Rookie safety Sean Taylor made his first NFL start in front of a national television audience on Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys.

Also, Cory Raymer started at center on offense. Lennie Friedman had started the Redskins' first two games at that position.

Regarding Taylor, assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams had stressed that starting assignments are of little importance because he has multiple packages designed to match the lineup of the offense.

But with LaVar Arrington, Phillip Daniels and Mike Barrow all inactive due to injury, Williams wanted another playmaker to provide a spark in Monday night's pivotal NFC East matchup.

Taylor made his presence felt in the first half when he broke up a Vinny Testaverde pass to Terry Glenn. In the third quarter, he nearly intercepted a pass to Keyshawn Johnson. He appeared to injure his hamstring on the play and was quickly replaced by Andre Lott. Taylor returned later in the game.

The Redskins' 2004 draft pick, the fifth overall selection, split time during the game with Lott.

Lott, who had started the first two games of the season, was part of a key third-down stop on a pass from Cowboys QB Vinny Testaverde to wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson.

Taylor had appeared in a backup role in the Redskins' first two games.