While the Cowboys have a solid battle at inside linebacker between Bruce Carter and Dan Connor, the other spot is quite solidified in Sean Lee. Coming off a stellar 2011 season in which Lee led the Cowboys with 131 tackles – 52 more than the second-leading tackler, the middle linebacker is starting to creep up to the level of DeMarcus Ware in terms of defensive leaders.
Is it a night-and-day difference this year in training camp opposed to last season when the lockout ended and you had to learn a new defense?
Lee: We’re coming into camp with a lot more confidence. Now we can really perfect the techniques, instead of finally learning the defense for the first time. It really shows, too. We’re not thinking as much. It’s a lot more reacting. You play better when you just react to what’s going on. That all comes back to confidence.
How frustrating was last season, losing key games down the stretch when it appeared winning the division was in the grasp?
Lee: It’s all we’ve thought about this offseason. It’s been a huge motivation for me and I think a lot of the guys. We had an opportunity last year and just didn’t take advantage. All offseason, we’ve been thinking about that. We’ve been working to try and get back in the same spot. That’s what the excitement is, to come back and try to make up for games we didn’t win last year.
What do you see with the competition between Dan Connor and Bruce Carter?
Lee: I think it’s a great battle. The good thing is that we’ll need both of them. They will both help us tremendously. I’ve played with Dan before (at Penn State) and I know what type of player he is. Bruce is getting better and better, too. I think both of those guys will help us out. We’ve got different packages. We need those guys and even a couple of others we’re counting on too.
Entering Season 3, what type of things are you working on?
Lee: I look at myself and I usually see the weaknesses of my game – so I’m always trying to concentrate on what I can do to be a better football player. I know I have a lot of room for improvement. Until I’m the best at what I do, I’m going to keep working. There’s too many good players, there’s too much competition in this league not to work every day, to not go out there and work on your technique. To be the best, you’ve always got to do that.
Being a proud Penn State alum, how does the football season help in shifting your focus from what has been a very sad situation?
Lee: Well that’s exactly it. We’ve talked about it so much and I get asked about a lot. I understand that, because I went there and I have a lot of love for my school. But getting out here and focusing on football has taken my mind off of it. It’s still there. And again, the most important thing about the situation is the victims and their families. That’s such a horrible thing that occurred and it’s hard not to think about. But definitely the football season helps with that.
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