torn pectoral muscle) was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. Defensive backs Josh Gordy (hip) and Bennett Jackson (knee) were placed on injured reserve. Offensive lineman Brandon Mosley and running back Akeem Hunt were waived/injured. The following were waived: OL Michael Bamiro, WR Juron Criner, DB Justin Halley, OL Eric Herman, WR Derrick Johnson, P Robert Malone, DE Jordan Stanton, DT Jimmy Staten and TE Will Tye.
*4. Roster goes to 53 on Saturday. *
Photos of the Giants 2015 official roster
![CB Prince Amukamara](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/wzpjbl92mptddsyjrs0z.jpg)
CB Prince Amukamara
![DE Robert Ayers Jr.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/auk9qebhwisbllm1mps7.jpg)
DE Robert Ayers Jr.
![DE BRAD BARS](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/bnlloxkh74qx4og5fsyp.jpg)
DE BRAD BARS
![LT Will Beatty](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/mfeaigxp90k5uhyw64jo.jpg)
LT Will Beatty
![LB Jon Beason](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/quiooj8lw8m39rgamyt2.jpg)
LB Jon Beason
![WR Odell Beckham Jr.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/fsqmnimqloqgrjequiwj.jpg)
WR Odell Beckham Jr.
![Safety Nat Berhe](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/hxri3dnsf1htxbvtzfil.jpg)
Safety Nat Berhe
![DT Jay Bromley](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/j4lfsardj4t8dcmwlmcs.jpg)
DT Jay Bromley
![CB Chykie Brown](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/q9tneofgmd5o6ukvuwyl.jpg)
CB Chykie Brown
![K Josh Brown](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/uvqcjq9ev3jopnzjrskf.jpg)
K Josh Brown
![SAFETY STEVIE BROWN](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/gug1dweupjmwayzdoymr.jpg)
SAFETY STEVIE BROWN
![KICKER CHRIS BOSWELL](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/aiillbexmqfqsy0fguun.jpg)
KICKER CHRIS BOSWELL
![LB Jonathan Casillas](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/nflxp7pv5bdp0okopjhr.jpg)
LB Jonathan Casillas
![OL Emmett Cleary](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/pxigkvbjkpukn0io6byy.jpg)
OL Emmett Cleary
![Safety Landon Collins](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/duact19nwjnkor56rubx.jpg)
Safety Landon Collins
![DB C.J. CONWAY](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/m5kny78ocvzptngfxlwk.jpg)
DB C.J. CONWAY
![WR Victor Cruz](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/lq7wt8ia1saurcbtfgxk.jpg)
WR Victor Cruz
![TE Jerome Cunnigham](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/xq7r3ssljswjyotfbgeq.jpg)
TE Jerome Cunnigham
![RB Orleans Darkwa](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/mdhytbrn7sjir0nu7gno.jpg)
RB Orleans Darkwa
![WR Geremy Davis](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/sbuj8hnhikwzeplousdk.jpg)
WR Geremy Davis
![LS Zak DeOssie](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/wss8wblbqii1og6kzxph.jpg)
LS Zak DeOssie
![TE Larry Donnell](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/n2t5chjwelevouhbyynh.jpg)
TE Larry Donnell
![OL Sean Donnelly](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/hebdsc3vzlxfkvoclujy.jpg)
OL Sean Donnelly
![DT Kenrick Ellis](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/zbznlqpjhfib1kesakzz.jpg)
DT Kenrick Ellis
![LB Cole Farrand](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/oakcimlc0sgsv7wlc37x.jpg)
LB Cole Farrand
![TE Daniel Fells](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/o9j9wubu8yit4tciqady.jpg)
TE Daniel Fells
![CB Chandler Fenner](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/ujl5glk4xuvre8ufelzk.jpg)
CB Chandler Fenner
![OL Ereck Flowers](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/mrccgfy4og511xhekupg.jpg)
OL Ereck Flowers
![OL Adam Gettis](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/odw4jdrzskpr0pih8roe.jpg)
OL Adam Gettis
![DT Dominique Hamilton](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/ezsm10fimhvh3lvt0q9s.jpg)
DT Dominique Hamilton
![DT Johnathan Hankins](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/qiecdzcfpax6hgzblc2a.jpg)
DT Johnathan Hankins
![RB Kenneth Harper](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/nlcgzhc3jc80fuicloot.jpg)
RB Kenneth Harper
![WR/KR Dwayne Harris](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/rlywe63hetspgmex4wse.jpg)
WR/KR Dwayne Harris
![CB Mike Harris](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/iiac8rhbhzb7badasvso.jpg)
CB Mike Harris
![OL Bobby Hart](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/sabxr5s6hjuxnff8hajm.jpg)
OL Bobby Hart
![LB Mark Herzlich](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/soe94hd0sz9deljyrljy.jpg)
LB Mark Herzlich
![CB Jayron Hosley](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/epenbidlikrpozj7apqz.jpg)
CB Jayron Hosley
![FB Henry Hynoski](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/kzeyou6c6v9f2uca0unr.jpg)
FB Henry Hynoski
![DE/DT Cullen Jenkins](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/gcdpofxrrezi8hhhfzvt.jpg)
DE/DT Cullen Jenkins
![RB Rashad Jennings](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/lbkpkph8017rzha9xe4m.jpg)
RB Rashad Jennings
![John Jerry, Offensive Lineman RE-SIGNED WITH GIANTS](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/jnvunauzkzmohtvnoeye.jpg)
John Jerry, Offensive Lineman RE-SIGNED WITH GIANTS
![OL Brett Jones](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/ho3xggf0aj70wt0nkkjh.jpg)
OL Brett Jones
![WR JAMES JONES](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/d400ss9jpn9sqdbdvsv3.jpg)
WR JAMES JONES
![LB Devon Kennard](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/erwvlcnwcoy3oh1wcabs.jpg)
LB Devon Kennard
![DT Markus Kuhn](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/i49ln0l3sfe2ge6qc2hg.jpg)
DT Markus Kuhn
![QB Eli Manning](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/oesxyg8c0mbbygnty7ho.jpg)
QB Eli Manning
![CB Trumaine McBride](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/hwqewo87ptcoyyojwznj.jpg)
CB Trumaine McBride
![LB Jameel McClain](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/ms2s9tjgjzfj6p3mqshp.jpg)
LB Jameel McClain
![SAFETY BRANDON MERIWEATHER](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/gxho62nrklmjk9karc6v.jpg)
SAFETY BRANDON MERIWEATHER
![SAFETY JEROMY MILES](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/ihakvqxwtzxavieipu0c.jpg)
SAFETY JEROMY MILES
![DE Damontre Moore](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/pqtuh8ryku8ngf0kpdbj.jpg)
DE Damontre Moore
![QB Ryan Nassib](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/c1p7v1flbf4xhouz6m9c.jpg)
QB Ryan Nassib
![OT Marshall Newhouse](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/tncamenx37mya3ghtrxh.jpg)
OT Marshall Newhouse
![DE Owa Odighizuwa](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/w44mcgyzxooihipjsjv1.jpg)
DE Owa Odighizuwa
![LB ASHLEE PALMER](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/ddaml7mt9al0scbqzyhp.jpg)
LB ASHLEE PALMER
![WR PRESTON PARKER](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/jot0dfmju8yq3xnjtnge.jpg)
WR PRESTON PARKER
![DE Jason Pierre-Paul (Reserve/Franchise Player)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/pph5jq4a41abx66nerud.jpg)
DE Jason Pierre-Paul (Reserve/Franchise Player)
![RT Justin Pugh](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/e6kenlsaabkrkf1k15fp.jpg)
RT Justin Pugh
![WR Rueben Randle](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/y6xkc5bjep3keiy8umhb.jpg)
WR Rueben Randle
![OL Dallas Reynolds](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/gveooi2suu8pow56vnrt.jpg)
OL Dallas Reynolds
![OL Weston Richburg](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/xypzxjfywjkr65deq55a.jpg)
OL Weston Richburg
![TE Adrien Robinson](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/rgzoylkcdwgqepo4nbui.jpg)
TE Adrien Robinson
![CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/ckzwzcvhhuzmfbn5cteh.jpg)
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
![OL Geoff Schwartz](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/kqkulak56sasiwjyghxy.jpg)
OL Geoff Schwartz
![DE George Selvie](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/s3d72vxsiqp7pf4xcgej.jpg)
DE George Selvie
![QB Ricky Stanzi](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/ajvwngpbxrioutyh8zd6.jpg)
QB Ricky Stanzi
![WR Julian Talley](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/erklbieiknwqf5fgujdf.jpg)
WR Julian Talley
![Safety Cooper Taylor](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/gqqcp19haeciobegcre6.jpg)
Safety Cooper Taylor
![LB J.T. Thomas III](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/zggxkb4jku80ghkk9zrv.jpg)
LB J.T. Thomas III
![LB Devin Unga](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/aiboqrnk879cpamly2kl.jpg)
LB Devin Unga
![RB Shane Vereen](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/qi4gziqdjpmfpugibdmz.jpg)
RB Shane Vereen
![DB Trevin Wade](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/idwsxk0lhq4yv2sw0wgj.jpg)
DB Trevin Wade
![WR Corey Washington](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/g7mqlcm7gllmhiqkw46h.jpg)
WR Corey Washington
![Punter Brad Wing](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/lw7lmcot1jb2rp5ihcyp.jpg)
Punter Brad Wing
![FB Nikita Whitlock](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/zzuidfxbtemudevb0q6c.jpg)
FB Nikita Whitlock
![RB Andre Williams](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/louz33vbwnjfgyrjyap1.jpg)
RB Andre Williams
![DE Kerry Wynn](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/hsvbdqwaeucwgpkavw6s.jpg)
DE Kerry Wynn
Thursday night is the last opportunity for players to make an impression in live action before clubs must reduce their rosters to a maximum of 53 players by 4 p.m. on Saturday. Teams can establish a practice squad of 10 players the following day.
5. Who's playing? Who's not?
Coughlin confirmed this week that Victor Cruz will not play in New England as the wide receiver continues to deal with a calf issue. Preseason or otherwise, Cruz has not played in a game since last October when he suffered a season-ending knee injury. Meanwhile, linebacker Jon Beason (knee), defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins (hamstring), safety Jeromy Miles (groin), and cornerbacks Chykie Brown (knee) and Chandler Fenner (hamstring) did not practice leading up to Thursday. Rookie offensive lineman Bobby Hart, however, did return to the practice field after suffering a knee injury against the Jets.
6. Stevie is back.
Keep an eye on these five players as the Giants face the Patriots on Thursday
![SAFETY STEVIE BROWN
The New York Giants brought back Stevie Brown this week to bolster their safety position that has suffered a string of injuries over the summer. Brown, who set a Giants record with 307 interception return yards in 2012, had been with the Houston Texans since May but was released last weekend. Now that he's back, Brown jumped right into practice this week at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center and even grabbed an interception on Tuesday leading up to the preseason finale in New England.
"I'm looking for him to play," coach Tom Coughlin said. "I'd like to see the Stevie Brown we had the year he had [eight] interceptions or whatever that was. That's what I'd like to see and that's what we're trying to get a feel for—where he is with his game and just see him play. Just put him in that position and see what happens."](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/fzfv0abg0xlxz5rbskot.jpg)
SAFETY STEVIE BROWN The New York Giants brought back Stevie Brown this week to bolster their safety position that has suffered a string of injuries over the summer. Brown, who set a Giants record with 307 interception return yards in 2012, had been with the Houston Texans since May but was released last weekend. Now that he's back, Brown jumped right into practice this week at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center and even grabbed an interception on Tuesday leading up to the preseason finale in New England. "I'm looking for him to play," coach Tom Coughlin said. "I'd like to see the Stevie Brown we had the year he had [eight] interceptions or whatever that was. That's what I'd like to see and that's what we're trying to get a feel for—where he is with his game and just see him play. Just put him in that position and see what happens."
![SAFETY COOPER TAYLOR
Cooper Taylor notched the Giants' only sack in Saturday's MetLife Bowl against the Jets, making that two for the preseason by the third-year safety. Taylor and his frequent running mate at safety, rookie Landon Collins, drew praise from Coughlin this week.
"I feel better with [Landon] Collins getting some kind of routine going," Coughlin said. "He practiced, he played, and I feel good about that. And, to be honest with you, Cooper Taylor played well the other night. So I'm excited about seeing him this weekend, too. Some of these people that are starters are still going to play a little more. They're going to play more. Some will continue to play in the game for X amount of plays, others will come out. That's going to give us a chance to see a little bit what they can do."](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/g8mrdq1mnk7euijk50tk.jpg)
SAFETY COOPER TAYLOR Cooper Taylor notched the Giants' only sack in Saturday's MetLife Bowl against the Jets, making that two for the preseason by the third-year safety. Taylor and his frequent running mate at safety, rookie Landon Collins, drew praise from Coughlin this week. "I feel better with [Landon] Collins getting some kind of routine going," Coughlin said. "He practiced, he played, and I feel good about that. And, to be honest with you, Cooper Taylor played well the other night. So I'm excited about seeing him this weekend, too. Some of these people that are starters are still going to play a little more. They're going to play more. Some will continue to play in the game for X amount of plays, others will come out. That's going to give us a chance to see a little bit what they can do."
![LB UANI' UNGA
Originally signed to the Giants' practice squad at the end of last season, linebacker Uani' Unga is doing all he can to make the 53-man roster, which will be set Saturday by 4 p.m. ET. Last week, Unga led the Giants with eight tackles (five solo), adding up to 17 total tackles (12 solo) so far in three preseason games.
"I've kind of put my family in a rough spot," said Unga, who was originally undrafted out of BYU. "I have three kids. I haven't had a job for who knows how long. So we've been going through the struggle. We've had help from my wife's family and my own. That's how we've kind of got through this. I'm just hoping this all works out. Telling my wife since I got hurt that we're just going to be in this no matter how long it takes, I'm trying to get my shot. I finally got in, and hoping it works out for the best."](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/bhiwgkqwr8rmuauovso7.jpg)
LB UANI' UNGA Originally signed to the Giants' practice squad at the end of last season, linebacker Uani' Unga is doing all he can to make the 53-man roster, which will be set Saturday by 4 p.m. ET. Last week, Unga led the Giants with eight tackles (five solo), adding up to 17 total tackles (12 solo) so far in three preseason games. "I've kind of put my family in a rough spot," said Unga, who was originally undrafted out of BYU. "I have three kids. I haven't had a job for who knows how long. So we've been going through the struggle. We've had help from my wife's family and my own. That's how we've kind of got through this. I'm just hoping this all works out. Telling my wife since I got hurt that we're just going to be in this no matter how long it takes, I'm trying to get my shot. I finally got in, and hoping it works out for the best."
![TE JEROME CUNNINGHAM
Spending last season mostly on the practice squad before being added to the active roster in December, tight end Jerome Cunningham is trying to finish strong before the roster cuts are made. He scored his first career touchdown last week on a 6-yard pass from Ryan Nassib in the fourth quarter against the Jets.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/q0ccbhc6kqwl7oypw8ph.jpg)
TE JEROME CUNNINGHAM Spending last season mostly on the practice squad before being added to the active roster in December, tight end Jerome Cunningham is trying to finish strong before the roster cuts are made. He scored his first career touchdown last week on a 6-yard pass from Ryan Nassib in the fourth quarter against the Jets.
![QB ELI MANNING
Probably not sweating out the 53-man roster announcement, quarterback Eli Manning still has some tuning to do with the offense. While it will be brief in the final preseason game against the Patriots -- the starters may last a series or two -- this is the last test of live action until the games start to count on Sept. 13 at AT&T Stadium against the Cowboys.
"Hopefully go out there, obviously work on getting a fast start, haven't [had] that in the preseason," Manning said. "So in this game, we won't have many options—maybe one series or two. So, hopefully, go out there and get something going. Get some first downs, move the ball, get a little rhythm, and then start getting our focus for Dallas."](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/rghbpwhudbyeq8awtara.jpg)
QB ELI MANNING Probably not sweating out the 53-man roster announcement, quarterback Eli Manning still has some tuning to do with the offense. While it will be brief in the final preseason game against the Patriots -- the starters may last a series or two -- this is the last test of live action until the games start to count on Sept. 13 at AT&T Stadium against the Cowboys. "Hopefully go out there, obviously work on getting a fast start, haven't [had] that in the preseason," Manning said. "So in this game, we won't have many options—maybe one series or two. So, hopefully, go out there and get something going. Get some first downs, move the ball, get a little rhythm, and then start getting our focus for Dallas."
Bolstering a safety group that already has three players who have suffered season-ending injuries and a fourth who underwent surgery, the Giants brought back Stevie Brown this week.
Brown, who played for Big Blue from 2012-2014 and set a franchise record in interception return yards in 2012, signed with the Houston Texans this past May but was released on Saturday.
7. Punt game still a concern.
Last week, the Jets scored on the Giants in all three phases of the game, including a 54-yard punt return. That came against a unit that has allowed four in the last two seasons while half of the NFL did not allow one.
8. Boswell in for Brown.
On Wednesday, the Giants, who had an available spot on the 75-man roster after trimming it to 74 the day before, signed kicker Chris Bowell.
One of the best long-distance kickers in the country while at Rice, Boswell will handle the kicking duties in the preseason finale at New England in place of veteran Josh Brown, who suffered a bruised leg two weeks ago when he made a tackle in the third quarter against Jacksonville.
9. The series.
Playmakers on Patriot's first-team offense, defense, and special teams, presented by Nike
![QB TOM BRADY](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/vodl4ewppeiki77bxldg.jpg)
QB TOM BRADY
![RB LEGARRETTE BLOUNT](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/hdq1fxj10ip7ae6nunph.jpg)
RB LEGARRETTE BLOUNT
![RB DION LEWIS](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/xhh7pifflbsmoggshd1t.jpg)
RB DION LEWIS
![WR JULIAN EDELMAN](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/uelftx2dohqyrgl3roje.jpg)
WR JULIAN EDELMAN
![WR DANNY AMENDOLA](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/bkjhxfyicg9uc8rlou8n.jpg)
WR DANNY AMENDOLA
![TE ROB GRONKOWSKI](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/phxltq5bvtufj7oskqlw.jpg)
TE ROB GRONKOWSKI
![WR BRANDON LAFELL](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/vavyvtk688dppdwxt5av.jpg)
WR BRANDON LAFELL
![RT SEBASTIAN VOLLMER](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/mzprfgj4gsty95ehdolr.jpg)
RT SEBASTIAN VOLLMER
![RG JOSH KLINE](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/ladd2yrlzreyenzmrmzw.jpg)
RG JOSH KLINE
![CENTER DAVID ANDREWS](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/nvaroiy3o3sacnusg77e.jpg)
CENTER DAVID ANDREWS
![LG SHAQ MASON](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/dxbp2wvbmtgd1a8woz0d.jpg)
LG SHAQ MASON
![LT MARCUS CANNON](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/aiyttg5nzbwltuok0ilm.jpg)
LT MARCUS CANNON
![DE ROB NINKOVICH](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/wvlpr4jfzqa1jyvnzbvk.jpg)
DE ROB NINKOVICH
![DT ALAN BRANCH](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/dpe3pwik0z8chdrhojmq.jpg)
DT ALAN BRANCH
![DT SEALVER SILIGA](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/rtac6ygsdyg16tie0xbb.jpg)
DT SEALVER SILIGA
![DE CHANDLER JONES](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/xrpkzk3vsxioxjjb0gnq.jpg)
DE CHANDLER JONES
![LB JAMIE COLLINS](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/ejaornfjiomk7wgbrvah.jpg)
LB JAMIE COLLINS
![LB JEROD MAYO](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/jd5zfwrje1f2akktjrsd.jpg)
LB JEROD MAYO
![LB DONT'A HIGHTOWER](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/el9dkq6hszlptm8amlua.jpg)
LB DONT'A HIGHTOWER
![CB MALCOLM BUTLER](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/e6hwmwrtvtexzqde3ha9.jpg)
CB MALCOLM BUTLER
![SAFETY PATRICK CHUNG](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/y5kbcvws9rfnr7vbjhqk.jpg)
SAFETY PATRICK CHUNG
![CB LOGAN RYAN](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/a7ot0j0wlvwxyaiyakyb.jpg)
CB LOGAN RYAN
![SAFETY DEVIN MCCOURTY](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/s6ahupfilmwbpxv3oyik.jpg)
SAFETY DEVIN MCCOURTY
![PUNTER RYAN ALLEN](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/oczi0m70fiomlmk9md4z.jpg)
PUNTER RYAN ALLEN
![KICKER STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/giants/q79ri40irhw8mea8e31a.jpg)
KICKER STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI
While playing each other in the preseason for the last quarter-century, it's always a special year when the Giants and Patriots meet in the regular season and sometimes beyond. Thursday night will be an appetizer for their meeting in Week 10 at MetLife Stadium. In the regular season, the Patriots lead the series, 5-4. But the Giants are 2-0 against the Patriots in the postseason with the victories coming in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI.
10. Deep connections.
The Giants and Patriots go back a lot further than the unforgettable 2007 season. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was on the Giants' staff for more than a decade, including time as defensive coordinator from 1985-1990 when he won two Super Bowls with the franchise.
Meanwhile, the connections keep going with assistant special teams coach Larry Izzo (three-time Super Bowl champion and a three-time Pro Bowler with the Patriots) and running back Shane Vereen and linebacker Jonathan Casillas, who both won Super Bowl XLIX with the Patriots this past February.