FLOWERY BRANCH — Dallas linebacker Sean Lee spoke via conference call to the Atlanta media on Wednesday.
Here’s what he had to say:
Q: How has Tony Romo’s injury impacted the team?
A: It's obviously a tough injury because Tony is a unbelievable leader, an unbelievable player, but we have guys who are ready to step up. (Brandon) Weeden played great for us down the stretch last week. He's been working extremely hard and is ready to go. Defensively, we know that we have to continue to get better. We are trying to take a step forward. We know that we're going to have handle (more of) the load a little bit, but I think we're ready for it.
Q: Where can the defense improve?
A: When you watch the film there is always stuff that you can clean up at every level. That's one thing that (defensive coordinator) Rod Marinelli always preaches. Always find a way to fundamentally get better. That's something that we focus on.
Q: What’s been the key to stopping the run?
A: I think it's been just being disciplined. Our defense line had done an unbelievable job of penetrating and getting in gaps, directing the run. The secondary and the linebackers have done a good job playing off of that. It's really started up front with how well they've played.
Q: How do you assess the Falcons running backs?
A: They are both very talented. They are bout guys who run the zone scheme very well and have the speed to break the big play. They are going to be tough. We have to find a way to stop them. The zone scheme that they run is always tough to play against.
Q: How will you all try to slow down Julio Jones?
A: That's never an easy. The guy has been playing at an unbelievable level this year like he has in the past. He's a fantastic player. That's somebody that they've done a great job of getting the ball to. He's made a ton of plays in the first two games and we're going to have to find a way to stop him. If he gets going, the offense really starts to roll… finding a way to stop him is something that we have to do and it's not going to be easy.
Q: How do you assess their other weapons?
A: They have a lot of options. This is a very talented offense. They are talented at every position. Especially, the wide receiver position and at quarterback. Matt Ryan is fantastic. He's an elite quarterback who can control the game. This is going to be an extreme challenge for us, trying to stop them. They've played really well in the first two games.
Q: How had Brandon Weeden looked in practice?
A: He's looked really great. He's been in this system for two years. He had a great offseason. He had a great OTA and a great camp. I think he's ready for this opportunity. I'm excited to watch him play.
Q: Have you see some of the designed runs by Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan?
A: Yeah, but I think he's at his best when he's in the pocket and throwing the ball down the field. He's extremely talented at that. But he is a threat. He is an athletic guy, who can move around and make plays with his feet.
Q: Do you all have to honor the Falcons’ play-action fakes when they are only rushing for 2.8 yards per carry?
A: A team like this is committed to the run. Their offense, the scheme does a great job of working the zones and the boots. Then with all of the passes, they are tough to read. So, for us, it's important to stay discipline and understand out key. We have to really understand how they are attacking us.
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