That is a feeling that the newest rendition of the team is one that’s different from the one that left the field in complete despair and facing roster upheaval after a 3-14 last season, and one that can finally turn the poor fortunes of the organization around in the latest season to come.

Several former high draft picks are fighting for their jobs and, possibly, their New York Giants careers in the preseason finale.

The Patriots have just one more preseason tilt to play before the games start to matter. But for many players, Thursday night's exhibition clash against the New York Giants matters quite a bit.Thursday night is the final chance for a lot of players to prove to Mike Vrabel and the Patriots -- or other teams around the NFL -- they deserve a spot on a roster or practice squad.