A few observations about the Giants just-concluded 27-20 loss to New England Thursday night.

• You have to get a little excited watching Ahmad Bradshaw. Last night he carried 6 times for 46 yards and returned 2 kickoffs for 51 yards. He has speed, cut-back ability, can catch passes and shows a willingness to run up the middle. Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride has to find ways to use him.

• Reuben Droughns (5 carries, 38 yards) and Derrick Ward (4 carries, 25 yards) each had good nights. The Giants have depth at running back.

• Speaking of Droughns, his much-discussed move to fullback didn't turn out to be a big deal. Rookie free agent Michael Matthews, a 270-pounder, was on the field as a fullback or H-back in most blocking situations. That's likely to be how the Giants start the season.

• I think 345-pound defensive tackle Manny Wright played himself onto the team with 4 tackles and a half-sack. He's not an every down player, but in short-yardage situations he is a mountain to move.

• I was a little surprised to see Tim Hasselback play before Anthony Wright. I wonder if Coach Tom Coughlin was just doing him a favor and giving him an extended showcase so he can hook on with another team. If the Giants keep a third QB, it might be somebody who isn't on the roster yet. What would you think of adding Chris Simms if Tampa Bay, as rumored, dumps him?

• The Giants have got to sign a free agent offensive tackle with experience before the season opens. Guy Whimper and Jonathan Dunn inspire zero confidence.

• Lawrence Tynes and Josh Huston both helped themselves in their battle for the placekicking job. Tynes (43 yards) and Huston (33) each made field goals.

• Maybe I shouldn't worry about it since it was pre-season, but the 13 penalties the Giants took are a source of concern. That has to change.

• First-round pick Aaron Ross was not impressive. It looks like he won't help much at the corner -- at least at the start of the season.

That's it for now. I'm going to bed. Maybe Friday I will put together a final roster projection since final cuts are due Saturday.