Sunrise in the NFC East: The Division's Top Links on July 31, 2012

It's been 25 days since we've had a sunrise post on the NFC East blog, but we're back for good now, joining you each morning to highlight the top stories from around the NFL's most popular division. 

Today, we'll put major injury news aside for full posts later and focus instead on some complementary camp stories in Oxnard, Albany, Bethlehem and Ashburn.

Dallas Cowboys

From David Moore of the Dallas Morning News: While his younger brother Rex has changed physically in New York, Rob Ryan is making changes to his approach in Dallas. The usually cocky and unreserved defensive coordinator says he's now going to keep his "mouth shut and work."

The Cowboys have said time and again that they're trying to change the culture in the locker room, and the coaches have to set that example. I can't see Rob keeping it zipped up for long (remember when Rex tried to do the same thing a year ago?), but at least he's making a conscious effort to avoid controversy.

New York Giants

From the Blue Screen's Ralph Vacchiano: Osi Umenyiora has been disgruntled for years. He hasn't been satisfied with his contract, and the "at least you have your health" line has rarely applied. But this summer, Umenyiora has an extra bounce in his step, and it's because he says he's feeling healthy for the first time since 2006.

This is dangerous for opposing quarterbacks. It's early, and a lot could happen between now and Sept. 5, but a refreshed and hungry Umenyiora playing for a new contract could wreak havoc all season long.

Man, that pass rush is gonna be fun to watch.

Philadelphia Eagles

From Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Regardless of what Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg say, Mike Kafka will open the season as Michael Vick's backup. Rookie Nick Foles is running with the third team, and it looks as though Trent Edwards will be the odd man out.

This is disappointing.

I'm not confident in any of these guys, but at least Edwards has experience starting and winning. The Eagles haven't exactly given him a lot of reps in practice, but I suppose they feel they've seen enough to conclude that he belongs at the bottom of the barrel. 

Washington Redskins

From Stephen Whyno of the Washington Times: Rex Grossman says he's ready to become "the best mentor in the league." Grossman claims he's cool with backing up Robert Griffin III (a given) and even Kirk Cousins (a possibility).

This is good to hear, because I definitely don't think mentor when thinking Grossman. But let's face it: Rex is probably just happy to have a job at this point in his career. I'd imagine he'll be out of football within two years.