"You can go out there and win both games, and we go out there and play well and do what we need to do and win those games, we are 2-0, not only in the league, but in our division, which is most important," linebacker Antonio Pierce said. "If we can get off to a good start in our division, that is the number one key in our coaches' eyes and our team's eyes."

There will be no easing into anything. The Redskins finished 8-8 last year in Jim Zorn's head coaching debut and the Giants swept the season series, winning 16-7 on opening day at Giants Stadium and then, in the first game played after the Plaxico Burress shooting fiasco, coasting to a 23-7 victory at FedEx Field.

Although teams unquestionably change from year to year, there's a familiarity the Giants can lean on when going against the Skins.

"That is the best way you want to open a season, you want to get right into the mix," Pierce said. "With us playing the Redskins opening up, we are very familiar with them. We played them late last season - we played well against them. They have some new guys there, [Albert] Haynesworth and some guys that were rookies last year. I think it is going to be a very fun game for everybody to watch and enjoy."

One key for the Giants is getting their nicked-up players on the field. One defensive starter, linebacker Michael Boley, won't play as he serves his one-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Another starter, cornerback Aaron Ross, might not be available because of a strained hamstring; he will try to get on the practice field this week. An important reserve, defensive tackle Chris Canty, is making a slow recovery from a torn hamstring and probably won't be ready.

The starting offense looks to be completely healthy.

"You always want to get off to a fast start and set the start of the season in a good mood and good atmosphere," quarterback Eli Manning said. "Get that winning feeling going. We start off the season with some tough games. Washington is always a tough team.

"So we know that we got to come from the get-go, and play well early on and keep that going."

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QB Andre Woodson, cut Saturday by the Giants , was signed to the Redskins' practice squad. Woodson might be able to help the Skins prepare for season opener against the Giants . . . . QB Rhett Bomar, CB DeAndre Wright, S Sha'reff Rashad, S Vince Anderson and DT Anthony Bryant were signed to the practice squad. DE Maurice Evans, who would have been on the squad, was signed by the Buccaneers. . . . Former Patriots TE Alex Smith was brought in for a visit.