PHILADELPHIA — Victor Butler isn't afraid to admit it. When it comes to film study, he can't keep up with Sean Lee.
“Every time I come up here at 9 o'clock to get a lift or watch some extra film, I see Sean Lee,” Butler said last week at Valley Ranch. “When I get here in the morning, I see Sean Lee. At lunchtime, he's got his lunch and he's watching film. ... I try to see who can stay here the longest and watch the most film, but I have a life. I like to get home, feed my dog, walk him, watch a little ‘Family Guy' — do something outside of here, but not good, old Sean.”
In just his second season, Lee returns to his home state as the cerebral, play-making signal-caller of Rob Ryan's defense. The unit ranks seventh overall in the NFL and first against the run, and the play of Lee is a big reason why.
According to the Cowboys, he leads the team in tackles with 72. He is also first in interceptions (three), tackles for loss (four) and fumble recoveries (two). Only Mike Jenkins has more pass deflections than Lee's five.
“Sean Lee's playing pretty well, no question about that,” coach Jason Garrett said.
Pretty well?
“Sometimes we use understatements to make a point,” Garrett said.
Unlike his coach, Keith Brooking didn't hold back when asked about the kid who replaced him in the starting lineup.
“We've got a guy playing linebacker better than anybody I've ever seen in a very, very long time,” Brooking said.
Lee is loaded with talent. His running back-like interception returns are proof of that. But what separates him from the pack are his intense study habits.
“The guy is a student of the game,” Butler said. “He knows the defense like the back of his hand.”
Lee said his long hours in the classroom are just part of his job.
“I know how long it takes me to be ready for a game and feel comfortable,” Lee told reporters in Irving. “For me, a guy who has to know the defense and make the calls, I want to make sure I know as much as possible. I want the defense to have confidence in me. That's why I study so much.”
Lee's abundant knowledge of opposing offenses has paid off in big ways this season. In the loss to the Patriots, the Cowboys credited him with 19 tackles, included 15 solo stops, second most in franchise history.
But it was his interception of Tom Brady that really stood out. With that pick, Lee joined Donnie Edwards as the only linebackers to intercept Brady and Peyton Manning.
“He's very instinctive,” Garrett said of the Penn State alum. “He sees things and reacts.”
Tonight, the Cowboys will ask Lee to make big plays against the run. That's because the Eagles' LeSean McCoy is on pace to rush for 1,516 yards and 16 TDs.
Time will tell if Lee answers the call, but this much is certain: He'll be prepared.
“He's got a great passion for the game,” Garrett said. “He loves it. He studies it. When I'm walking down these halls late at night, there aren't many times when he is not in there watching tape. He cares a great deal.”
Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/...ker-knows-his-stuff-2242975.php#ixzz1cGuQoCcy
“Every time I come up here at 9 o'clock to get a lift or watch some extra film, I see Sean Lee,” Butler said last week at Valley Ranch. “When I get here in the morning, I see Sean Lee. At lunchtime, he's got his lunch and he's watching film. ... I try to see who can stay here the longest and watch the most film, but I have a life. I like to get home, feed my dog, walk him, watch a little ‘Family Guy' — do something outside of here, but not good, old Sean.”
In just his second season, Lee returns to his home state as the cerebral, play-making signal-caller of Rob Ryan's defense. The unit ranks seventh overall in the NFL and first against the run, and the play of Lee is a big reason why.
According to the Cowboys, he leads the team in tackles with 72. He is also first in interceptions (three), tackles for loss (four) and fumble recoveries (two). Only Mike Jenkins has more pass deflections than Lee's five.
“Sean Lee's playing pretty well, no question about that,” coach Jason Garrett said.
Pretty well?
“Sometimes we use understatements to make a point,” Garrett said.
Unlike his coach, Keith Brooking didn't hold back when asked about the kid who replaced him in the starting lineup.
“We've got a guy playing linebacker better than anybody I've ever seen in a very, very long time,” Brooking said.
Lee is loaded with talent. His running back-like interception returns are proof of that. But what separates him from the pack are his intense study habits.
“The guy is a student of the game,” Butler said. “He knows the defense like the back of his hand.”
Lee said his long hours in the classroom are just part of his job.
“I know how long it takes me to be ready for a game and feel comfortable,” Lee told reporters in Irving. “For me, a guy who has to know the defense and make the calls, I want to make sure I know as much as possible. I want the defense to have confidence in me. That's why I study so much.”
Lee's abundant knowledge of opposing offenses has paid off in big ways this season. In the loss to the Patriots, the Cowboys credited him with 19 tackles, included 15 solo stops, second most in franchise history.
But it was his interception of Tom Brady that really stood out. With that pick, Lee joined Donnie Edwards as the only linebackers to intercept Brady and Peyton Manning.
“He's very instinctive,” Garrett said of the Penn State alum. “He sees things and reacts.”
Tonight, the Cowboys will ask Lee to make big plays against the run. That's because the Eagles' LeSean McCoy is on pace to rush for 1,516 yards and 16 TDs.
Time will tell if Lee answers the call, but this much is certain: He'll be prepared.
“He's got a great passion for the game,” Garrett said. “He loves it. He studies it. When I'm walking down these halls late at night, there aren't many times when he is not in there watching tape. He cares a great deal.”
Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/...ker-knows-his-stuff-2242975.php#ixzz1cGuQoCcy
