New England Patriots: Five Players To Watch For Versus New York Giants

September 22, 2012; Iowa City, IA, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Ryan Radcliff (8) stumbles while running the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker James Morris (44) defends in the second half at Kinnick Stadium. Central Michigan won the game 32-31. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

4. James Morris

Similar to the Worthy situation, with James Anderson gone, Morris has an opportunity to potentially sneak onto this roster as a depth linebacker. The Pats starting trio is set, but the depth behind them is fluid at this point. Steve Beauharnais, Darius Fleming, Ja’Gared Davis, Taylor McCuller, and Morris have been battling for a few roster spots, and I think Morris has inside track on a few of these guys right now.

He isn’t flashy, but he is a solid football player. He has good instincts, and seems to always get to the football. I’m not saying he will be getting any significant minutes in the regular season, but I like the idea of him serving in a backup role. Perhaps alongside Fleming, who has been the most impressive this preseason in my eyes.

These guys are in a weird position, because they are fighting for their jobs, but those jobs will be waiting around, essentially there only for an emergency. I like Morris’ game, but I would never want him starting for this Patriots defense. The same can be said for Darius Fleming. So will be fun to watch them fight for a spot on the team, but let’s keep in mind they probably (hopefully) won’t be playing a big role for New England in 2014.