Patriots vs. Giants: Key Players to Watch in Final 2012 Preseason Game

The New England Patriots and New York Giants are playing in their final preseason exhibition match on Wednesday night, a game that has little on the line compared to the last time these teams met.

It should still be an exciting game, as both teams must evaluate exactly what they can expect from their deep roster of players before the NFL-mandated cut down to 53 players.

These men will be fighting tooth and nail to stay on the team and hopefully contribute to another Super Bowl run during the 2012-13 season.

Michael Coe – Giants CB

With all of the injuries to the Giants secondary, Coe will need to step in and play some top-notch football. There’s a chance he is the starter Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, playing opposite of Corey Webster.

The G-Men did just fine last season with a makeshift secondary, eventually winning the Super Bowl and earning preseason backup but regular-season starter Aaron Ross a major payday from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Coe has a chance to fill the shoes of Ross and could be in line to make a major difference.

Dan Koppen – Patriots C

Koppen was the starting center for eight seasons in New England, but lost the job last year after getting injured in the first week.

According to Field Yates of ESPN Boston, the veteran has got to earn the starting job if he wants to remain on the roster

NE isn’t afraid to cut ties with anyone, including a center that helped the team win two Super Bowls.

If Koppen wants to remain with his franchise, he’s got to play his heart out against the Giants.

Ramses Barden – Giants WR

Barden has the size and skills to be an elite NFL wide receiver, but he’s yet to prove he can put it all together on Sunday.

He’ll be one of the top options on the field in this upcoming contest, so expect a lot of balls to be tossed his way.

If he can’t make the most of it, Barden could be buried on the bench or even cut from the team.