GIANT NOTES

If the Giants lose their next game, there just may be something to this prime-time jinx.

The Giants (1-0), usually at their worst on “Monday Night Football,” face the Cowboys (0-1) Monday night at Giants Stadium in a game that, based on talent, is a mismatch. The Giants, though, have lost their previous four games played on Monday night, a streak that includes losses in seven of their previous eight Monday night affairs and nine of their last 11.

The Giants also are a dismal 1-6 against the Cowboys on Monday night. The last time the Giants won on Monday night was Oct. 18, 1999, when they captured their lone Monday victory over the Cowboys, 13-10.

* Jim Fassel was effusive in his praise of his defense, which registered six sacks and forced six fumbles in Sunday’s 23-13 victory over the Rams. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen our defense that quick and that aggressive,” he said . . . With one sack in the opener, DE Michael Strahan has 96½ career sacks, moving him into a tie with Jim Katcavage for second place on the franchise list. Lawrence Taylor is first with 132½ sacks.

Despite modest numbers, Fassel described QB Kerry Collins (14-of-26, 202 yards) as “playing an outstanding football game” against the Rams. Fassel liked the way Collins took care of the ball amid constant pressure and how he checked into several successful running plays.

Rookie WR David Tyree won’t be deactivated any time soon if he continues to excel on special teams. “I think he justified a draft pick [sixth round] with the havoc he caused,” Fassel said . . . The Giants signed WR Ataveus Cash to their practice squad and dropped WR Derek Dorris.