ORLANDO, Fla. -- Sean Lee couldn't watch Atlanta host Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. The Cowboys' 34-31 season-ending loss to the Packers was still too fresh on the veteran linebacker's mind.

A week at his second consecutive Pro Bowl could help the healing process.

"This will help a little bit," Lee said, "but it's been a tough week."

Lee joined six of his teammates and the entire Cowboys coaching staff Tuesday for Pro Bowl preparation at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Following Wednesday's practice, receiver Dez Bryant talked to reporters for the first time since the Cowboys' season ended on Mason Crosby's 51-yard field goal.

"You can't do anything about it," Bryant said. "You got to look forward to next year. We have a great opportunity to do something special. We got something bright. We got something very special in the future."

After the Cowboys lost at Green Bay in the divisional playoffs in 2014, Bryant said the team had to work harder. Whatever they did to get to that point just wasn't enough.

He feels different about the way this season ended.

Although Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was outstanding in the 2014 game, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, he was even better at AT&T Stadium on Jan. 15.

"You got Aaron Rodgers on the other side of the ball, so you got to give him credit," Bryant said. "It's the NFL and he's arguably the best, so you got to give it to him."

Rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott are two of the biggest reasons Bryant is optimistic about the future. Prescott threw for over 300 yards and set a rookie playoff record with three touchdown passes against the Packers. Elliott rushed for 125 yards on 22 carries.

Bryant had one of the best performances of his seven-year career, catching nine Prescott passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns.

"We built something that can last," Bryant said. "It can only get better."

Add to the mix perennial Pro Bowl offensive linemen Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin, and the Cowboys have an offense that should be among the NFL's best for several years to come.

If they can upgrade their pass rush and force a few more turnovers, maybe they'll be preparing for a different bowl this time next year.

"We did a lot of good things in 2016, and there are a lot of things we can build on going into 2017," coach Jason Garrett said. "We're excited about that opportunity and excited to get moving forward."

Prescott said Wednesday he'll never be over his first playoff loss. He had only four during his rookie season, but they all stick with him.

They are what he calls "fuel to the fire."

Like Bryant, Prescott envisions better days ahead.

"It was an unbelievable ride," he said. "We fell short, but we'll make plenty more."

Dez Bryant has moved on from the Green Bay loss: "We got something bright, we got something very special in the future." — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) January 25, 2017

Dez Bryant talking about his season: "I always tell my family, adversity reveals true character, and I feel like I showed that." — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) January 25, 2017

Dak Prescott: "I'll never be over any loss. It's just definitely fuel to the fire. Ready to get back to work." — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) January 25, 2017

Dak to Dez pic.twitter.com/93uv5dPXOd — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) January 25, 2017

Dak and Dez warming up pic.twitter.com/juGZ3alxLf — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) January 25, 2017