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| This week's cheerleader is Ashleigh VanGerven of tonight's opponent, New England. This shot is from the squad's 2007 swimsuit calendar. |
In terms of football, we have a relatively meaningless final exhibition game tonight against the Patriots (7:30 p.m., NBC) to talk about. Ashleigh is definitely more interesting to look at than tonight's game will be.
You know, of course, that you won't see the starters for very long tonight. That's especially true considering how many players the Giants have lost to injury.
The biggest thing you have to hope for tonight is that the Giants get through without suffering any more debilitating injuries. There have been way too many of those already.
There will be a few interesting things to watch tonight, however, as players on the bubble battle for the final spots on the 53-man roster.
Let's take a quick look at some of the interesting position battles still to be decided.
Placekicker
Will it be the rookie Josh Huston or the veteran Lawrence Tynes. Right now, this one is too close to call. Despite Tynes' experience, though, Huston has had the batter camp. Huston wins the job.
No. 3 Quarterback
Coach Tom Coughlin expressed unhappiness with both candidates -- Anthony Wright and Tim Hasselbeck -- after Saturday's game against the Jets. They get one more chance to show Coughlin something tonight. Don't be surprised if both are sent packing, and the team brings in a free agent.
No. 3 Wide Receiver
The choice is between the 2006 No. 2 pick Sinorice Moss and this year's No. 2 pick, Steve Smith. Moss is a big-play type, but he's beginning to remind me of Tim Carter in that I'm not sure he can stay on the field. Smith is a smooth, sure-handed player who could be a big asset to the Giants. Smith wins this job.
Cornerback With Sam Madison hurt, the Giants will be looking at Corey Webster, R.W. McQuarters, Aaron Ross and Kevin Dockery. Which two get the most playing time is anybody's guess.
Other players to watch
• Manny Wright. The 345-pound defensive tackle played pretty well in limited time last weekend. If he can repeat that performance he might play his way on to the team.
• Reuben Droughns. The Giants are anxious to see if Droughns can handle fullback. If he can't, and the Giants feel they need a full-time fullback they will go get one.
• J.R. Reed. The free agent safety made a spectacular interception last weekend. If he can follow that up with a good performance against the Patriots, he might earn himself a roster spot.