NFC East Notes: Will 'Skins' Moss rebound?

Last season, Santana moss had just 46 catches for 584 yards -- both his lowest totals since joining the Redskins in 2005.

But the 33-year-old wide receiver hopes to rebound in 2012 and his coaches think he will, according to the Washington Post.

“Santana’s entire off-season. . . to me he came in possessed. He was ready to go,” offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said. “You saw it physically, and then to see him in the meeting rooms, he’s been great. He’s been so attentive and it’s shown over to the field. The guy’s not thinking out there, he’s confident in his speed. He feels confident in his knowledge of the offense and there’s no hesitation. He’s been very exciting.”

Moss lost 15 pounds this off-season. He'll likely be the primary slot receiver after the 'Skins picked up Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan during the off-season.

A little help

When Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg is preparing to play the Cowboys, he calls linebacker Sean Lee "the man from Penn State." Now, he can start saying the "men from Penn State."

During this off-season, the Cowboys signed free agent linebacker Dan Connor, who was a teammate of Lee's at PSU.

Connor told the Dallas Morning News his decision to join the Cowboys was influenced by Lee.

“When I was here on my visits I went over to his house, hung out a little bit,” Connor said. “That was big. That was big in knowing the defense. When you feel comfortable with a guy that knows it inside and out that’s going to be a huge advantage.”

According to the Morning News, Connor should battle Bruce Carter for one of the starting linebacker spots.

Another questionnaire

The Newark Star-Ledger has been running daily questionnaires with Giants' players during the month-long stretch before training camp.

In this one, wideout Domenik Hixon talks about recovering from his second ACL tear in two years. Here's an excerpt:

You're coming off your second ACL tear in as many seasons. Are there any limitations for you right now?

No. Everything's going smoothly. I'm just working hard to get back and contribute and do what I know I'm capable of.

What's the toughest part of coming back off such an injury?

It's just a mental thing man. A lot of things are blown out of proportion as far as coming back. It's a lot more mental than it is physical and I feel like I've prepared myself for that. I'm going out there and doing minicamp, OTAs, it's definitely a benefit. Instead of going out there kind of like last year after just two weeks of practice.

E-mail Dave Zangaro at dzangaro@comcastsportsnet.com