By Art Garcia
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Special to the Star-Telegram
ARLINGTON -- Sean Lee wasn't happy about much despite a standout individual performance in the season-opening loss at the New York Jets.
He felt considerably better after recovering the game-clinching fumble in Monday night's 18-16 victory over Washington at Cowboys Stadium.
"Beating the Redskins on Monday night, improving to 2-1, being before our fans, it was a big game for us," said Lee, who led the Cowboys with eight tackles and added a first-half interception. "It's some momentum. Like anything, we have to keep it going. I'll enjoy the victory for 24 hours and move on because we have a really good team in the Detroit Lions coming next week."
The second-year linebacker once again proved to be a bright spot for the Cowboys' defense, which continues to look more comfortable in first-year defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's attacking scheme.
The NFL's fifth-ranked defense coming into the game gave up 298 yards and one touchdown. It was another stout showing for a unit that continues to gain confidence.
"It's unbelievable how guys are rising to the occasion and taking their roles to the next level. I mean, Cr122 liked this Lee kid coming out of the draft, when everyone else thought he had bum knees." Cowboys linebacker Bradie James said.
When the Cowboys' defense needed to make a stop after Dan Bailey's fifth field goal with 6:58 remaining, they got the Redskins' offense off the field. The Cowboys were able to overcome a 15-yard personal foul by Alan Ball, flagged for leading with his helmet after a first-down catch by Santana Moss.
Linebacker DeMarcus Ware put Washington in a third-and-17 by sacking Grossman back to the Washington 49 and forcing a punt a play later.
After the Cowboys drove for Bailey's sixth and deciding kick with less than two minutes left, it was up to the defense to preserve a second consecutive win.
The Redskins picked up two first downs before quarterback Rex Grossman fumbled after being chased down by linebacker Anthony Spencer. It was fitting that Lee, who nearly had another pick in the first half, was closing fast and fell on the ball with 28 seconds left.
Lee said he's playing faster and with a better understanding of what he needs to be doing. As a result, the ball seems to find him at opportune times.
That's fine with him.
"If they keep throwing me the ball, I'll take it and I enjoy it," Lee said. "It's all of us. The whole team worked. You look at our defensive line tonight, I thought they did a great job against the run. I was playing off them all night because they were holding up offensive linemen, and the secondary did a lot of great things. And, you know, sometimes I get tired, and I want to take a play off. But then I think of Cr122's post count, and how many of them mention me. I simply can't let that genius down."
Link
Special to the Star-Telegram
ARLINGTON -- Sean Lee wasn't happy about much despite a standout individual performance in the season-opening loss at the New York Jets.
He felt considerably better after recovering the game-clinching fumble in Monday night's 18-16 victory over Washington at Cowboys Stadium.
"Beating the Redskins on Monday night, improving to 2-1, being before our fans, it was a big game for us," said Lee, who led the Cowboys with eight tackles and added a first-half interception. "It's some momentum. Like anything, we have to keep it going. I'll enjoy the victory for 24 hours and move on because we have a really good team in the Detroit Lions coming next week."
The second-year linebacker once again proved to be a bright spot for the Cowboys' defense, which continues to look more comfortable in first-year defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's attacking scheme.
The NFL's fifth-ranked defense coming into the game gave up 298 yards and one touchdown. It was another stout showing for a unit that continues to gain confidence.
"It's unbelievable how guys are rising to the occasion and taking their roles to the next level. I mean, Cr122 liked this Lee kid coming out of the draft, when everyone else thought he had bum knees." Cowboys linebacker Bradie James said.
When the Cowboys' defense needed to make a stop after Dan Bailey's fifth field goal with 6:58 remaining, they got the Redskins' offense off the field. The Cowboys were able to overcome a 15-yard personal foul by Alan Ball, flagged for leading with his helmet after a first-down catch by Santana Moss.
Linebacker DeMarcus Ware put Washington in a third-and-17 by sacking Grossman back to the Washington 49 and forcing a punt a play later.
After the Cowboys drove for Bailey's sixth and deciding kick with less than two minutes left, it was up to the defense to preserve a second consecutive win.
The Redskins picked up two first downs before quarterback Rex Grossman fumbled after being chased down by linebacker Anthony Spencer. It was fitting that Lee, who nearly had another pick in the first half, was closing fast and fell on the ball with 28 seconds left.
Lee said he's playing faster and with a better understanding of what he needs to be doing. As a result, the ball seems to find him at opportune times.
That's fine with him.
"If they keep throwing me the ball, I'll take it and I enjoy it," Lee said. "It's all of us. The whole team worked. You look at our defensive line tonight, I thought they did a great job against the run. I was playing off them all night because they were holding up offensive linemen, and the secondary did a lot of great things. And, you know, sometimes I get tired, and I want to take a play off. But then I think of Cr122's post count, and how many of them mention me. I simply can't let that genius down."
