Aug 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; New England Patriots quarterbacks Ryan Mallett (15), Tim Tebow (5) and Tom Brady walk to the field prior to a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
A heavyweight bout is about to occur in Week 4 of the NFL preseason in a Super Bowl rematch between the New York Giants and New England Patriots. Of course it is just the preseason and means very little, but it is still fun to see two of the NFL’s greatest franchises go at it—especially with jobs on the line.
Here is a full breakdown.
Where: Gillette Stadium
When: August 29, 2013, 7:30 PM ET
Watch: NFL Network, WNBC 4 (NBC – New York), WBZ 4 (CBS – Boston)
Live Stream: NFL Preseason Live
Giants Player to Watch: Rueben Randle
Jul 28, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) stretches for ball during passing drill during training camp at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Now would be a good time for Rueben Randle to step up and make more of a name for himself. He’s behind Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks on the depth chart, but he should see plenty of playing time against the Patriots.
With how injuries have hit Nicks as of late, Randle needs to prove once and for all he is the go-to player.
Patriots Player to Watch: Tim Tebow
Aug 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tim Tebow (5) on the sidelines in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
As much as we hate to see it, Tim Tebow is the man to watch for the Patriots. He survived the cut down to 75 players and has one final shot to prove he is worth a roster spot.
Tebow is trying to convince the Patriots they should keep three quarterbacks (if that’s what you want to call him), but he’ll need a very impressive game to stick around once the cut to 53 is made.
Matchup to Watch: Giants Receivers vs. Patriots Secondary
Aug 24, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) reaches for a pass but does not make the catch during the first half as he is covered by New York Jets cornerback Darrin Walls (30) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Randle and Co. need to step up once more like the unit did last week. There is a lot of quality talent on the depth char at the position and it has a chance to go against a weaker Patriots secondary.
Jobs are on the line at wide receiver, and the few who can put together the best film against New England will keep a roster spot.
Prediction
Aug 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks with the defense in the third quarter of a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Hard to say how this one shakes out, and even harder to say which team has better depth. It’s in New England, so that’s the team we’ll go with here. Just remember the outcome means very little in a Week 4 contest.
Giants 20, Patriots 27