Sunrise in the NFC East: The Division's Top Links on June 6, 2012

Thirteen weeks from today, we'll be playing actual football in the NFC East as the New York Giants host the Dallas Cowboys in the prime-time opener.

A lot has to happen between now and then, and three of the division's four teams are on the practice field again on Wednesday. Here's what's making headlines.

Dallas Cowboys

Bob Sturm of Fox Sports Southwest looks at that third-and-21 sandlot play in Week 3 against the Washington Redskins as one of the plays that shaped the Cowboys' 2011 season. You could probably even argue that it helped shape Washington's season, too.

Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is again talking up his defense: "If we play the way we're capable of, then we'll be shutting a lot of people up. And there's a lot of them to shut up out there. A ton of them." I actually think this unit will be really good in 2012.

Tony Romo is the favorite to win the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in Lake Tahoe. He has placed second the last two years. And I really don't want to hear Cowboys fans complain about Romo swinging the stick in his free time.

New York Giants

If numbers provided by Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger are correct, then Osi Umenyiora will make about $6 million under his new deal in 2012. ESPN's Dan Graziano calls that a clear win for the Giants, but at least it's still a hefty raise for Osi.

Meanwhile, Antrel Rolle told the media Tuesday that the Giants are now officially "stacked." Tom Coughlin's mentality has really rubbed off on Rolle...

Philadelphia Eagles

From Jonathan Tamari of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is once again impressing this offseason, but this is different. This time, he's in a more comfortable role. And don't forget that DRC is the only big-time Eagle heading into a contract year.

We've heard mainly good things about DeMeco Ryans thus far, but Sheil Kapadia notes that there's pressure on Ryans to prove he's good enough in coverage to stay on the field all three downs. That's another thing to watch in the preseason.

Matt Bowen of the National Football Post breaks down Philly's "boot" action by breaking down the lovely play to your right.

Washington Redskins

Everyone is wondering if the Redskins can go from worst to first in 2012.

From Rich Tandler of CSN Washington: In 2011, no NFL team had fewer starts by its own draft picks than the Redskins. Of course, they're still trying to shake free of previous front-office regimes.

From John Keim of the Washington Examiner: Injuries are never good, but at least Jarvis Jenkins times them well.