EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) – When the New York Giants and Washington Redskins decided to rebuild their once-proud NFC East teams, they went to the recycling bin.

The Redskins brought back Joe Gibbs, the man who led them to three Super Bowls before leaving to make a dent in NASCAR.

The Giants got a piece of their Super Bowl glory days under Bill Parcells by bringing back Tom Coughlin, a one-time “Tuna” assistant who built expansion Jacksonville into a contender.

Besides their success, Gibbs and Coughlin have another common thread. They are no-nonsense coaches who run things their own way.

For the Redskins and Gibbs, things seem to be on the upswing after a season-opening win over Tampa Bay.

The same can’t be said for Coughlin. Not only did the Giants play poorly in losing to Philadelphia, the new coach has other problems.

There is already discontent in the locker room. Three veterans filed complaints with the players association over fines for not being “early enough” for meetings.

It has put Coughlin in a position heading into Sunday’s game at Giants Stadium against the Redskins where he needs a win to quiet things.

Gibbs made sure the Redskins were aware of that.

“Coach Gibbs made a very good point,” Washington tackle Kenyatta Jones said. “It could be just a coverup just to make us think they’re going through something, but they might not be going through anything. So we can’t let that get into our game plan. It’s neither here nor there for us.”

While Coughlin said this game was no bigger than any other this season, Giants veterans said they need to win. The team ended last season with eight straight losses under Jim Fassel, and the streak is now nine with the loss in Philadelphia.

“I think this whole team has something to prove,” safety Shaun Williams said. “We haven’t won a game in who knows how long. We have to go out there and prove we have a team that we can win with.”

Kurt Warner and the offense moved the ball well against the Eagles, gaining 413 yards. But the defense gave up 454 yards in an effort marked by missed tackles, a couple of blown assignments and a few big plays allowed.

Washington’s win was led by Clinton Portis’ 148 yards rushing and a defense that limited Tampa Bay to 169 total yards.

“The game went exactly the way I could see Joe Gibbs designing the game,” Coughlin said. “The running game was strong; the pass protection was strong, giving up no sacks. The defense played superbly.”

The one advantage the Giants might have in this game is Coughlin’s knowledge of Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell. He played for Coughlin in Jacksonville.

“He’s been with me for eight of my 11 years, which is quite a bit, so yeah, he certainly knows what I’m capable of and perhaps some of my weaknesses,” said Brunell, who completed 13 of 24 passes for 125 yards last week.

The Giants have won five of the last seven games in the series. The teams split last season, with Washington winning here 20-7 on Dec. 7.

If there is anything negative for Gibbs about this game, it’s going back to Giants Stadium.

“I’d say it’s probably one of the toughest places in the world to coach or play,” Gibbs said. “I can remember a number of games there, and I’ve got to tell you, I don’t remember a lot of good endings to them.”

AP-ES-09-16-04 1654EDT