It's the opening of the preseason, so neither the Carolina Panthers nor the New York Giants will be revealing any top secrets when they meet Monday night.

Both teams might be even more cautious and secretive than usual at the Meadowlands because they also meet Dec. 27, the penultimate week of the regular season. Sure, that's eons away, but the less they show to each other now the better; a lot could be at stake in the NFC two days after Christmas.

While such key players as Giants quarterback Eli Manning and defensive end Osi Umenyiora, plus Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams and Carolina tackle Jordan Gross should get onto the field in the nationally televised game, they will make cameo appearances. The real stuff begins Sept. 13.

The Giants need to sort out their receiving corps, which is minus the regulars who helped them win the 2008 Super Bowl: Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer. They drafted Hakeem Nicks in the first round and he figures to get showcased this month.

"I feel like we have as much talent as we have ever had," said David Tyree, remembered for his remarkable helmet catch during the winning drive over the Patriots in that Super Bowl, the one Burress capped with the winning TD reception. "The issue is the inexperience at the position."

Even players who have been in the league for a while, such as Steve Smith, Sinorice Moss and Domenik Hixon, remain somewhat raw. Tight end Kevin Boss is in a similar situation.

"We all have something to prove, so as a group it helps a lot because every time you get the opportunity you are trying to take it to the next level," Moss said.