FOXBORO – If recent history is any indication, Thursday night's preseason finale between the New England Patriots and New York Giants won't include appearances by Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Richard Seymour, but instead will offer heavy doses of players like Matthew Slater, Terrence Nunn and Titus Adams.

In other words, bubble players.

On Saturday afternoon, the Patriots have to release 22 players to get down to the NFL-mandated regular-season roster limit of 53. There may be one or two surprises on that final list, but for the most part they will be young players who simply become a victim of the numbers game at their position, or on a team that in several areas has a great deal of depth.

So Thursday becomes their last chance to show Bill Belichick and his staff everything they've learned thus far and everything they have to offer.

Here, in their words, are some of the thoughts that go through the mind of a player whose time with one of the league's most successful teams may come to an abrupt end in a matter of days.

Matthew Slater, fifth-round draft pick in 2008, potential special teams ace who was on the roster last year as a rookie:

How he is approaching this week: "I think this week, like every week, I have to perform, knowing that…I treat every day as an interview. I remember I had a coach tell me that once. And it is every day like an interview. But with what happened in the (Redskins game, when Slater was flagged for fair-catch interference for the second-straight week), I feel like I was able to make some plays to redeem myself and I was glad that I didn't get down on myself, kept my focus and didn't go in the tank. I know that this week is going to be just as important as any other week for me, knowing that I could go out there and earn a spot on this team and show I can contribute."

How he avoided making another mistake against Washington: "You have to play within the scheme of what you're trying to do and remember your technique, remember what you've been coached all through training camp and last year. Coach (Scott) O'Brien (special teams), that's the first thing he said to me when I came over was ‘don't go in the tank.' I was pleased with the way I responded and I feel like the coaches were as well."

What he can do to prove to coaches he should get a roster spot: "Obviously continue to go out and perform on special teams because that's what I do. That's what I had to do last year to be on this team and that's what I am going to have to do again, so continue to do that. And any opportunities I get in the game defensively, to take advantage of those and show the coaches that I know my assignments and can keep up with what they ask."

Titus Adams, seventh-round draft pick of Jets in 2006, potential backup defensive lineman who spent last season on Pats' practice squad:

How he is approaching this week: "I just take it day by day. I know I'm on the bubble but I'm still blessed to be in this situation to be able to play football [New England's is the fifth roster Adams has been a member of but he's never played in a regular-season game], so I just go out one day at a time and play as hard as I can and hopefully get recognized and show the coaches that I can play and let them see that I want to be here and help out in any way I can."

If there's one thing he can do to earn a spot: "I don't know – you can only control what you can control, and that's knowing the playbook and doing your job and doing your assignments; making the plays that are there for you to make and hopefully make a couple more and just play as hard as you can and let the chips fall where they may."

The locker room atmosphere this week: "This time of year, it's always a little weird and mixed feelings because it's a part of the game: some people are going to be cut, the season is about to start. So it is pretty weird but you just have to take it day by day and be happy with the situation you're in and go as hard as you can out there on the field."

Have butterflies?: "A little bit. It's good, I like to have a little, just to let me know that I'm human and I still enjoy it. I still enjoy it. That's the main thing, is going out there and having fun."

Terrence Nunn, unsigned rookie who spent 2008 out of football, potential wide receiver:

His approach to Thursday's game: "I just have to go out there and keep working hard and just don't have any mental errors and know my plays."

If there are roster spots to be had: "I do believe so. Of course. There's always room for new guys to come in and get an opportunity."

Has he put forth his best effort: "I have. I feel like I've done – except for my mistakes, and everybody makes mistakes – but I feel like I'm working hard, just doing whatever I can to stay."

On his nerves: "A LOT of nerves. You think about it, but you can't really let it bother you though, so you keep playing."

The reality of possibly being cut: "Yeah, it registers. I've been thinking about that day for a while…you knew the date was coming so you just had to be prepared for it."

smanza@projo.com