There's plenty of news to go around for everybody. Cowboys fans are interested first, second, and at least third about what goes on in Dallas, but attention does deserve to be paid to those rivals we face twice a season. Most NFL teams that weren't division winners and haven't been for a while, inevitably shape themselves around competing with the perennial powerhouse. All teams in the AFC South attempted to strategize dethroning the Indianapolis Colts. The New York Jets made it a point to construct Bill Belichick's worst nightmare, and have succeeded in moving deeper into the playoffs two years in a row.
The NFC East is slightly different, as the division crown shuffles between three powerhouses. No East Beast has repeated as division champion since Bill Parcells came to Dallas. The Redskins have been the only team able to maintain a sense of consistency by avoiding the automatic playoff berth. The NFC East doesn't allow it's teams to focus on one common enemy and thus, we need to keep a close eye on all of them.
Still, Cowboys news rules the day here at BTB and rightfully so. Here are today's links.
-- Cowboys announced ROH inductees today. Side note, the Cowboys originally had no nationally televised games in the preseason. When the Hall of Fame Game was cancelled, NBC needed another broadcast. The Cowboys got their second game moved to Sunday night prime time. Two days before the game, we get a ring of honor announcement, just in time for it to be talked about by NBC's 'A' team during the broadcast.
-- Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says that former head coach Jimmy Johnson is a potential ROH candidate. [Star Telegram]
-- ESPN's Todd Archer with his practice observations.
-- Rob Ryan refers to Orlando Scandrick as the team's 3rd starting cornerback. [DMN]
-- DE Jason Hatcher sat out today's practice with a bad toe, but will suit up Sunday. OG Montrae Holland is back. [DMN]
-- Head coach Jason Garrett is looking to at least double the snaps his starters see on Sunday. [Star Telegram]
-- NBC DFW with a preview of what the secondary faces come Sunday night's tilt against San Diego.
Follow the jump for more Cowboys links, as well as the NFC East Week In Review, courtesy of the SB Nation sites.
-- Len Pasquerelli tells the masses that Doug Free is staying on the left side.
-- Tony Romo, the prankster. [DMN]
-- Player reaction to their first outdoor practice yesterday, it was a wake up call. [DMN]
-- The University of Miami scandal has rocked many in the NFL, including former Cowboys start Michael Irvin. He had some unflattering things to say about the man at the center of the controversy, Nevin Shapiro. [Yahoo!]
DALLAS COWBOYS (Bloggingtheboys.com)
Kevin Ogletree has competition for the third receiver slot in mid-round pick Dwayne Harris.
Orlando Scandrick might be the third corner, but he doesn't have to act like one.
Discussing Cowboys Cap Space, Bruce Carter's Return Date and more tidbits.
21 things to think about the Cowboys and the NFL.
Jason Garrett is effecting change within the culture of the team one step at a time.
The Cowboys offensive line is getting remade on the fly.
Jason Garrett outlaws rookie hazing.
The Cowboys could be keeping five, and maybe six cornerbacks on the roster once it's cut down to 53
Projected 53 man roster after the first preseason game.
Review of the defenses effort in preseason Week 1.
Film review of the first preseason game.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (bleedinggreennation.com and SBNation/Philly)
The Eagles get embarrassed against Pittsburgh in the preseason week 2 opener. Wide open Steelers and Mike Vick bad decisions galore.
Jeremy Maclin's mysterious illness has been uncovered as a erroneous lymphoma scare.
Hilarious rant by a Giants fan on why he hates DeSean Jackson.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (Hogshaven.com)
Four players to watch in Friday Nights tilt against the Colts: Roy Helu, Leonard Hankerson (after a hugely disappointing week 1), Ryan Kerrigan and John Beck (making the start).
Hail Yeah! video segment. They root for the Skins, but Kevin and Ken are two funny dudes in their version of 'Da Bears'.
A look at areas of concern and players on the bubble for Washington.
Strengths and weaknesses after Washington's first preseason game.
NEW YORK GIANTS (Bigblueview.com)
Osi Umenyoira really was injured, and is now having surgery that will make him miss the preseason and maybe the first games of the regular season as well.
A look at the Giants linebacker situation for 2011.
Giants GM Jerry Reese backs off his guarantee of a playoff spot for the G-Men.
Eli Manning seems to think of himself as one of the league's elite quarterbacks.
Review of the team's opening preseason game against Carolina.