‘Inside the NBA’ makes fun of ESPN’s Dallas Cowboys obsession
ESPN has become infinitely more self-aware now that Inside the NBA is openly joking about their Dallas Cowboys coverage.
It’s only been a week, but the Inside the NBA era on ESPN is already off to an amazing start.
ESPN made good on their promises to keep the best studio show in sports as is without changing what has made it so special over the years. The cast of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal have all been allowed the freedom and flexibility to be themselves. And the TNT Sports group is still producing and airing the show from Atlanta. We’ve even gotten a classic edition of “Who He Play For?”
But the Inside the NBA crew is also settling in to their new home and the surreal nature of the unique licensing agreement that has allowed it to continue on ESPN even though TNT Sports lost their NBA package. Last week, the relationship started with a hilarious montage of Charles Barkley bashing the network over the years. This week, it was ESPN itself that was the punchline of the jokes.
In leading off Wednesday’s pregame show on ESPN before a doubleheader, Ernie Johnson joked that the cast had not yet talked about the Dallas Cowboys. Charles Barkley added that they were contractually obligated to do so, before burying the team’s defense much to the chagrin of Shaquille O’Neal.
The amazing thing is that even ESPN itself is in on the joke. It was the official SportsCenter account that tweeted out the Inside the NBA segment, complete with a meme photo of the cast as Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.
In case you somehow only watch ESPN for live sports or have been without internet or cable for the past 25 years, you may not realize that ESPN loves to talk about the Dallas Cowboys
The Inside the NBA cast isn’t alone at ESPN in calling out their own network for so much Cowboys chatter. But this level of self-awareness has hardly ever been seen on Bristol airwaves. It’s fun and refreshing to see this kind of levity and self-deprecation on ESPN airwaves. But
NFC scout drops Brandon Graham truth that makes Eagles' trade deadline imperative
Philadelphia Eagles fans are still excited that they got their legendary defensive end, Brandon Graham, back after coming out of retirement, but there is still a harsh reality that fans need to understand about him.
The trade deadline in the NFL is less than a week away, and the Eagles still have some work to do with general manager Howie Roseman looking to strike at least one more deal after trading with the New York Jets to acquire cornerback Michael Carter II. While people love seeing Graham back, one NFC scout told
"Getting Brandon [Graham] back [out of retirement] is a nice story, but he’s a part-time player who will only marginally help their pass rush," the NFC scout said. "They are getting no push off the edge and Howie knows they can’t win that way."
Eagles still have a glaring edge rusher problem
No one in Philly is in denial about the problems the team has had with edge rushers in 2025. From Nolan Smith Jr. and Ogbo Okoronkwo being placed on IR to Za'Darius Smith retiring, as well as Azeez Ojulari being hurt, it has been a bad year at the position.
The group currently has 4.5 sacks and 18 quarterback hits through eight games. Right now, the top edge rusher has been Jalyx Hunt, who has had one sack, eight quarterback hits, and a pick-six on the season.
While Graham does significantly upgrade the position, there is a lot of truth in the scout's comments that is 100% accurate. Graham is only expected to play 15-20 snaps per game and be utilized in pass-rushing situations, as he is not the hybrid edge rusher that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio prefers, who can also drop back into coverage.
There is still time for the Eagles to examine the market for a trade and could have a good option for a trade partner: the Miami Dolphins. Vacchiano shared in his same report on the Eagles that there are two names from the Dolphins to watch out for in a trade.
"Two names to keep an eye on: Dolphins edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, both of whom played for current Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio when he was with Miami in 2023."
Miami is coming off a 28-6 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens to open up Week 9 action. Now with the Dolphins sitting at 2-7 on the season, they are expected to be sellers in the trade market.
Graham is a great piece to have rather as a leader than a player, but the Eagles need to keep their foot on the pedal and get another edge rusher to round out the roster.
