Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley

I've just submitted my first manuscript for "The Life and Times of Tony Sparano: The Early Years," so I'm returning to full-time blogging status. Please enjoy this installment of NFC East Hashlines:

Cowboys

• As Jacques Taylor reports in the longest running weekly online newsletter in the NFL, Cowboys defensive coordinator Brian Stewart is doing something pretty cool for minority college and pro coaches. Stewart, who was previously with Wade Phillips in San Diego, has a passion for helping young coaches, and that's why he's giving up some precious vacation time to show them the way. Here's another story on Stewart from Clarence E. Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

• NFL head coaches, named linebacker Zach Thomas the smartest defensive player in the league, according to my colleague James Walker.

• Here's a promo to get you ready for HBO's "Hard Knocks." I counted at least five players in the preview who are no longer on the Cowboys roster, but hearing Steve Sabol's voice made up for the dated footage.

• The newest member of my old blog, Brian Davis, has a report about whether or not Joe Horn has talked to the Cowboys about their opening at receiver. Horn popped on "The Michael Irvin Show" on ESPN 103.3 FM on Tuesday.

• Linebacker Kevin Burnett doesn't think college players should have to wait so long to become pros.

• Goose Gosselin says we should tap the brakes with "future Hall of Famers." At least wait for Dr. Z to weigh in.

Eagles

• The Eagles have landed third-round draft choice Bryan Smith.

• Here's the Inquirer's story on Smith. Local beat writers are apparently on vacation, and we have no problem with that.

Giants

• Osi Umenyiora compares himself to A-Rod. Says he's not feelin' the love.

• I'm told Umenyiora did some nice work on "Mike and Mike" on Tuesday.

• Is anyone interested in a story about Olympic sprinter Sanya Richards and her fiance, Giants cornerback Aaron Ross? Let me know because I'm thinking about pursuing this angle.

Redskins

• Our friends at HailRedskins.com are previewing the tight ends Wednesday.

• Skip Wood of USA Today says the future of the Redskins depends on the Campbell-Zorn relationship. Really?