IRVING, Texas – Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee said it's time to get off the rollercoaster and put together a good start to the season. With a win Sunday at San Diego, the 2-1 Cowboys can get to 3-1 for the first time since 2008.
"It's huge for us," Lee said. "It's something we haven't done in the past consistently. The last two years, we've been 8-8 because we've won one, we've lost one."
Since 2008, the Cowboys have been 2-2 after four games every season except 2010 when they started 1-3.
"Since I've been here, we've had a tough time," Lee said. "We've had shots to go 3-1 and we've had some tough losses. We have to find a way to build that consistency.
"And we understand it's building throughout the year and stacking games together, what all the great teams do. It's what we have to do."
What Lee will have to do Sunday is help contain Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, an eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All Pro.
"He's one of the greatest tight ends of all time," Lee said. "He's an unbelievable athlete who has a knack for getting space on routes and running great routes. He's going to be a tough guy to defend, and we're going to have to do a good job because they like to go to him."
The Chargers are 1-2 and are led by veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, who has thrown for 798 yards and eight touchdowns so far.
"Winning on the road's going to be tough, especially against a San Diego team that's a really good football team and a really good offense," Lee said. "It's one of the better offenses we're going to see all year. A ton of talent with a great quarterback."
The Cowboys are the only team in the NFC East with a winning record. Getting off to a positive start in the early portion of the schedule could keep them safely ahead of the rest of the division for a long time.
"You always want to get ahead while you can," Lee said. "You always want to win as much as you can. But obviously it's easier said than done."
Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire
