The scoreboard said Giants 19, Patriots 14 at the end of last night's final exhibition game.

That was nice -- beating the Patriots always is -- but the story was really about several of the individual performances that are likely to end up impacting the 53-man roster the Giants bring into next Thursday's regular-season opener with Washington.

With that in mind, let's review the game in our traditional 'Kudos & Wet Willies' style.

Kudos to ...

• David Carr. Is there any doubt Carr has taken the No. 2 quarterback job away from Anthony Wright? The former overall No. 1 draft choice was 20-of-29 for 192 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. In four pre-season games, Carr threw 58 passes without an interception. Say what you want about his tattered reputation, but he has earned this job.
• Brandon Jacobs. The big man carried just three times, but gained 32 yards. He looks quick, shifty and ready for a big season. He is running around and away from tacklers and I am looking forward to seeing him get 20-25 carries per game.
• Danny Ware. The rookie running back had 13 carries for 49 yards and three kickoff returns for 69 more yards. He has been the Giants' best running back this pre-season, and I don't see how he can be kept off this team.
• Mario Manningham. The third-round pick from Michigan had five catches for 41 yards. He didn't get big yardage, but he kept showing up when Carr needed someplace to throw the ball. Maybe, just maybe, this guy really is a player.
• Brandon London. Four catches for 40 yards should at least earn London a spot on the Giants' practice squad.
• Mathias Kiwanuka. Didn't play long, but got a sack in his first game since moving back to defensive end. That is encouraging.
• Chase Blackburn. The backup linebacker had five tackles. He just keeps on making plays.
• Michael Johnson. The second-year safety also had five tackles. By the way, did anyone else notice that veteran Sammy Knight was on the field at the end of game with the scrubs instead of at the beginning with the guys who will be playing in the regular season?
• Darcy Johnson. A 20-yard touchdown catch and run during which he ran through tacklers like a former great Giants' tight end (not No. 80 -- I'm talking about No. 89).
• Rodney Leisle. I wondered if any of the young defensive tackle candidates would step up against the Patriots. Leisle, a 6-foot-3, 315-pounder did with four tackles.

Wet Willies to ...

• Josh Huston. The young kicker made two short field goals, but by then he had already missed an extra point. My guess is the Giants will waste little time getting some veteran kickers in for tryouts. I was rooting for Huston, but I don't think he will ever kick in a regular-season game. At least not for the Giants.
• Andre Woodson. The Giants tried to get the rookie quarterback some work at the end of the game. He was so shaky, however, that Coach Tom Coughlin re-inserted Carr to finish the game. He might one day be a competent backup quarterback in the NFL, but he has a lot of work to do to get there.

Did I miss anybody? Let the regular season begin!