If you need a snapshot of what most preseason finales are all about, consider this scene from a fourth preseason game few years back: Before the kickoff, the Patriots captains walked to midfield for the coin toss, a group that included veteran linebacker Tedy Bruschi. When the two sides met and shook hands, Bruschi smiled and lifted the bottoms of his shoes to show the opponents — no cleats. He was wearing sneakers.

In most cases, that’s the fourth preseason game in a nutshell — a relaxing, low-intensity evening on the sidelines for established veterans, while guys on the bubble are trying to make one final impression in hopes of avoiding the final cuts.

With that in mind, here are 10 things to keep an eye on in Thursday’s preseason finale between the Patriots and Giants:

If what happened in last week’s loss to St. Louis has any effect on how the Patriots treat the preseason finale: After the 36-35 loss to the Rams, coach Bill Belichick intimated that New England (who was dominated by a roughly 3:1 margin when it came to time of possession) didn’t have the ball enough to allow the coaching staff to play everyone they wanted to play. Because of this, are they going to approach the preseason finale — which has been essentially been the place for the backups and bubble guys to get one last shot before the regular season begins — in a different fashion than in years past and allow some starters to get some time? And if so, who gets the call for more snaps?

Tom Brady: The last time Brady and the starters played in a preseason game was in 2003 on an evening when the Patriots were looking to get the starters a little extra work. Since then, the fourth preseason game has been given over to a parade of backups, including Rohan Davey Matt Cassel, Kevin O’Connell and Brian Hoyer. Brady sounds like he’s ready to go — he told WEEI on Monday, “I think we’re all playing. I don’t know long we’re playing. [Belichick] told everybody [Sunday], ‘Get ready to play’“ — but it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if he sat out this game. If he does, here are his final preseason numbers: 33-for-42, 425 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. In addition, he went from 17 snaps in the preseason opener against the Saints to 24 in Week 2 against the Falcons to 29 snaps last week against the Rams.

Brian Hoyer: If there’s no Brady, Hoyer will get the majority of snaps. As we stated before, it’s a familiar refrain for Brady’s backups: In last season’s preseason finale, Hoyer helped the Patriots overcome a 21-0 first quarter deficit by going 18-of-25 for 242 yards with a touchdown to rally the team to a 38-27 win over the Giants. Hoyer has had an excellent spring and summer, and unless something goes horribly wrong, figures to make a final argument to retain the No. 2 quarterback position Thursday night.

The guys on the bubble: There are a handful of players who will be using the game as a final showplace to make the final 53-man roster. It’s a group that likely includes linebacker Tyrone McKenzie, who might be the victim of a numbers game on the inside. Offensive lineman George Bussey, Mark LeVoir and Ted Larsen and linebacker Rob Ninkovich are also among the possible bubble candidates. Will a strong performance be enough to keep them around?

Who doesn’t play: Sometimes, just as important as watching who is out there. Usually, the players who suit up for a preseason game but maybe don't play are acknowledged as having landed a spot on the final roster. If young guys who were previously thought of as bubble candidates are enjoying themselves on the sidelines in baseball caps and sneakers, chances are they will avoid The Turk when final cutdowns come on Saturday.

Cornerback: The Patriots will head into the 2010 season without their No. 1 cornerback, as Leigh Bodden was recently placed on season-ending injured reserve. While it’s almost certain that Darius Butler will take over for Bodden and Devin McCourty will be asked to do more as a rookie, is there someone — Jonathan Wilhite, Terrence Wheatley or Kyle Arrington, perhaps — who could parlay a solid performance in the preseason finale into more playing time down the road?

Laurence Maroney: After dressing but not playing in the last two preseason games — and getting just eight carries in the preseason opener against the Rams — there are questions about his status. Is Maroney, who led the team in carries two of the last three seasons, still the closest thing the Patriots have to a feature back? Are the Patriots confident enough that they know enough about Maroney’s qualities that they do not need to see him in the preseason? Or, on the heels of his disappointing finish to the 2009 season, is it a sign that the former first-round pick is on the outs with the organization? Thursday night could provide some clarity on his situation.

Jermaine Cunningham: The rookie has slowly worked his way back from what appeared to be a leg/ankle injury he suffered in practice in the days leading up to the preseason opener against the Saints, but has not played in any of the three preseason games. While some wonder if he could bring a needed jolt to the pass rush, the Patriots would likely settle for seeing him in game action for the first time Thursday night against the Giants. It’s funny how much things are intertwined at this time of year — if Cunningham is unable to go, Rob Ninkovich would likely get the bulk of playing time in his place, which could help his chances toward ultimately gaining a roster spot.

Kick return: Now that it’s clear the Patriots will be relying heavily on McCourty as a corner, does that completely take him out of the mix at kick returner? Of course, Brandon Tate’s electrifying performance last week against the Rams could have rendered that question moot. But regardless of whether it’s McCourty or Tate at the position, it’s clear that a position of uncertainty last season has turned into a position of strength in 2010 with two quality returners now in the fold.

How the New Meadowlands plays: The Patriots will be back in Jersey sooner rather than later — they’ll meet the Jets on Sept. 19 at the same venue they’ll be playing Thursday night — and want to take every opportunity to get a feel for how the stadium operates. The surface, the lighting, the wind and the rest of the elements will all be noted and filed away in anticipation of the Week 2 game against the Jets.