PRESEASON CONCLUDES

WITH TWO NATIONAL TV GAMES AND FINAL ROSTER CUTS

-- Patriots at Giants and Redskins at Cardinals will air live on NFL Network --

It's the final week of the preseason and young players around the league know this is their time to shine.

With final NFL roster cuts to 53 players this Saturday, this week's games are a last chance for many players to make their team's roster.  The starters are basically set throughout the league as are the key backup positions.  It's the "bubble" players who are out to impress.

"The young guys in the NFL, they know this is their game," says ESPN analyst and former NFL head coach HERM EDWARDS.  "It's real important for a young player and a rookie trying to make a team."

For many of these young players, they know this is their last opportunity to impress. 

"Whatever happens, I'll just take it in stride," says New York Giants rookie wide receiver VICTOR CRUZ, an undrafted free agent who leads the NFL this preseason with 251 receiving yards and four touchdowns.  "I want to continue to get better.  I want to prove I belong in the league and move forward."

Cruz had one of the breakout games of the 2010 preseason, hauling in six passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1. 

"I hope it helps a lot," says Cruz about the impact that game has on his chances of making the Giants.  "But I have no control over the final decision.  Those guys on top make it.  I'm just on the field making plays and running around."

Cruz and the Giants will be showcased on national TV this week when they host the New England Patriots (Thursday, NFLN, 7:00 PM ET) in a rematch of Super Bowl XLII, won by the Giants 17-14. 

The second game of NFL Network's Thursday night doubleheader will feature the Washington Redskins visiting the Arizona Cardinals (10:00 PM ET). 

Heading into the fourth and final preseason game with the final cutdown looming, Redskins head coach MIKE SHANAHAN knows the opportunity is still there for guys to make the club. 

"If you are still here, you have an opportunity to make this football team," says Shanahan.  "You are here for a reason so don't count yourself out.  Take advantage of every opportunity.  A lot goes into the final equation."

WINNING IS A HABIT:  Thirty-three of the 44 Super Bowl champions (75 percent) finished the preseason with a winning percentage of at least .500.

Since 2000, the 10 Super Bowl champions have combined for a 26-14 (.650) preseason record during their championship seasons.

LAST WEEK'S NFL RESULTS

THIS WEEK'S NFL SCHEDULE (SEPTEMBER 2)

(All times local)