NFC Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Washington

Cowboys

Cowboys DL coach Jim Tomsula spoke about DL Aldon Smith‘s performance with the 49ers while playing under him from 2011-2014.

“It got me a pay raise. Very good. Very good,” said Tomsula, via Calvin Watkins.

Tomsula said Cowboys’ second-year DT Trysten Hill has been impressive during training camp. 

“Trysten Hill has been doing some really good things. I’ve been tickled to death with Trysten and how hard he’s working, mentally and physically…the questions, phone calls, texts, swinging by the office at night. Really excited for that guy,” said Tomsula, via Jon Machota. 

• Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy said RT La’el Collins “is going to be limited today. Just seeing him work yesterday, he’s getting better.” The plan is for Collins to work with trainers today to side and focus on getting in football shape. (Michael Gehlken)
• McCarthy mentioned that DE Everson Griffen will “be working through the individual drills” today in practice. (Michael Gehlken)
• Michael Gehlken says it seems increasingly unlikely Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is the Week 1 starter for the Cowboys. Gehlken mentions that Darian Thompson has been more impressive of the two. 
• Multiple reports have linked the Cowboys to recently released S Earl Thomas. 

Eagles

• The Eagles hosted TE Tyrone Swoopes for a visit on Sunday, according to Albert Breer.

Washington

• NBC Sports’ JP Finlay notes Washington S Troy Apke appears to be cemented as the starting free safety next to strong safety Landon Collins. 
• In a speech at the end of practice, HC Ron Rivera specifically called out G Wes Martin who’s competing to start, though he clarified later he wanted to challenge the entire offense and he believes in Martin’s potential: “This is your chance. This is your f-ing opportunity. Are you going to take it?”
• Rivera said of new CB Ronald Darby: “I like how he’s setting the tone. I watch the way he practices, I watch the way he talks to the young guys. … He’s a play-maker. … I also like the way Jack is playing him to his strengths.” (Nicki Jhabvala)
• As for first-round DE Chase Young, Rivera said: “We want to make sure before we throw him out there so we may be a little more cautious than we need to be. … We want to be smart with him, but we also need to make sure he’s mentally where he needs to be, and emotionally too.” (Nicki Jhabvala)